What is the Dewerstone?
Dewerstone Rock is a popular crag in South West Dartmoor. It’s named after Dewer, who is thought to terrorise the moors at night with his pack of phantom hounds. Humans are believed to have settled at Dewerstone Rock from as early as the Neolithic period. Bronze Age hut circles and field systems are still evident around the site today.
The rock face is set within an enchanting woodland, surrounded by moss boulders and the raging River Plym beneath. It’s a beautiful place to explore all year round!
The Route
The 3.4 mile circular route starts in the free car park at Cadover Bridge. Follow the footpath through the kissing gate and out into North Wood. The walk follows the river Plym closely your right hand side for a while, until branching off into West Down. You’ll rejoin the woods before crossing the river at Shaugh Bridge. Then, an uphill scramble brings you to Dewerstone Rock.
The walk takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete and the terrain is pretty challenging in places. If you’re looking for a more accessible alternative, you can park at Shaugh Bridge car park instead. There are still a few steep climbs but the path underfoot is much flatter and easier to walk. It’s a great place to explore in the summer, as there are plenty of places to cool off in the river along the way. The majority of the route is sheltered under trees too, providing plenty of shade.
Local Amenities
Both Cadover Bridge and Shaugh Bridge car parks are free to use. There aren’t any toilets en route, however there are a number of small villages with facilities nearby.
Meavy is a small village and civil parish just 2 miles from Cadover Bridge. There you’ll find the Royal Oak Inn, a traditional country pub serving food throughout the day. If you’re looking for a wider variety of eateries, continue on to Yelverton, which is a slightly larger village just 3.5 miles from Cadover Bridge. Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, is well worth a visit and is just over 10 miles away. There’s plenty to see and do in the city with your dog and there are excellent transport links to Devon, Cornwall and beyond.
Walking Tips
Dartmoor is famous for its free-roaming livestock, including sheep, cattle and the Dartmoor ponies. It’s important to keep your dog on lead around livestock, so they don’t worry or harm them. Dewerstone is a popular place for climbers throughout the year – you’ll likely see ropes over the rock faces as you pass. Be sure to keep your dogs close by as you go, so they don’t interfere or distract the climbers.
You’ll also need sturdy boots for this walk, as it’s incredibly craggy in places. The path is visible throughout the route, however it does turn into an obstacle course at times. The weather on Dartmoor is temperamental at the best of times, so be sure to be prepared for all weathers. Don’t forget to tell friends and family what time you’re expecting to be back, as phone signal can be patchy on the moors.
Where’s your favourite place to visit on Dartmoor? Have you been to the Dewerstone before?
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