Priash one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Priash here.

This was a brilliant hike across the moor on a summer’s day. Absolutely loved it! The route passes through a great variety of beautiful Dartmoor landscapes.

First up, it is not accessible as it involves stiles, steep gradients & rugged terrain. It is however well way-marked & easy to follow, including sections across high open moor. There are livestock grazing freely - ponies, sheep & cattle.

Princetown can be reached by several buses (I caught the Dartmoor Explorer from Plymouth). There are a couple of cafés, shops, pub & visitors centre in the village as well as accommodation (& a prison!).

The route follows the Dartmoor Way High Moor link (DWHML) (technically the plotted route follows a bridleway but the DWHML is the walked route). It is a fabulous route across a seemingly endless expanse of moorland plateau. It’s straight & very easy to follow. It crosses a couple of ditches just after the Crock of Gold stone circle & cairn & the track seems to disappear, but have faith as it soon reappears. The sense of freedom on this stretch was just fantastic.

Just before it reaches the River Swincombe the bridleway runs along a sunken track & it was a bit waterlogged but it can easily be bypassed on either side.

At Hexworthy the route joins minor country lanes & past the Forest Inn. If you don’t want to go to the pub you could take a shortcut & stay on the DWHML as they join up again near Hexworthy Bridge.

The route continues on minor lanes & footpaths to Dartmeet, where there is a café in the car park. The climb up out of Dartmeet is a bit strenuous. The slow way follows the road but it’s not too busy (even in August) & for the most part you can walk on verge.

At Yartor Down the DMHML heads off over Sharp Tor while the slow way continues along the road. I would prefer the off-road route if I did it again, but the road is probably quicker & easier & may be better in adverse weather. Either way, they rejoin near Bel Tor so you have a choice. From there the slow way picks up the Two Moors Way (TMW). Dropping down into the River Dart valley the way follows footpaths through fields & woodland & then on minor roads into Ashburton. The least pleasant section is along the main road from Holne Bridge but it’s only for a short way. There are no alternatives.

Ashburton has plenty of refreshment opportunities & good bus links.

A great way to see the different types of scenery Dartmoor has to offer. Would highly recommend.

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