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Great Kneeset

Great Kneeset (SX 589859) is one of the more isolated hills of Dartmoor. However, it is fairly easy to get to. A walk to Great Kneeset contains extensive panoramic views over parts of North Dartmoor. It takes you to the edge of some of the wilder parts of the North Dartmoor fen. 
Drive to OP 15 by the military road from Okehampton Camp. Park at SX 603878, take a southerly bearing and head down the rough path. Shortly before the track swings around to the NE take a track towards the small pool of Ockerton Court. From the pool head south towards the West Okement River. Follow this up to the source and you are at Cranmere Pool. Then take a westerly bearing and head off for Black Ridge. After a short walk you'll meet the peat pass which takes you over the ridge. There are excellent views from here. Make for Great Kneeset which has more splendid views. Descend the NW side to the Ockment, cross the stream and walk up the gentle ridge that leads to Dinger Tor. Finally, you can take the military paths that will take you back to OP15.
This is a reasonable walk of around 6 miles involving only gentle climbs - one third of it is along a military track. But it may be quite wet underfoot and if the mist appears then great care is needed. It's pretty exposed up here and even in June the wind can make it cool. Depending on your pace allow about 3 to 4 hours - the views are excellent. Map and compass are essential. 
This area lies in the army firing range. 
 
Cars parked by OP 15  - SX 603878.
The view towards Yes Tor and High Wilhays from OP 15.
Ockerton Court Pool - SX 603869.
Looking northwards down the Ockment valley.
The letter box at Cranmere Pool.
Looking back over Cranmere Pool. Hangingstone Hill is on the horizon. The shape of the original pool is quite obvious.
The north facing view down the start of the Ockment valley. On the horizon lies Yes Tor and High Wilhays. In the foreground is a water filled mortar hole.
The start of the Black Ridge peat pass (SX 598859).
The peat hags that crowd around the peat pass on top of Black Ridge.
The SW view from the very top of Black Ridge.
Great Kneeset from Black Ridge.
Looking south from Great Kneeset. Directly in front lies Fur Tor, with Cut Hill on the left.
The NW view over the West Ockment valley from Great Kneeset. This valley is often called Death Valley owing to its steep sides which must be climbed. 
The view from Great Kneeset over the West Ockment valley. The pyramidal knoll of Lints Tor lies straight ahead.
Coming down the hillside of Great Kneeset towards the West Ockment stream. High Willhays on the horizon.
Looking up the West Ockment.
Looking downstream.
A field of bog cotton at SX 584865.
Looking back at Great Kneeset.
Dinger Tor (SX 586881).
East Mill Tor on the left with Cosdon on the middle horizon. The military track snakes up the hillside leading to OP15. This is the path that this walk follows.
Looking west towards High Wilhays from the track near OP15. The mist is beginning to roll in.
 


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