Widash two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Widash here.

I totally agree with the first reviewer of this route (Helen). There is little alternative but to use the road. However the road that has been chosen is the quietest of the options. There is very little traffic, at least on the Saturday morning in early September when I walked it there was very little, and for most of it the roads are narrow so driving is usually slow and there are many places to step off the road. There is sufficient width for one vehicle and a pedestrian. I always felt safe. It is a very pleasant walk.

This route largely follows quiet moorland and country lanes with some public footpath sections at either end. It is not accessible for all with steep gradients, stiles and steps, but it is typical of the moorland landscape and no more accessible alternative. I walked from Widecombe to Ashburton on a fine spring day. Widecombe does not have a frequent bus service so you’d probably want to do this as part of a longer route as I did. Ashburton is well served by buses. There are also camping options at Widecombe. It’s a beautiful place and best visited in foot anyway. A couple of pubs and cafés.
The route starts on a public footpath through Widecombe churchyard then down across a field to join a quiet country lane. It passes the Rugglestone Inn (worth a stop), after which it is a long climb up to Pudsham Down but rewarded by the views back across the moor. Although largely road walking, there was very little traffic. As it passes through access land you can also walk on the adjacent moorland if preferred. Lots of wildlife and the ubiquitous Dartmoor ponies.
The route continues straight on along the road, eventually leaving the access land, to Halsanger Cross where it turns onto a smaller lane. It again picks up a public footpath - part of the Dartmoor Way - near Waterleat Farm, following the lovely wooded River Ashburn valley then skirting a hillside field (cattle grazing) and on into the town of Ashburton. Plenty of refreshment opportunities in the town.
Overall a very enjoyable walk. It is difficult to find a more direct route with less road walking but the lanes are quiet and scenic.

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