Fernworthy Reservoir to Winney’s Down

This 7.5-mile (12-km) loop starts at Fernworthy Reservoir, reaches Statt’s House on Winney’s Down, then returns by Sittaford Tor and Grey Wethers. Allow at least six hours; this is a full-day walk across remote moorland, not a short lap around the reservoir. The payoff is the change from a reservoir and spruce forest to open blanket bog, far-reaching views and a ruined peat-cutters’ shelter. Bring an OS Explorer OL28 map and compass, and be comfortable navigating with them. The route leaflet is not enough on its own.

Follow the stone path beside the reservoir, past the bird hide and over a footbridge to a meadow. After the barn, the route crosses Sandeman Bridge and follows forest tracks through Sitka spruce. Fernworthy’s stone circle and standing stones sit in a clearing; keep straight at the forest crossroads until the trees give way to open ground. Pass the old enclosures by Teign Head Farm, cross a stream and climb toward Sittaford Tor. From there, head across rough moor to Statt’s House on Winney’s Down. It is a small, ruined peat-cutters’ shelter in a wide, boggy landscape. Retrace this stretch to Sittaford Tor, then return by Grey Wethers’ paired stone circles. At Statt’s House, the shelter makes a useful foreground for the open moor behind it.

The forest tracks are firm, but the moor is rough and can be very wet; bog patches make route-finding slower. The stream crossing can become deep and hazardous after rain. If it is high, look upstream for a safer crossing or turn back. There is no food or water supply along the route. Dogs are allowed, but keep them on short leads from 1 March through 31 July to protect wildlife and livestock. A longer version descends to the East Dart for a waterfall and old tin workings, adding about 3 km over rougher ground; that extension is not included in the 12-km loop above.