Holne Moor

Holne Moor is on the eastern slopes of southern Dartmoor. It is rather bland in terms of features but in summer provides splendid walking with good views from the extensive ridges on the top. There are many remains of tin working on Holne Moor and Aune Head mire is a good example of a serious Dartmoor bog that is difficult if not impossible to cross. Holne Moor provides a good way of getting to the more remote parts of the southern moor. 

This walk starts at a car park (SX 685713) near Venford Reservoir and takes an easy path up to the high ridges via Holne Lee. There are extensive but overgrown remains of old tin mines on the way. Carry on to Ryder's Hill from where in good weather there are splendid views. Navigate NW over awkward grass to the Sandy Way path that takes you past Aune Head Mire. Then head north over Skir Hill, down Skir Gut from where a tinner's track takes you past the mines of Henroost and Hooten Wheals. Carry on down the eastern side of the O brook valley to Combestone Tor. Head NE down an easy track and then walk eastwards until you get to a lovely wood. Follow the track that curves around and takes you back to the car park. 

This walk is about 8 miles but in good weather it is quite straightforward. In winter the high ridges are easily mistbound and owing to the lack of features navigation could be tricky. It may be wet in places. Map and compass are essential. No army presence. Allow 4 - 5 hours at a good pace.

	The car park (SX 685713) just west of Venford Reservoir.
	Venford Reservoir with the slopes of Holne Moor behind.
	Looking back over Venford as we start to climb up Holne Lee. In the background are Yar Tor and Sharp Tor.
	Walking up to Holne Moor. This photo was taken in mid August.
	A NE view from the old Ringleshuttes tin mine at SX 675698.
	A boundary marker near SX 673697.
	A north easterly view over part of Dartmoor from the ridge near Ryder's Hill.
	The marker stones on top of Ryder's Hill (SX 660691). The taller one is known as Petre's Bound Stone. Ryder's Hill is the highest point on the southern moor.
	Heading down the western slope of Ryders Hill towards the Sandy Way and Aune Head. In bad weather this could be awkward ground.
	The Sandy Way just north of Aune Head Mire.
	Looking south over Aune Head Mire from SX 649697. This boggy ground is the start of the Avon river that flows out to the sea at Bantham.
	The remains of a tinner's hut beside the mire.
	Skir Gut - SX 648705. This gert was dug out by tinners many years ago.
	Looking down the O brook valley from SX 655710.
	Jim pointing out the remains of the new mill at Hooten Wheals (SX 655708)
	The O brook valley. O is short for oak or Ockbrook. The oak trees that used to line this valley were stripped out by medieval tinners.
	Looking up the O brook from near Combestone.
	Combestone Tor (SX 670719). This is a very popular place.
	A view over Yartor Down. The Dart rushes down the intervening valley.
	Hamlyn's leat.
	Looking back at Combestone Tor from the path at SX 678719.
	In the woods at SX 679719.
	A view over the Dart valley from SX 684717.
	Bench Tor on the horizon. We are near Venford.