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Brown's House

Brown's House is a disappointment.  The ruins of the farmhouse that was built here in 1812 are quite unprepossessing. However, the views and general situation are superb and are well worth the effort of getting here. Brown's House lies on the edge of the West Dart as it tumbles down from its headwaters.  Brown's House has attracted a somewhat shabby Dartmoor legend involving an ugly man, a pretty wife and an isolated house. The truth is that Dr Brown wished to enclose some Dartmoor land for improvement in 1810 and was a little premature in building his house before being granted a lease by an aloof Duchy. Consequently his rent was fixed rather high and so he sold out within a year. Subsequent owners found it increasingly difficult to continue, so by 1830 it was abandoned.
We started from the Two Bridges car park (SX 609750). A northerly path leads up past Cockern farm onto the moor towards the impressive pyramid of Longaford Tor. Carry on to Higher and Lower White Tors. At Lower White Tor the wilderness of Northern Dartmoor beckons. It is a short walk from here over some boggy ground to the ruins of Brown's House. Then head west over the West Dart to Rough Tor where there are some good views over the moor. The ground towards Crow Tor is a bit wet  and in bad weather would be troublesome. At Crow Tor head down to the West Dart and follow it until you reach the weir of the start of Devonport leat. Carry along the leat and scramble down the rough slope for Wistman's Wood. After crossing the stream there is more rough ground until you reach the path that leads back to Crockern Farm and the car park. 
This is a good walk in nice weather. It is about 8 miles long - some of the ground is quite rough and wet. Allow about 4 hours at a reasonable pace. There are plenty of good views over all parts of the moor as you get onto the high ground. The walk starts off quite gently along an easily walked ridge  but soon takes you into a remote part of Dartmoor - almost without realising it. Be careful of changing weather. This is exactly the kind of place that you will have problems if you're not prepared. 
Some of the walk lies in the army firing range.
 
The track leading up towards Crockern Farm.
The view south from Littaford Tor.
Another southerly view from Littaford.
The pyramid of Longaford Tor (SX 615778).
The southerly view from Longaford Tor. In the middle distance are Littaford Tors. In the background lie part of the South Hams.
Looking north from Longaford Tor. The path to Higher White Tor can be easily seen.
Higher White Tor.
Easterly view from Lower White Tor.
Looking north from Lower White Tor. On the skyline to the left is Rough Tor. The valley on the left holds the West Dart, whilst directly in front are the diminutive remains of Brown's House.
A boggy bit near Brown's House.
The remains of Brown's house (SX 615798). This place is a total ruin but the moorland views from here are excellent.
Looking down the West Dart valley from near  Brown's House. The Beardown Tors are on the horizon on the right.
Rough Tor (SX 606798).
The southerly view from Rough Tor. On the left lies Longaford Tor, on the horizon is Southern Dartmoor, while on the right you can see the Beardown Tors and the isolated crag of Crow Tor.
Rough Tor.
Just a reminder that the Army does a lot of activities around here. This is an old mortar hole.
The view south down the West Dart valley from Crow Tor (SX 605787). In the middle you can see part of Wistman's Wood, whereas on the right can be seen part of Beardown Tors.
Crow Tor. On close inspection this tor is clearly very popular with sheep.
The West Dart curving around at the foot of Crow Tor near Foxholes. On the horizon lies Longaford Tor.
The start of Devonport Leat (SX 608780).
Looking back at Crows Tor from Devonport Leat.
Overlooking Wistman's Wood from Devonport Leat (SX 610775).
The pedunculate oak trees of Wistman's wood. This is difficult ground to walk in - lots of boulders.
Looking back up the West Dart from SX 612768. On the left is Wistman's Wood, on the right part of Beardown.
Heading back down the West Dart valley at SX 611760. You can see the conifers of the Beardown plantation. 
 


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