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Maiden HillMaiden Hill is one of the most desolate places on Dartmoor. Despite the name there's little that's maidenly about this place. The hill has no features other than a broad tract of peaty ground togther with peat hags, a couple of pools and wet ground. It's on the main inner plateau of Dartmoor so at 545m it's quite high. However unappealing the place may be in rain or mist, on a good sunny day it's a sheer pleasure to visit. Partly it's because of the isolation and the knowledge that even in England such places still exist. And partly because it gives walkers the chance to visit other quite remote parts of Dartmoor.Park by Holming Beam (SX 591765), walk up the track, cross the sile and head NW towards Black Dunghill. Head directly north. You'll come to Conies Down stream, cross it and keep on a northerly track up the hillside to Maiden Hill. Carry along north over the fen, cross Spriddle Lake and continue until you start to see the Tavy valley. Then cross the stream and head up the valley on the west side of the tavy. Once at Tavy head you'll need to plot a SE course over rough ground to West Dart Head. Then either take a straight southerly bearing or follow the contours that take you to Horse Hole. From Horse Hole cross more rough ground on a SW bearing. You'll get to the Beardown Man and from there the way back to Holming Beam should be pretty straightforward.This is a significant walk into the inner parts of Dartmoor. Map, compass and so forth are absolutely essential. If the weather turns poor then the terrain will become challenging. The nature of this walk will vary from season to season. Walking conditions may be easier in the winter but you'll have to watch your timing. The described walk took place in pretty ideal conditions. Part of the walk lies in military areas. |
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