Drizzlecombe

Despite the unappealing name, Drizzlecombe is a scenic place. It is probably best known for the extensive set of Bronze age stone rows, cairns and menhirs that are on the SW slope of Hartor Hill. One of the menhirs is the largest standing stone on Dartmoor. Nearby is the impressive Giant's Basin cairn. The river Plym flows alongside. There are more modern remains of human activity around here - the ruins of Eylesbarrow tin mine, an extensive rabbit warrening business at Ditsworthy and the failed farmhouse of Nun's Cross.

Approach from the southern road out from Princetown. Just before the road turns to Whiteworks there is a handy car park (SX 603708). Head southwards along an easy track to Nun's Cross Farm. Carry SW along the track to Eylesbarrow Tin Mine. A bit further on take the left track that leads on down Drizzlecombe, cross the leat and then carry on walking until you get to Ditsworthy Warren House. Return along the path and then head towards the Drizzlecombe stone row. Then take the rougher track that heads up the Plym valley. You pass Langcombe Brook and then come to the slightly confusing boggy ground of Evil Combe. Keep to the left, head up the slope and you'll get to a well defined track just SW of Plym Ford. Carry along this track (it becomes the so called Abbot's Way) until you head over the hill from where you can see Nun's Head Farm. The track now becomes somewhat indistinct.

This is a fairly easy walk of about 5-6 miles. The first part is quite straightforward since the track is quite distinct. In misty conditions the second half could be quite challenging since there are few obvious landmarks. The area around Evil Combe is quite boggy but easily avoided.

	The start of the walk near the car park (SX 603708). In the background lies the hills of the southern moor with Fox Tor Mire in between.
	A view from the path over Nun's Cross farm with the expanse of Fox Tor Mire on the right.
	On the track heading down towards the ruins of Eylesbarrow Tin mine.
	The SW view from Eylesbarrow. In the hazy distance lies Plymouth.
	Some of the old buildings of Eylesbarrow Tin mine. This was an major tin processing area in the 19th century. In the middle background lies Drizzlecombe.
	One of the ruins of Eylesbarrow Tin mine. This was an old stamping house. On the right are the diminutive rocks of Higher Hartor.
	Looking northwards along the track at SX 592677.
	The remains of the smelting house at SX 592676. There were 2 furnaces. The picture shows what's left of the  blowing furnace with its fallen blocks. This was working in 1826.
	The horizontal flue of the smelting house covered by solid granite flagstones. At the end would have stood the chimney (now collapsed).
	The leat crossing of Drizzlecombe at SX 591674.
	Looking NE from SX 585666. On the right lies the Plym valley
	Ditsworthy Warren House (SX 584662). This was the centre of an extensive warren business in the 19th century.
	The dog enclosure of Ditsworthy Warren House with 2 kennels built into the wall. At one time this would have housed a pack of 17 rabbiting dogs (plus ferrets).
	A dog kennel built into the enclosure. Sometimes these were too damp for the dogs to stay in.
	Looking NE up the Plym valley from SX 585665.
	One of the stone rows at Drizzlecombe (SX 591669).
	A large standing stone adjoining a stone row at Drizzlecombe.
	The other large stone at Drizzlecombe. This is the tallest menhir on Dartmoor.
	Looking NE up the valley of the Plym at SX 597671.
	The Langcombe brook joins the Plym near the ford of Plym Steps at SX 602672
	This is where the Plym leaves Evil Combe. Evil probably derives from the miner's name for a pick. There are lots of tin remains around here.
	The boggy ground of Evil Combe at SX 605678.
	The upper reaches of the Plym valley.
	Looking back (SW) down the Plym valley from SX 612687. We are on the Abbot's Way now.
	Approaching Nun's Cross Farm.
	There's a storm approaching.
	The clouds gather over Fox Tor Mire