I always get a lovely feeling of excitement when heading up onto Okehampton moor with Maisie, the wide open space is vast and the opportunities endless.
You’ll see Okehampton Camp as you head on to Okehampton Moor. It was built between 1892-4 with the officer quarters located on the high ground to the south. The stables could house up to 760 horses. The officers’ stables still exist today and are used as troop accommodations.
These days the Camp is the location where they hold the incredible endurance challenge known as Ten Tors, held each May. The Ten Tors Challenge is attempted by 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six. The teams navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) over the Northern half of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tors / check points in under two days. Teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out overnight safely.
For us less adventurous folk, there’s something for everyone where walking is concerned. You can head in pretty much any direction you like, a lovely walk via Cullever Steps and Nine Maidens stone circle to Belstone, rolling hills and amazing views if you head to Meldon, across to Belstone Tors and Irishman’s Wall to Taw Marsh, or get your serious boots on and climb Yes Tor and High Willhays! We’ve listed some walks for you at the end of this blog.
Maisie has loved it up there from the start, I took her when she was just 3 months old and she was fascinated by the gorse bushes for some reason, and of course the lovely stream that has lots of places that are perfect for a pup-paddle!
Now at 5 months she can go a bit further, so it’s great fun to let her take the lead and just follow in her paw-prints. Last weekend we parked up in one of the many gravel parking areas and walked across the hill to the wonderful sight of Belstone Tors and Cawsand Beacon across the valley.
I’m lucky enough to live close-by, but if you’re planning a walk in the area yourself and are looking for somewhere to stay or eat, The White Hart in Okehampton is right in the centre of town, they welcome Service Dogs.
Dog-friendly pubs not far away include the Post Inn at Whiddon Down and the Globe Inn at Chagford.
Tea rooms and cafes/restaurants can be found in Sticklepath (N.T. Finch Foundry) or beside the A30 at Whitehouse Services
There are several hotels within easy reach, you can see them listed HERE.
If you fancy doing some exploring yourself, try these walks in the area around Okehampton Moor.