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Tavistock - Okehampton

Distance: 19 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
End points:
- Tavistock (Grid Ref SX482745)
- Okehampton (Grid Ref SX587952)

This length skirts the western edge of the moor, never as high or remote as some of the section to Buckfastleigh.

The valley of the River Tavy takes the Way out of Tavistock and over fields to the old mining settlement of Mary Tavy. From here, an outlier of the high moor is crossed, giving superb views to Brentor, crowned with its tiny medieval church.

More moorland fringe follows to the historic village of Lydford, with its two castles and Saxon walls. During the summer, the National Trust's walk through Lydford Gorge makes a superb way of reaching Lydford.

Tracks and paths lead to another stretch of moor at Sourton. From here Okehampton's medieval deer park and Castle are passed to enter the town.

Mileages between towns on route:
Tavistock-Mary Tavy: 5 miles
Mary Tavy-Lydford: 4.5 miles
Lydford-Sourton: 4.5 miles
Sourton-Okehampton: 5 miles

Public Transport: Buses at Tavistock, Mary Tavy, Brentor, Lydford, Sourton, Okehampton; trains at Meldon, Okehampton [both seasonal].

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

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

Notes on route: A couple of short climbs, but mostly quite easy; some stiles.