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WALK 4
4 Circular walks around Axtown and Crapstone
These walks take you through farmland and moorland and quiet country lanes.
Our starting place for all the 4 walks is the ‘Dry Rock which is a very large rock outcrop on the edge of the old wartime Harrowbeer Airfield. By car from the Yelverton roundabout go towards Plymouth along the A386 and take the very first right turn and then immediately left into the old airfield and go along the old perimeter track until you reach the Dry Rock. Park in one of the bays or by the side of the road .Why is it called the Dry Rock? Well if you go back to Yelverton you will find a wet one.
Walk 1 and 2
Starting at the Dry Rock head towards the road that leads off from the A386 (about 20yds) Walk along the road and take the second left into Green Lane . (The first left goes to the Golf course passing an old bus stop shelter). Walk down Green Lane for about 500yds turning right when you see the rights of way marker on your right. Walk down the lane at the bottom of the lane cross the stile, and continue walking down through the field. Climb the next stile into another lane walk to the farm gate, closing it behind you.
This is Axtown farm an old 16th century Abbey farm, stop and admire the granite porch, and the old windows. On your left are the old shippens now all converted into living accommodation. Walking past these go to the next gateway look across the fields you can see another old farm this is Whistleigh farm again 16th century .
You now have an option you can either have a short walk of about 20/30 mins back to the Rock or a longer walk about 45/60 mins back to the Rock
For the shorter Walk 1 go up Axtown lane and turn right at the top of the road whether you walk across the road and along the old airfield or along the road you will very soon return to the Dry Rock
For the longer Walk 2 climb the stile in front of you out of the yard keep to your left and walk along fence line (which can be quite muddy) and the hedge until you see the stile, go over the stile and walk slightly to your right. The stile you can see in the hedge facing you is thought to be an old gatepost. Cross the stream walk up and across the field to the next stile in the hedge ( Its a lovely view when you are standing on the hedge.)
Go across the next field, this next stile is also a ladder so take care climbing it. Opposite is your next gate, through this one and look to your left the last stile. Go over this and walk along the unmade up lane passing houses on your left until you reach the road junction turn right and walk up Stokehill lane until you see the War Memorial. Turn right and go through the gate by the cattle grid next to the bus stop and onto the old airfield.
You are now back inside the Dartmoor National Park and walking the perimeter of the old Harrowbeer aerodrome.
Walking on the old airfield now reclaimed moor still keeping the road on your right you will soon want to stop and see that wonderful view down across Cornwall ; on a good clear day you can see the Tamer bridge. On your left are the remains of the watch tower imbedded in the moor. Keep walking and you will notice the old bomb bays on your way back to the Rock where if you are lucky you might find an ice cream van or want to stop at Knightstone for a cream tea.
Walk 3 and 4
Starting at the Dry Rock walk to Green lane (for directions see above).Walking along the lane go past the first rights of way marker. Again on the right hand side about a quarter of a mile further down the lane, you will see the second arrow. Admire the wall, the old skills have not been lost. Through the gate into the field and walk down on your right; the view here is spectacular as you look across to Cornwall . In the corner of the field is the kissing gate, through that and turn diagonally left to see the bridge over a small brook. Go over the bridge and up the path. When you get to the second field gate walk to the middle of the field and then go slightly to your right to head for the corner of the field and on to the little lane As you cross the field the farmhouse you see on your left is Venton farm, this is a grade two 16th century building.
Turn right and walk along the lane for a short distance until you reach the junction with Stokehill lane.
You now have two options
Walk 3: Turn to your right down the steep hill passing a house called Cumerew. Now it’s a slow climb up the road until at the junction you turn left back onto Green lane and back to the Dry rock which will take you about 30/40 mins.
Walk 4: Will take about an hour to get back.
Turn left up Stokehill lane. Shortly at the gateway on your right you can look across and see the rear view of Axtown farm. (See walk 1 and 2 above.) On your left a little further up the road is Stokehill farm all the barns now have been converted to living accommodation.
Keep walking along the road until you reach the War Memorial turn right and walk back to the dry rock via the old airfield (see above Walk 2). |
