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Postbridge Circular Waterfall Walk

5 miles (8 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This nice circular walk takes you to some of the highlights around the village of Postbridge in the Dartmoor National Park. The route includes some moderate climbs with wonderful views over the East Dart Valley from the high points. There's also lovely waterside sections beside the East Dart River with some pretty waterfalls to see along the way.
Start the walk from the car park and information centre next to the two famous old bridges. The picturesque clapper bridge was built in the 13th century to enable pack horses to cross the river, carrying tin to the stannary town of Tavistock. From the bridge you head north to Hartland Tor along the East Dart River, one of two main tributaries of the River Dart. After about 2 miles the river bends round to the west, with the pathway taking you along some lovely waterfalls.
The route then turns south to take you across some pretty moorland scenery on Broad Down. You'll pass Braddon Lake and an ancient settlement on Chittaford Down before returning to the car park.
To continue your walking around the village, just head a short distance to the south to explore Bellever Forest. There's nice woodland trails, more ancient stone circles and a climb to Bellever Tor to enjoy here.
Also reachable from the car park is the fascinating Bronze Age hut circle at Grimspound and a pleasant waterside trail around Fernworthy Reservoir.
The long distance River Teign Walk and Lych Way ancient path, also run past the village.

Postbridge Circular Walk OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Postbridge Circular Walk Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

One of the highest pubs in England is located in the area and well worth a visit for refreshments. The 19th century Warren House Inn is one of the most famous on Dartmoor, sitting in an isolated position some 1425ft (434m) above sea level.  Originally built to serve the busy local tin mining community, the Inn was always a favourite haunt with miners from the neighbouring Tin Mines, including Golden Dagger, Vitifer and Birch Tor Mines. From the elevated position of the inn there are breathtaking views over the area. Indoors there's a cosy interior with oak beams and open fires. They do great food and are also dog friendly. The Warren House Inn lies at the very centre of Dartmoor between Moretonhampstead and Princetown on the B3212 with a postcode of PL20 6TA.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Road Bridge at Postbridge - geograph.org.uk - 989004

Road Bridge at Postbridge

The Postbridge 'clapper' - geograph.org.uk - 355114

The Postbridge 'clapper'

View from Hartland Tor - geograph.org.uk - 1391045

View from Hartland Tor

East Dart River north of Postbridge - geograph.org.uk - 1026255

East Dart River north of Postbridge

Hartland Tor - geograph.org.uk - 1288248

Hartland Tor

R Dart Waterfall

Waterfall on the East Dart River

Path over Broad Down - geograph.org.uk - 1800316

Path over Broad Down

East Dart valley - Dartmoor - geograph.org.uk - 68658

East Dart valley

GPS Files

GPX File

Postbridge Circular Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Postbridge Circular Walk.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)