Fuge's Post

Fuge's Post is a small piece of angle iron that is embedded in rock and was used to tether a horse. Who was Fuge? He was a farmer of nearby Brousentor Farm. He went horseabout to do what had to be done on this piece of exposed moorland. The post is situated in an isolated and windswept part of Northern Dartmoor at the top of the Eastern Redlake streamlet. This is not the easiest place to get to and neither is the post the easiest thing to find. It is within the military training areas for good reason - this is difficult terrain in poor weather. Legendary Dartmoor gives an excellent description of Fuge's Post and the problems in finding it. Check out at Fuges Post. It is a good exercise and challenge in walking Dartmoor terrain. Not the easiest of walks.

Park at Lanehead (SX 537824 - north from Mary Tavy). Take the NE path over Nattor Down until you hit the Wheal Friendship leat and then follow it on the right hand side. It loops around Nat Tor and then you'll be at the start of the impressive Tavy valley. Carry on the Wheal Friendship leat path until you get to the leat head. Then cross the Tavy and climb up Standon Hill, traversing Deep Bottom as you go. Walk eastwards, cross over Western Red Lake, the walk up over the Meads. This ground may be awkward. Find the Eastern Red Lake and then walk up to the source. Fuge's post is here. The take the obvious trackway in a westerly direction and once you hit the plateau the head westwards which will take you to the edge of Standon Hill. From there just head on down to the Tavy streambed, cross over and return to Lanehead Car Park.

This walk is about 6.5 miles although it may feel longer owing to the terrain. This area is on the intersection of the Okehampton and Merrivale military ranges. If the flags are flying then this area won't be accessible to the public. Even in good weather caution should be taken in doing this walk. It is an exposed place with lumpy ground (although not very wet). If the mist comes down then it would be easy to get lost up there. Map and compass absolutely essential - as is appropriate clothing and backup.

	The bridge over the Wheal Friendship leat at SX 540826. This impressive leat was built around 1820 and served to power the wheels of the Wheal Friendship mine. This mine was a substantial copper (and silver, tin and lead) working that needed a reliable water source. Today the leat is used to help power the hydroelectric power station at Mary Tavy.
	The view of Tavy Cleave from the leatside at SX 546823
	This is where the leat comes off from the Tavy. A substantial amount of water is taken.
	SX 549829 - another view of the headweir of the Wheal Friendship leat.
	Ger Tor from the side of the Tavy at SX 550829
	A northerly view over Tavy Cleave from SX 555818
	The top of the streambed going down to the Tavy at SX 555826. Hare Tor on the right horizon.
	SX 561825 - on top of the plateau and pretty well exposed. Looking north with Hare Tor on the left horizon.
	A WD (War Department) marker of the Willsworthy range near Western Redlake Head. Post 24 - SX 565825
	The Meads. Might sound very nice and this may look like a nice grassy sward but this is not easy ground to walk over. Lots of grassy mounds and hidden holes to tumble over. In poor weather this would be highly unpleasant. Northerly view from SX 569821.
	The undemonstrative rusty iron of Fuge's Post - SX 572820. This is at the top of the Eastern Red Lake valley. Not the easiest thing to find but once you do then the position of the post makes sense.
	On top of the plateau looking westwards towards Hare Tor from SX 567819. On a beautiful May afternoon this is an excellent place to be.
	One of the Willsworthy military marker posts. Post 25 - SX 565817 - near Baggator Brook Head. This is on an exposed part of the moor which is very suitable for military training.
	The awkward ground on the top of Standon Down at SX 555818. This is an exposed part of the moor and would be unpleasant in poor weathetr.
	The westerly view from the side of Standon Down - SX 553822. The Tavy gorge lies just down below. Impressive views over West Devon and Cornwall.
	A view down from the side of Standon Down towards the Tavy gorge. The green grassy slopes are a sudden contrast to the moorland scenery just behind.
	Looking down over the Tavy from SX 547819. The Tavy is a rapidly descending river and is the second swiftest river in Britain after the Scottish Spey.
	Another one of those Willsworthy military marker stones. This one in numbered 34 and is located on the right bank of the Tavy at SX 544820. It is now conglomerated in with a farm fence collection.