Sandy Ford

Sandy Ford is where the upper Tavy and Amicombe streams meet. It lies on the edge of the central north Dartmoor fen and is a lovely place to linger at. The bulk of Fur Tor dominates the wilderness and the constant babble of the streams soon lull one into a sort of moorland reverie. Sandy Ford is a good destination for a walk in this area. There are lots of possible variants of this walk depending on time availability and fitness. 

Park at Lanehead (SX 537824 - north from Mary Tavy). Head north eastwards over Nattor Down to Ger Tor. There are splendid views here. Then walk eastwards over Willworthy Range and cross the Rattlebrook at Deadlake Foot. Make for Sandy Ford  by travelling over the lower part of Amicombe Hill. Then follow the Tavy river back down the Cleave. When you get to the leat head follow the left side of the leat which will take you back near to the car park.

The described walk is about 6 miles and fairly straightforward in good weather although there is a lot of boulder clambering as you walk through the Cleave. Not the place to sprain an ankle.

Much of the walk lies in the army firing range so don't go if the flags are flying.

	The car park at Lanehead (SX 537824). Ger Tor lies directly ahead.
	A bridge over the mine leat.
	The view over Western Devon from Nattor Down.
	Ger Tor (SX547831).
	Looking towards Sharp Tor and Hare Tor from Ger Tor. In the midground there's a farmer on horseback rounding up his sheep.
	The fantastic view over part of Tavy Cleave from Ger Tor.
	One of the old hut circles that are found on Willsworthy Range at SX 550834
	The view from Willsworthy Range at where the Rattlebrook joins the Tavy. On the left lies the southern part of Amicombe Hill (Watern Oke) with an army observation hut overlooking the valley.
	Dead Lake Foot.
	Looking northwards up the Rattlebrook valley from Watern Oke at SX 563839. The Tor on the skyline is Great Links Tor and Bleak House and Green Tor are just to the right.
	Looking over Pinswell and Fur Tor from the southern slope of Amicombe Hill (Watern Oke).
	Looking along Eastern Red lake. On the horizon lie the hills of Tavy Head and Walkham Head.
	The Amicombe Brook. Great Kneeset is on the horizon.
	Sandy Ford with Fur Tor on the horizon.
	Another view of Fur Tor with the edge of the Meads on the right.
	The Tavy at SX 564835.
	The confluence of the Tavy with the Rattlebrook at the head of Tavy Cleave.
	Tavy Cleave
	Tavy Cleave
	The start of the Wheal Friendship leat.
	The Wheal Friendship leat.