Day 2 - Sunday 14 April 2024
Ivybridge to Holne (13.7 miles)
It's all very well looking as snug as a bug in a rug but it's Day 2 today Fudge and we have almost 14 miles to do.
There were two route options today - either the High or Low Route. The High Route is over moorland for the most part therefore if the weather is inclement and coupled with low cloud then the Low Level Route is probably the best bet. It was due to be clear today therefore we would be following the High Route over the moor.
There were two route options today - either the High or Low Route. The High Route is over moorland for the most part therefore if the weather is inclement and coupled with low cloud then the Low Level Route is probably the best bet. It was due to be clear today therefore we would be following the High Route over the moor.
Not content with kipping on post boxes, the same cat we saw yesterday decided to have a bit of a rest on a mobility scooter outside a cafe in the centre of Ivybridge. We were here to have breakfast with Roy & Bernie who we last met in Lynmouth when we walked the South West Coast Path in 2017.
Following breakfast we made our way back on to the route near the River Erme crossing over via New Bridge
The River Erme from New Bridge - our route would head up the right hand side of the river
The River Erme in full flow (Click Play to view)
The route passes the 'snail' turbine. This water driven turbine once provided power to Ivybridge's old corn mill.
The War Memorial dedicated to the American Soldiers who were based in Ivybridge - the memorial is located on the route in the riverside gardens on Harford Road. The 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment arrived in Ivybridge on 29 May 1943 and were based on the outskirts of the village at Uphill Military Camp on Exeter Road. A link to more information can be found here
The original Ivy Bridge from where the name of Ivybridge originates. The bridge was built in the 13th Century and was originally a packhorse bridge, subsequently widened after coach travel became the main mode of transport.
The impressive building that once housed Stowford Paper Mill
Crossing Stowford Bridge, the route enters the Dartmoor National Park - Fudge was clearly overjoyed to hear this news
Lovely new signage as we turn off Harford Road to head along a Public Bridleway
The Public Bridleway which leads to Harford Moor
The huge expanse of Harford Moor - Angie had come this far with us and would now return to Ivybridge and meet us later in Holne
And off we go - out into the wild blue yonder of Harford Moor
At Grid Reference SX 65125 58249 the path splits. The main route of the Two Moors Way goes off to the left however I wanted to walk up to the Trig Point on Butterdon Hill and then head along the ridge to rejoin the route further on - therefore I headed right.
Approaching the summit of Butterdon Hill and we have some company in the name of Dartmoor Ponies
Fudge atop the Trig Point on cairn studded Butterdon Hill. There is a stone row here that continues north and crosses the Two Moors Way further on along the ridge at Hangershell Rock. Stone Rows are a bit of an enigma - some are associated with burials and it is thought that they might even have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. There are about 75 stone rows and 18 stone circles to be found on Dartmoor. It has been suggested that some stone rows were used for astronomical sitings (not sightings), but this is unconfirmed.
A close up of Fudge on the Trig Point - to say we miss him is an understatement
Continuing along the ridge from Butterdon Hill with Piles Hill away in the distance
The large granite tor of Hangershell Rock
More Dartmoor Ponies as we pass a small tarn near Piles Hill
Lunch time for Fudge and his Duck on Piles Hill
Crossing Ugborough Moor I broke off once more to visit Three Barrows and its Trig Point - so called because the summit has three huge stone cairns, one reported to be the largest on Dartmoor. It was once known as Three Barrows Tor, and the huge mass of clitter to the west could suggest a ruined tor possibly buried underneath the large cairns.
The outlines of the buildings at Leftlake Mires Tin Mine - last worked in the 1920s
Passing a water filled pit at Leftlake Mires Tin Mine
The Two Moors Way Marker Stone near Red Lake. We would be turning right here - straight on leads to the abandoned Red Lake China Clay Works. We were now on The Abbot's Way, so named as it has been suggested that monks used it when travelling between Buckfast Abbey and those at Tavistock & Buckland Monachorum. It is sometimes known as "Jobber's Path", a reference to its origins as a packhorse route for yarn jobbers transporting wool across the moor since at least medieval times.
Another Two Moors Way stone points the way at Crossways
The 19th Century Huntingdon Clapper Bridge crossing over the River Avon. Fudge could not give a tinker's cuss about Clapper Bridges and the like - he just wants to go in the water.
From the Clapper Bridge we handrailed the north bank of the Avon for 3/4 of a mile to reach the 16th Century Huntingdon Cross. The cross, and others like it around here are ancient boundary markers.
Crossing the Western Wella Brook via another Clapper Bridge - this one was erected as recently as 2018 by the Dartmoor National Park Authority
Crossing the River Mardle at Chalk Ford - thankfully......................
............ there was a footbridge over to the right!
Next stop Scorriton where there is a pub apparently
Sadly we did not have time as we were meeting Angie in Holne - once in I'd never have gotten out!
The War Memorial in Scorriton
Not far now
Reaching an Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Stone, the last part of the route into Holne is up a steep hedge lined track - can't be that steep can it??
Yes it bloody can - as Angie's picture of it shows. Fudge makes it look easy whilst I blow for tugs and deploy my iron lung.
Arriving in Holne at the end of Day 2 - I really enjoyed today
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Day 2 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
13.7 miles
28.9 miles
5hrs 50mins
2414ft (736m)
28.9 miles
5hrs 50mins
2414ft (736m)