Walking Forum

Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => South West England => Topic started by: DevonDave on 14:59:43, 08/05/15

Title: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 14:59:43, 08/05/15
About three weeks ago I fell off a ladder and injured my back so I have been unable to get out walking since.  However, yesterday it was feeling a little better so I decided to go for a short 4.5 mile walk together with my wife in order to start building up my fitness level again.
We started from Burrator Reservoir.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Burrator%20ReservoirP1020745_zpsc4imxf9j.jpg) (http://)
We took the path down below the dam through the trees.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507BurratorP1020746_zpst6syxrat.jpg) (http://)
Coming out of the trees we crossed a field full of ewes with their lambs.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Lamb%20MeavyP1020747_zpsx96fhzz2.jpg) (http://)
Leaving the field we entered the village of Meavy with its ancient oak tree, said to be over 900 years old.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507MeavyP1020750_zpsabnci43u.jpg) (http://)
After passing through the village we turned left onto a footpath, heading in the direction of the small hamlet of Lovaton.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Near%20MeavyP1020751_zpspppghxsf.jpg) (http://)
Beside the path we came across this lovely patch of Turkey Tail fungus growing on a log.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Turkey%20Tail%20fungus%20near%20MeavyP1020752_zps97fywh2p.jpg) (http://)
After passing through Lovaton we headed up the lane, whose hedges were awash with Pink Purslane.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2014_0507Pink%20Purslane%20LovatonP1020255_zps40gnhi2p.jpg) (http://)
At the top of the hill we turned left onto another footpath, again full of wild flowers.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Near%20LovatonP1020754_zpsgzubpsfd.jpg) (http://)
Our route then took us to Marchant's Cross, probably erected in the 13th century.  Shame about the power lines and pole.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Marchants%20CrossP1020755_zpsyp09h7jf.jpg) (http://)
We then followed the two sheep along the lane, eventually arriving at the lovely old Yeo Farm.  The date above the door reads 1610.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Yeo%20FarmP1020756_zpstwyqad6a.jpg) (http://)
From there we took a footpath leading into Burrator Wood, always full of bluebells at this time of year.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2014_0507Burrator%20WoodP1020260_zps6hixs6a4.jpg) (http://)


(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2014_0507Burrator%20WoodP1020258_zpsytd1uui5.jpg) (http://)
Leaving the wood we crossed a field with cows and their calves.  Fortunately their mothers were quite docile and took no notice of us.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Calf%20SheepstorP1020761_zpsh1pwp0ox.jpg) (http://)
Coming out of the fiels we had a good view of Sheepstor village with its namesake tor in the background.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507SheepstorP1020763_zpsvgw8yspa.jpg) (http://)
We then followed the lane through the village, passing the church with its old cross.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507SheepstorP1020765_zpsendhmkoa.jpg) (http://)
From there it was a short walk along the road back to Burrator Reservoir.
(http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/ag7/DartmoorWalker/DAVE-JEN-HP/2015_0507Burrator%20ReservoirP1020769_zps8gua3c0f.jpg) (http://)


Although this was only a short walk thre were plenty of quite high stiles and by the time we got back to the car my back was killing me, so I think it's going to be quite a while before I will be able to get back to more strenuous longer Dartmoor walks. :(    
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: sussamb on 15:02:52, 08/05/15
Been a while since I'm been to Burrator.  Thanks for the great pics, brings back the memories.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 15:12:46, 08/05/15
Thanks sussamb, glad you enjoyed the pics.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: CallMeSteven on 16:14:47, 08/05/15
Lovely photos and background to your walk. Short easy walks and hopefully your back will gradually get back to normal. It's got to
better than sitting in a chair all day  O0
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 16:27:05, 08/05/15
Thanks Steven.  Yes, I hate sitting in a chair all day.  I start getting withdrawal symptoms if I go more than a couple of days without walking. ;D
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: Jac on 16:27:40, 08/05/15
Lovely, thank you - I'm filing this route away do myself.
Sorry your back is preventing you enjoying Dartmoor at the moment - not that there would be any views up there today - hope you are soon walking the tors again.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: sunnydale on 16:31:01, 08/05/15
Very nice photos Dave.  The Pink Purslane looked to be a lovely show  O0  Hard to believe it's native to Siberia!


Tracey :)
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 16:31:33, 08/05/15
Thanks Jac.  I am sure you would enjoy this walk.  This is the best time to do it, while the bluebells are still out.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 16:33:22, 08/05/15
Thanks sunnydale.  Yes, the Pink Purslane is beautiful when there is a lot of it in one place.  I didn't know it originated in Siberia.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: thomasdevon on 11:41:44, 09/05/15
Charming springtime pics, thank you. I hope to be up there myself soon.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 11:47:14, 09/05/15
Thanks Thomas.
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: Welsh Rambler on 20:37:22, 09/05/15
Some lovely photos Dave and looked a delightful walk. Worth going for the bluebells.


Thanks for sharing and good luck with the back  O0  When I fell off a ladder by the time I came out of hospital my wife had cut the ladder up for firewood to stop me using it again  :(


Regards Keith
Title: Re: Burrator Reservoir, Meavy & Sheepstor Village
Post by: DevonDave on 22:10:28, 09/05/15
Thanks Keith.  Fortunately my injuries were not too serious, cuts and severe bruising including internal bruising, but thankfully no permanent damage.  My wife tells me I shouldn't be going up ladders at my age.  Just waiting to get back to serious walking again now O0