Langcombe

Langcombe is a pretty isolated part of the SW side of Dartmoor. The quiet Langcombe brook is an upper tribituary of the Plym. This walk includes a number of old monuments - the Drizzlecombe stones and the Langcombe kistvaens - but it also has some good views. Best of all you have a feeling of solitude as you walk up the Langcombe valley and onto the side of Giant's Hill. There are some great views up there.

The walk starts from the car park (SX 579673) past the hamlet of Sheepstor. Walk SW up to Gutter Tor and then take the path that leads to Ditsworthy Warren Farm. From there head up the Plym valley, past the Drizzlecombe monuments until you get to the ford of Plym Steps. Cross the river and walk up the Langcombe valley on the left side. As you approach the upper pan of the extensive head you'll see Grim's Grave on the left. We then crossed the brook and headed up over the slopes of Giant's hill which took us to the Shavercombe brook. We descended beside the brook, crossed it near the waterfall and then made our way back to the Plym and crossed it near to where the Drizzlecombe stream meets it. From there it is an easy walk back to the car park.

This is a fairly easy walk of about 7.5 miles, but you do quickly get into some isolated parts of Dartmoor - especially on the side of Langcombe Hill. The ground is straightforward, but crossing the Plym could be a problem if the water runs high. No military areas, although soldiers do train in this area. There's lots of other walking possibilities here - not least up to the lonely and empty ridge of Langcombe Hill.

	Gutter Tor from the car park at SX 579673.
	Looking over towards Sheepstor from the side of Gutter Tor. The car park is down below.
	One of the rock piles of Gutter Tor - SX 578669. The name Gutter probably derives from the medieval names of Gotetorre (1281) and Gotterknap (1539) - although some have said that it may be a corruption of Cut Tor. There's a lot of clitter around Gutter Tor, so it would originally have been a large tor.
	The east view from Gutter Tor. The barely distinct mass of Hen Tor lies straight ahead on the far hillside with Ditsworthy Warren farm lying behind the hill in the midground. The path leads to the farm.
	The small field next to Ditsworthy Warren House (SX 584663). There are a number of dog kennels built into the retaining wall.
	Where the Drizzlecombe stream meets the Plym at SX 589665.
	Giant's basin cairn with Hen Tor straight ahead and the Shavercombe valley on the left.
	One of the stone rows at Drizzlecombe.
	Where the Langcombe and the Plym meet.
	Mining remains near where the Langcombe Brook meets the Plym.
	Grim's Grave - SX 612664. This is a good example of one of the Bronze Age burial remains that are to be found on Dartmoor. This one has a good retaining circle of 9 stones that seem somewhat "blown apart". Originally they would have been used to support the superstructure that has now disappeared. Grim is another name for Satan.
	A closer look at the well preserved kistvaen of Grim's Grave.
	Looking down the Langcombe valley.
	Another Bronze Age kistvaen at SX 609661.
	Looking down the side of Langcombe brook from the side of Giant's Hill. In the middle distance is the valley of Deadman's Bottom, behind that lies Evil Combe.
	A tense confrontation between a nervous dog and a protective moorland stallion on Giant's Hill.
	The slopes of Giant's Hill.
	Near to Shavercombe Head.
	The delightful waterfall at Shavercombe Fall - SX 595660. This is a great place to sit, eat and stay a while.
	Shavercombe Brook.
	Looking west from one of the piles of Shavercombe Tor.
	One of the reaves at Hen Tor Warren. There's a lot of old remains in this area.
	One of the old rabbit warren mounds at Hentor Warren.
	The ford over the River Plym at SX 592666. In full flow this wouldn't be an easy place to cross over.
	Eastern Tor - SX 584664. In the background you can see some of the earthworks of Hentor warren.
	Walking back towards the Scout's hut that's near to the car park.