Cadover Bridge and Dewerstone Rock

Starting Point: Cadover Bridge car park area, Dartmoor National Park, Devon (Postcode: PL7 5EH is approximate for the area. Several car parks/informal parking spots are near the bridge).

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Approximate Distance: 3 - 5 miles (4.8 - 8 km) for a typical circular walk exploring the River Plym, Cadover Bridge, and the lower slopes or summit of The Dewerstone.

Estimated Time: 2 - 3 hours, allowing for some scrambling if climbing The Dewerstone and enjoying the riverside.

Walk Description:

1. From Cadover Bridge: Start from one of the parking areas near Cadover Bridge. This area itself is popular for picnics and paddling in the River Plym.

2. Riverside Path (River Plym): Follow paths upstream or downstream along the River Plym. The paths are generally clear but can be rocky and muddy. Enjoy the picturesque river with its granite boulders and clear water.

3. Ascent of The Dewerstone: For more adventurous walkers, take one of the paths leading up into the Dewerstone Woods. These paths climb steeply towards the impressive Dewerstone Rock, a large granite tor popular with climbers. The woods are ancient oak woodlands.

4. Dewerstone Summit Views: If you make it to the higher parts of The Dewerstone, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Plym Valley, surrounding moorland, and towards Plymouth Sound on a clear day.

5. Woodland Loop or Moorland Extension: You can create a circular route within the Dewerstone Woods or extend your walk onto the open moorland that surrounds the area, linking with other local tors or points of interest like Cadaford Tor.

Highlights:

• The beautiful River Plym with its clear waters and granite features.
• Exploring the ancient Dewerstone Woods.
• The challenge and reward of climbing The Dewerstone for stunning views.
• Classic Dartmoor scenery: tors, moorland, and wooded valleys.
• Opportunities for wildlife spotting, including moorland birds and ponies.

Tips for Your Walk:

• Footwear ESSENTIAL: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip are absolutely necessary for the rocky, uneven, and often boggy terrain.
• Navigation: An OS Explorer map (OL28 - Dartmoor) is highly recommended. Paths can be numerous and indistinct in places, especially on open moorland or within the denser woods.
• Weather: Dartmoor weather can change very rapidly. Be prepared for rain, wind, and sunshine, all potentially in one day! Visibility can drop quickly in mist.
• Livestock & Pony Safety: Do not feed or approach Dartmoor ponies too closely. Keep dogs well away from all livestock.
• Dewerstone Crags: Popular with rock climbers. Be aware if walking near the base or top of the main crags.

Cadover Bridge and The Dewerstone offer a quintessential Dartmoor walking experience, from gentle riverside ambles to challenging tor climbs.

Image: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons