I apologise for the lack of drama in my opening words, the failing to enthuse. The reality on this grey but dry day was a walk around the edge of Longstone Hill, take an obvious path due west of Yes Tor summit and walk eastwards up to the top and take a photo or three. I had always imagined the walk to Yes Tor would be a battle against the elements, a challenge of man verses mire boots verses bog.

You shouldn’t let the limited public access put you off exploring safely this part of Dartmoor as it is very bleak and atmospheric, drama and remoteness but easily accessible by road. Either distracted by food, weather or the MOD firing guns! The military have been using Dartmoor for over 200 years and this walk is partly within a live firing range.īefore walking on the firing ranges you need to check online or by telephone for the published firing dates and on the day of your walk you should always check for red flags flying from the observation points along the marked range boundaries. The plan was to walk from Meldon Reservoir in an easterly direction up to Yes Tor, a location for years I had always wanted to visit. Very much part of the attraction for me what the eye doesn’t see, the mind starts to imagine.

In a previous life I was fortunate to be able to work in a water treatment plant, so I have a good understanding of all that is hidden below. They each have a certain attraction and charm, perhaps that’s the engineer in me looking at things.Īs I walked across the dam, water and machinery could be heard rumbling away deep beneath the concrete superstructure. I’ve been spoilt for choice lately with Dartmoor dams. A short walk south of the car park brings you to the impressive Meldon Dam constructed in 1972.

There is a large car park at Meldon Dam, with toilets and a map of the area.

High tor rail trail