Two Moors Way: Bennett's Cross to Chagford Bridge

Bennett’s Cross, at the start of this walk, dates from the 13th century, when it marked the route from Tavistock to Chagford. It is to have been named after a 16th-century miner. It was later used as boundary stone for Headland Warren (hence the initials WB – Warren Bounds – carved into it). Today there is clear evidence of a number of ‘warren’ sites scattered across the moor – both in place names and physical evidence on the ground – evidence of a once-prolific rabbit farming industry, an easy source of food and skins for miners and their families (see also Stage 2).

The route runs along the spine of Hurston Ridge near Fernworthy Forest. ‘Hurston’ comes from the Saxon ‘hare’ or ‘hoar’ stone, meaning a boundary stone. A large prehistoric stone once stood here, marking one of Dartmoor’s most important trackways, and later the boundary of the Royal Forest (the royal hunting ground, given to the Duke of Cornwall in 1337). An impressive double stone row with tall menhirs at each end still survives on the ridge.

Cross the road and head across the moorland on a beaten grassy path, which runs slightly to the left to skirt the rather boggy area at the head of the North Walla Brook.

On meeting another path (left for the Warren House Inn) veer right down the spine of Hurston Ridge, passing to the right of the stone row (see ‘What to look for’). Keep downwards along the ridge to meet the road leading to Fernworthy; turn right down the road and over a cattle grid.

Turn left along the Mariner’s Way – an ancient route across Devon from Dartmouth to Bideford – and down the drive to Yardworthy. Follow signs on for the Mariner’s Way, crossing the South Teign river by footbridge then ascending steeply to reach a road between Teignworthy and Frenchbeer.

Continue across several fields (damp in places) to Teigncombe; the route is clearly waymarked throughout this section. Turn right, leaving the Mariner’s Way (which continues through Gidleigh).

At a sharp right-hand bend continue down the rocky green lane to a lane (Gidleigh Park signed to the left). Bear right to cross Leigh Bridge, where the South and North Teign rivers meet.

Continue walking towards Chagford, soon passing Holystreet Manor, an impressive and listed granite manor with early 17th-century origins. At the next crossroads turn left to find Chagford (‘gorse ford’) Bridge (turn right for a short but steep climb into the town).