FEATURE
Adventure on the doorstep...
Gavin Kelly explores the
DEWERSTONE N
estled in a quiet corner of Dartmoor above the confluence of the Meavy and Plym rivers lies a hidden gem. A place of Dartmoor tales; ancient oak woodland akin to the famous Wistman’s Wood, hide steep boulder fields blanketed in thick moss and towering columns of granite, surpassing the scale of anything else on the moor. Rumour has it the rocks got their name from the ancient Devonian name for the Devil, who would unleash his Wisht hounds from their kennel at Wistman’s Wood to chase unsuspecting souls to their doom over the high cliffs. This apparently natural landscape hides a plethora of industrial and archaeological secrets on closer inspection. From the curious ruins of a China clay kiln that shadows the car park, a short foray across the footbridge (manhandled into position in 2010 with the help of the Royal Marines) finds the remains of an old iron mine, and trackways following the Plym and Meavy rivers as Please mention PLYM LINKS when responding to adverts
they diverge and ascend towards their moorland sources. A number of trails from here offer walks that explore the valleys’ other hidden history such as quarries, tramways and even the old counthouse and smithy, now used as a bunkhouse and activity centre. Recent events have for many further highlighted the importance of our green spaces for physical and mental health and well-being, as well as providing many examples of how we can leave our indelible marks on the landscape. The area around the Dewerstone provides a haven for a wonderful range of flora and fauna. In addition to the common sheep and odd pony that are found grazing the upper woodlands, early morning walks will not infrequently provide the pleasure of spotting red or roe deer. Walking through the woods in spring, you will often be confronted by a small green caterpillar dangling from a silken thread - this harmless larva of the Winter moth Visit our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk 5
