Oats Walk - 2002

The Oats walk across Dartmoor takes place most years on a Sunday in mid April. It is open to all. Walkers travel from south to north and get an exciting taste of inner Dartmoor plus a pasty, cup of tea and certificate at the end. There are 2 sections - the southern moor walk from Ivybridge to Postbridge and the Postbridge to Okehampton walk over the northern moor. Both walks are over 12 miles, but most people do the Postbridge - Okehampton stretch. 

The Oats walk is an ideal introduction to Northern Dartmoor for those who haven't ventured very far over the moor. Because there are many walkers around it is easy to see what the routes across the moor are plus you are secure in knowing that support services are around if needed. The walk is challenging without being taxing (bad weather excluded). 

Park at the Postbridge National Park bookshop (SX 646788) and take the Drift Lane path which starts at the western end of the car park. Proceed past Roundy Park, head in a NW direction, cross Braddon lake (a stream), walk over Broad Down and walk down to the waterfall. Cross the East Dart and make for Sandy Hole Pass. Skirt past Broad Marsh and make for Statt's House via the peat pass. Head due north over rough wet ground for Quintin's Man and then walk along the ridge to Hangingstone Hill. From this half way point a well defined military track takes us to Oke Tor and Winter Tor and then we drop down off the moor to the East Okement valley. The final part takes us through Halstock Wood, under the A30 and finally we enter Okehampton. Tired but full of achievement. 

	Just before 10am at the Postbridge car park. Teams are getting ready for the "official start".
	Going past the old enclosure of Roundy Park with the East Dart valley behind.
	Looking SE towards Postbridge from SX 635801. The ring of Roundy Park is easily seen.
	Looking northwards from the stile at SX 635805. On the left are the slopes of Winney's Down Brook. On the horizon is the dark shape of Fernworthy.
	Crossing the East Dart just upstream from the waterfall - SX 627811.
	Another view of the East Dart waterfall.
	Looking downstream along the Dart from Sandy Hole Pass.
	Elevenses near Sandy Hole.
	Looking over the wastes of Broad marsh from SX 621817. Cut Hill is on the horizon.
	Taking the peat pass (SX 619824) up the hill towards Statt's House.
	Checking directions and putting on waterproofs by the side of an old peat cutter's house (SX 621829)
	The drizzle has started. Looking south from SX 621834.
	Rain near Quintin's Man.
	Looking south down the ridge from near Whitehorse Hill.
	The cairn at Whitehorse Hill (SX 617855).
	The Whitehorse Hill peat pass.
	Halfway between Whitehorse and Hangingstone Hills.
	The northerly view from Hangingstone Hill.
	Carrying down the military road from Hangingstone towards Oke Tor.
	The Knack Mine ford over the Taw at SX 615885.
	Looking back at Knack Mine ford.
	Steeperton Tor on the right with Steeperton Gorge in between.
	Lunch break at Oke Tor. You can see a granite army hut in the background. This was used to house range wardens when live firing took place on the ranges. Their job was to prevent people or livestock from getting too near.
	Heading along the track towards Winter Tor. Belstone is in the background.
	Walking down into the East Okement valley.
	Crossing the East Okement.
	The East Okement as it passes through Halstock Wood (SX 608937).
	Path leading in towards Okehampton.
	Journey's end at the Okehampton clubhouse.
	Here we are with our certificates. From l-r Roland, Martin, Jenny, Jan, Brian, Jenny, Shirley and Fiona.