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Description
Belstone (not to be confused with Belstone in Hertfordshire) is a small village in West Devon once mentioned in the Domesday Book, it lies just over 990 feet above sea level and is 3 miles from the town of Okehampton. The village is on the Northern edge of Dartmoor National Park, the nearest high points just to the South are Belstone Tor at 1,508 feet and Cosden Beacon (Cosden Hill) at 1,800 feet above sea level.
Most of the area is 'open access' and has numerous paths, some of which are unclear especially on higher ground, FOR THOSE VENTURING ONTO HIGHER MOORLAND SEE EXTRA INFO BELOW.
The Area has two distinct habitats, the higher moorland and valley to Taw Marsh and Belstone Cleave (meaning steep valley) lined with trees and shrubs, the narrow River Taw runs through both (press stars on map for two routes).
Red Grouse (once common but now extremely rare) are a possibility, more common are wintering zlata prosenka on high ground. kozica, sloka, kanja and rjavi škarnik can also be seen.
During Spring and Summer kukavica, pogorelček, črnoglavi muhar, kupcar, komatar and severni kovaček are a distinct possibility as well as many others.
Details
Access
The A30 just to the North runs from Exeter (further to the East) to Okehampton (3 miles) to the West. If travelling from Exeter on the A30, near Okehampton look for Left slip lane signed Finch Foundry/Castle/Museum of Dartmoor Life and Station Visitor Centre. Take this slip road and stay in Left lane, at road junction turn Left signed Belstone/Sticklepath/Services and Finch Foundry. (A*) Continue on this road until crossroads and take a Right turn signed Belstone, continue on this (narrow at times) road until you cross a cattle grid (BEWARE UNFENCED MOORLAND POSSIBLE LIVESTOCK ON ROAD), the Car Park is further down this road on the Left.
If travelling from Okehampton direction on A30 towards Exeter, stay in Left lane and take Left slip road signed Okehampton (B3260)/Industrial Estate/Belstone/Sticklepath and South Zeal, at junction turn Right signed Belstone/Sticklepath/South Zeal and Services. Continue on B3260 that crosses over A30 and on approaching services (on Left) continue as (A*) above to site.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Forest , Grassland , Moors/heathland , Valley , River , City/village , Agriculture , WetlandConditions
Hilly , Flat , Rocky , Open landscape , Wet , MountainousCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved road , Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Car , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
BE WARNED. The higher moorland has challenging terrain, EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, ESPECIALLY DURING WINTER/AUTUMN/SPRING
DO NOT VENTURE ONTO HIGHER MOORLAND UNLESS YOU HAVE A MAP AND COMPASS OR GPS, TAKE SUITABLE CLOTHING EVEN IF WEATHER LOOKS GOOD.
MAKE SURE YOU TELL SOMEONE OF THE AREA YOU ARE WALKING AND LIKELY TIME OF RETURN.
Dartmoor National Park is a 'Free Camping' area (BUT NOT OVERNIGHT IN VEHICLES). DO NOT USE OPEN FIRES OR DISPOSABLE BARBECUES.