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Teignhead Newtake WallThis is a good walk that takes you into some of the highest parts of the moor. In good weather the views are great and you are near to the "roof of Devon". The newtake wall gives walkers a reliable reference point throughout much of the walk. It is difficult to get lost. In 1808 Matthew Crawford applied for a lease of moorland from the Duchy of Cornwall. Consequently, 900 acres of moorland were enclosed by drystone walls over the next few years and two farms were built - Teignhead and Manga. The building of the enclosure walls was strongly resented by the local commoners who suffered a reduction in their grazing rights. Over the next hundred years or so the enclosure was used to pasture cattle during the summer months - transhumance. Elisabeth Stanbrook gives much more information about the Teignhead farms and enclosures in her book on "Dartmoor Forest farms" - Devon Books 1994.This walk started from a car park (SX 659839) in Fernworthy forest, which means walking about a mile along a forest path before getting onto the moor. Then take a path towards Sittaford Tor - passing the Grey Wethers circle on the way. From Sittaford the line of the newtake wall is clear. Walk down NW towards Quintin's man, cross the Teign and then follow the wall along in a NW direction. The going is straightforward with one stream crossing over the Great Varracombe. Walk beside the wall until you get to a right angle bend. To the left is Watern Tor (well worth a visit) but otherwise after admiring the impressive views head downside beside the wall until you get to the Teign. Head right and cross the river over the rails at Hew Lake Ford. Follow the newtake wall over Stonetor Hill until it impinges on the somewhat dark and forbidding aspect of Fernworthy Forest. From here you have 2 choices. You may want to crack on into the forest and follow the forest paths until you get back to the car park - this is not advised since the Forestry guys don't want people into the forest for HS reasons. Or else follow the edge of the forest back in a SW direction until you get back to the gate at Long Ridge. And thence back to the car.Part of this 9 mile walk is on the edge of the military training areas so you are safe to do this walk at any time. However, it is on high, exposed ground and weather conditions can rapidly change. Having the newtake wall nearby gives the walker a good reference point. Map and compass are essential. It is a longer walk than you might expect.
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