The Railway at King's Tor

This railway is a good example of the way that Dartmoor can destroy human enterprise. Tyrwhitt built the first tramroad from Plymouth to Princetown in 1822 largely to satisfy the demand for granite. For many years this was successful. After quarrying operations ceased it was used as the basis for the GWR line from Yelverton to Princetown. This was built in 1878 but despite some demand from increased operations at Dartmoor prison it was never successful. It closed in 1956. Today it would have made a marvellous tourist attraction.

Park at the western approaches to Princetown off the Princetown - Yelverton Road (SX 587732). The beginning of the track lies near a small wood just 100 yds north of the road. Just walk wetwards along the old trackway as it takes you towards King's Tor. You can turn off to the right (northwards) to inspect Foggin Tor quarry (where Nelson's column originated).  Continue around the tor (which gives superb northerly views over part of the Walkham Valley) until you can either follow the old trackway down towards Yelverton or else take the siding that leads into Swell Tor quarry. We took the latter. From here just backtrack to Princetown. 

This walk takes about 2 hours. It is very easy with no climbing involved unless you want to clamber over King's Tor. Even if the mist comes down then the railtrack will take you back to Princetown.  Maps and compasses should be taken if you plan to get off the track. 

	The start of the walk at Princetown (SX 587732). The railway track starts just by the trees and continues left in a westerly direction.
	View looking back at Princetown. To the left  is where the old GWR station at Princetown used to be.
	The first bridge along the line at Meavy Head. This part is popular with strollers - hence the guard rails.
	Looking back along the track towards Princetown.
	The first cutting along the old line (SX 572732).
	And the second railway bridge. The Tamar glints in the background.
	King Tor Halt looking northwards (SX 566732). The track leads into Foggin Tor quarry.
	King Tor Halt looking westwards. The track curls around King's Tor which is to the left (and just out of sight). Great Staple Tor is on the horizon.
	Royal Oak siding in Foggin Tor quarry. This is where the granite sections of Nelson's Column were quarried.
	Northerly view from SX 560737 looking over part of the Walkham Valley. The tor on the horizon is Great Mis Tor with the car park by the side of the Tavistock - Princetown road just below it.
	Another cutting at SX 554739 as the old GWR track circles round King's Tor.
	The trackway to the south of King's Tor. Another railway bridge at SX 555735.
	The track leading into Swell Tor quarry. On the left are partially finished corbels for London Bridge which were never collected.
	Two of the London Bridge corbels.
	Carrying on into Swell Tor quarry. Old sleepers lie on the old tramroad.
	A platform for loading granite onto the trains.
	The Swell Tor quarry (SX 559732)
	The railtrack back to Princetown.