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Writer's pictureClaire

Dartmoor Part 1 - Climbing Bench Tor, visiting the House of Marbles and a day out at Lydford Gorge

Our last week away on our three week epic summer took us to Dartmoor. The campsite we had chosen was Sourton Down Camping and Caravanning site. The site was very well kept and backed onto the Granite Way Cycle Route. Don't be alarmed at the close proximity to the A30 road, I have to confess I was, I didn't realise we were quite that close. However we were not really disturbed by it, and after venturing in the moors we realised there is no way we could get a big caravan any where near it. On site there was also the Pedal and Pump Cafe and a cycle hire was next door. So a lot of options are open to you here.


Our first day was glorious so we decided to do a shorter walk to Bench Tor. We started our circular walk parking next to Venford Reservoir. As you climb up towards Bench Tor, you circle around it whilst climbing upward in the mossy forest that is part of the Dart Valley Nature Reserve, and you can hear the river Dart flowing below. Whilst this is a shorter one, it doesn't disappoint, the views are vast and the differing flora and forna at different points make it more interesting on the ascent and descent. At the top we sat on Bench Tor and ate our sandwich whilst soaking up the glorious view.


In the afternoon we went to visit The House of Marbles, which is full of, well, Marbles. Not only are the marbles made on site but there is the history of marbles and glass blowing in the museum and some wonderfully constructed large marble runs. Also next to this and part of it is Teign Valley Glass Studio, where not only can you see glass blowing up close, which is fascinating by the way but the shop there of all the lovely glass blown ornaments and jewellery is a delight. So a good place for me to visit as well as the kids; win, win.


The next day we did not have a good weather day but it did brighten up a little in the afternoon. We decided to visit the nearby Lydford Gorge, so we could get the dog out and visit something that would interest us. Lydford Gorge is really two sites with a good walk inbetween. The first site takes in the White Lady Waterfall. This 30 meter fall is quite spectacular to reach it you meander along the River Lyd. We all especially Digby enjoyed this walk. Then you walk over the gorge to the part of Lydford Gorge that houses what is known as 'The Devil's Couldron'. This is a cauldren shaped Pothole that sits in the deepest part of the Gorge and the noise from the River is really loud. Walking there is part of the fun on steep slopes, carved steps hugging the rocks and peering deep into the ravine. Proper Indiana Jones stuff.


Venford Reservoir in Dartmoor

Labrador paddling in a stream in Dartmoor

Walking up to Bench Tor in Dartmoor

Walking in the Dart Valley to Bench Tor

Walking towards Bench Tor in Dartmoor

Bench Tor in Dartmoor

View to Venford Reservoir from Bench Tor in Dartmoor

Well earned pint from Dartmoor Brewery

Glass blowers in Teign Valley Glassworks

Glass Blower in Teign Valley Glassworks

Huge Marble run in the House of Marbles in Dartmoor

Glassware in Teign Valley Glassworks

Blowing Glass in the furnace

Glassblowing and shaping

Boys walking in Lydford Gorge

Boys on a rope bridge in Lydford Gorge

White Lady waterfall in Lydford Gorge

Walking towards the Devil's Cauldron in Lydford Gorge

Devil's Cauldron in Lydford Gorge

Lydford Gorge

Lydford Gorge

Lydford Gorge

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