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Tavistock - Lydford

Distance: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
End points:
- Tavistock (Grid Ref SX482745)
- Lydford (Grid Ref SX510847)

The Way first climbs high behind an old quarry before descending to cross pasture land next to the River Tavy, views of high moorland tors never far away.

After passing the old copper mining village of Mary Tavy the Way crosses higher land - this length gives superb views to Brentor church, a medieval building perched on a conical tor on the very edge of the moor and a landmark for miles around.

During the summer the length into Lydford can be followed through the spectacular Lydford Gorge.

Mileage between towns on route:
Tavistock-Mary Tavy: 5 miles
Mary Tavy-Lydford: 45 miles

Public Transport: Buses at Tavistock, Mary Tavy, Brentor, Lydford.

Relevant maps/guides: 1:25,000 scale:Explorer no. OL28 Dartmoor, 112 Launceston and Holswothy 1:50,000 scale:Landranger no.201 Plymouth and Launceston, 191 Okehampton and North Dartmoor.

Facilities along route: All facilities at Tavistock; pubs at Mary Tavy, Lydford; shops at Mary Tavy.

Notes on route: Generally reasonably level and easy; the Lydford Gorge route can be tricky when wet.