Okehampton Common

Okehampton Common is the stretch of north facing moorland that lies below Yes Tor. It is fairly easy to get to but despite its nearness to Okehampton it is exposed moorland.

Catch the westbound train at Okehampton railway station and get off at the end of the line at Meldon station (check times by phoning 01837 55667). You can grab a quick cuppa from the buffet or else start walking over the impressive viaduct. Carry along the cycle track and then just before the Meldon Junction leave the track and join the tarmacced road that leads to the reservoir. Take the southwards track around the reservoir and join the West Okement valley at Vellake corner. Walk up the valley towards Black Tor and head NE over Okehampton Common. There's a ford over Red-a-ven brook so that you can continue over Black Down past the remains of military training strctures. Go past the camp and take the road that leads down to Okehampton. There's a short cut that leads down the hillside near Klondyke. Take the footbridge over the A30 and you're back at Okehampton railway station. Ensure that your car isn't locked inside the carpark!

A good 6 mile walk over varied ground - flat walking over the viaduct to fairly rough ground up the Ockment valley. The weather can change quickly over the more exposed parts of the common. Part of the walk is inside a military area.

	Maybe a curious way to start a Dartmoor walk but this is the end of the railway line at Meldon station - SX 567927. This is the highest station in southern England and for those people interested in railway stock then there is a good selection to look at.
	The viaduct over the Meldon valley. No railway goes over this viaduct anymore. Originally built as a single track railway in 1874-78. The second track was built later.
	This is a real railway buffet - you may either sit inside the carriage or outside on the benches. The views over the northern side of Dartmoor are very good.
	Walking along the viaduct. This now part of the "Granite Way" cycle track.
	The Granite way shortly before where we leave it at Meldon Junction.
	SX 563910
	A closer view of the small valley that divides Longstone Hill from Homerton Hill.
	Meldon reservoir from the southern path at SX 561911.
	A half full Meldon reservoir.
	Vellake Corner - SX 555907
	The West Okement stream at Vellake Corner.
	On the slopes below Black Tor at SX 562897.
	Okehampton Common.
	The valley of Red-a-ven brook - SX 577912
	SX 580915
	On the track that leads over Black Down.
	Yes Tor from Black Down.
	Military training structures from SX 581919. On the left is the straight line of an old target railway while on the right is a tank obstruction. Yes Tor on the skyline.
	Very friendly ponies near Okehampton camp at SX 589926.
	Fitz well at SX 592938.
	The footbridge over the A30. Okehampton in the background.
	Locked out from the Okehampton railway station! We should have read the warning sign more thoroughly but we were in a rush to catch the train. They shut the gates at 17.30 in October so be careful!