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Mel Tor

Mel Tor is a very popular Dartmoor tourist place. Partly this is because it is near Dartmeet and so easy to get to - but also because the views over the steep valley of the Dart are quite excellent. There is no moorland as such but plenty of rock, animals, greenery and water. Ideal for a family walk in the summer.
Park at Bel Tor corner (SX 695731) and take the track that leads to Mel Tor and the steep Dart gorge behind. Follow the track along until you come back to the main road. Cross it and head for Leigh Tor. After a short break walk on down the path towards Spitchwick. On a sunny day you'll hear the buzz of children to guide you.
This area is nowhere near any military area and is always quite near roads. Not much danger of getting lost in mists or encountering bogs. However, some of the walk involves quite steep walking along public roads. About 5 miles.
 
Dartmoor ponies near the car park at Bel Tor corner - SX 695731
The track that leads from the car park towards Mel Tor. On a beautiful summer's day this is a popular walk.
The northerly view from Mel Tor. Bel Tor is in the middle distance.
Mel Tor - SX 694725
The view over the Dart ravine from Mel Tor. Apparently blazing cartwheels were dispatched down the gorge from here on Midsummer's Day.
Dr Blackall's Drive. This carriageway was laid down by the owner of nearby Spitchwick Manor in the late 19th century. It gave him and his family the chance to drive around in his horse and carriage and enjoy the beautiful views over the Dart valley.
Looking back towards Mel Tor from Brake Corner - SX 702716. Presumably this was where the carriage had to brake hard.
Another view of Dr Blackall's Drive.
Reaching the end of the drive - or rather where it meets up with the Poundsgate road.
Leigh Tor - SX 711714. This is not granite but is tourmalinised hornfel or hornstone. This was originally a shalestone which was subsequently metamorphosed by the heat of the granite extrusion.
What is this? Looks like the base for a telescope or a surveying instrument.
The Dart at Spitchwick - SX 715715. Very popular with families over sunny summer weekends.
The beauty spot of Buckland Bridge SX 719719 - where the Webburn meets the Dart.
A sun dappled path through the woods.
Beside the River Webburn. Another beautiful spot which is protected by being a nature reserve.
Walking through the fields south of Spitchwick Manor - SX 710724
The Poundsgate Methodist chapel at SX 703727. Built in the 1830's with a simple interior. Monthly services still run and there is a memorable carol service every year.
 


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