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Holwell Lawn

Holwell Lawn doesn't quite sound like Dartmoor at all. Maybe more like Home Counties. But Dartmoor it is. Holwell Lawn is situated on the southern flank of Houndtor Down. There are some 18th century ruins, but today Holwell Lawn is probably best known for its excellent hourse cross country course with over 60 moderate fences. The name Holwell probably derives from Holy Well which today is seen at the overgrown source of a spring.
Park at the popular car park (SX 739792) at Swallerton Gate. Head SE towards Great Hound Tor. From here there is a well trodden path to Greator rocks that goes past the medieval village. Then head south from Greator onto Holwell Lawn proper. There are many obvious paths and the way down to the Becka brook is clear.
This is a straightforward walk with little climbing involved. It is popular with tourists and locals alike. An ideal Sunday afternoon family walk. 
The view from the northern slopes of Hound Tor at SX 742791. You can see the car park just down below. Easdon Tor is on the left skyline.
The SE view from the side of Hound Tor. Hey Tor is on the horizon with the rocks of Houndtor Down that lead down to Greator Rocks.
Hound Tor
We are approaching the medieval village from the Hound Tor - Greator path. Legendary Dartmoor gives an excellent account of the old village.
Looking NE over much of the ruined medieval settlement. The remains in the foreground are part of no 7 longhouse.
This is one of the longhouses - no 7 in the plan given at Legendary Dartmoor
Another view of the medieval village and of no 7 longhouse.
This is part of the largest longhouse (no 3) - on the right is the western entrance.
Hound Tor as it appears from Greator Rocks.
One of the Greator Rocks at SX 748787 from the west.
Another view of Greator Rocks.
One more view of Greator Rocks. This time it's from the south from the path that takes us to Holwell Lawn.
The view from the path over towards the Becka Brook. Black Hill is on the horizon - although it doesn't look very black.
A horse jumping fence at SX 747782.
Another horse jump
Eastward view from the path leading down to the Becka Brook. The massed rocks of Holwell Tor are on the horizon.
The Becka brook. Becka comes from beck meaning tribituary. In this case a tribituary of the River Bovey.
Another view of the beautiful stream that is the Becka Brook.
This path is part of the horse circuit.
This has to be part of the horse circuit. Hey Tor on the skyline.
Holwell lawn. You can see parts of the horse circuit in the middle distance.
Holwell lawn - this picture shows clearly why it's called a lawn. Hey Tor on the skyline.
Returning back to Greator - SX 746784
A view over the Becka Brook valley.
Heading back to Hound Tor. There's been some swaling done recently around here which accounts for the burnt heather.
The famous ice cream van that is usually found in the carpark - The Hound of the Basket Meals.
 


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