Steeperton Tor

The conical mound of Steeperton dominates Taw marsh. The name derives from "Steep down" and apart from the gentle southern slope it is an unusually steep granite hill. Two streams flow either side of it - the Taw and Steeperton Brook - and they meet at the base of the hill before flowing into the flat plain that contains Taw Marsh. The views from the tor are impressive particularly over the plain which lies below the northern face.

Park at Belstone village (SX 620932) and take the track out of the village heading southwards toTaw plain. Carry along the track until it divides and take the left fork that leads to a ford over the Taw. Cross the ford and head off southwards along the Small brook valley keeping the brook on your right. Walk up the slope until you get to Hound Tor. An easy track then takes you to Wild Tor from where you take the west track down to the ford across the Steeperton brook and then on to Steeperton Tor. Then clamber down the steep northern slope until you're on the Taw plain, cross the marsh and thence back to Belstone.

This walk could be awkward in bad weather, but otherwise it is straightforward. Most of the walk is along well defined tracks with the only bit of wet ground being Taw marsh. Allow about 4 - 5 hours for this 7.5 mile walk - it is worth lingering in good weather just to admire the views.

Steeperton Tor lies within an army range so be aware of red flags.

	The village green of Belstone village - SX 620932.
	The Taw near to the ford. This beautiful pool is known as "Ducky Pool".
	The horseshoe ford over the Taw at SX 620914 with Belstone Tor in the background. The ford has been concreted over for use by army vehicles.
	Taw plain with Belstone ridge behind. SX 626907. In the foreground are the remains of an early Bronze Age settlement. What would this place have looked like then?
	Another view of Taw plain. We are climbing up the southern tip of Cosdon Hill that takes us towards Hound Tor.
	And yet one more view of the now distant plain with the grassy, brackened hillside of Metheral on the left - photo taken from SX 631897.
	The north view from Hound Tor - SX 629890. Believe it or not but the shelter is an army one. They were out on an unusual search and retrieve mission.
	Looking west from Hound Tor. Steeperton Tor is on the left and Yes Tor is on the horizon.
	Rollo on top of Hound Tor. Kennon Hill is on the left horizon with Gidleigh Common on the right.
	Looking back towards Hound Tor from the track that leads along to Wild Tor.
	Wild Tor with Cosdon in the background - SX 622877.
	One of the sculptered stacks of Wild Tor.
	Another view of Wild Tor with Steeperton in the background.
	A well preserved medieval tinner's hut beside the Steeperton Brook - SX 621882.
	The secluded valley of Steeperton Brook. Cosdon Hill is in the background.
	The SE view from Steeperton Tor that overlooks the valley of the Steeperton Brook. On the horizon is Hangingstone Hill.
	Looking north along the top of Steeperton Tor. The military hut is at the end and underneath it lies the plain of Taw Marsh.
	Another view from Steeperton Tor - SX 618888
	The view over Taw plain and the hills of north Devon from the observation post of Steeperton Tor.
	Looking south along the upper Taw valley from Steeperton.
	Taw plain from the north side of Steeperton Tor. Belstone tor is on the left.
	A shady spot beside the Steeperton brook - SX 621896
	This photo was taken beside the Steeperton brook as it enters the Taw plain. Steeperton Tor is on the skyline.
	Taw plain from SX 620898. There is much evidence of tin streaming here.
	Steeperton Tor from Taw marsh. This place will often be rather wet to walk through, but owing to the dry summer of 2003 we had no problem.
	An overall view of Taw Marsh.  The marsh is actually a smallish part of the plain which is mostly quite dry and easy to walk across.
	The village stocks of Belstone. The offender would have sat on the granite stone with his legs held in the stocks. With nothing to lean back on as well as receiving other insults coming his way - this would be an uncomfortable if not painful experience.