Norsworthy Bridge to Deancombe

Norsworthy Bridge to Deancombe is a 1.6-mile out-and-back (2.6 km round trip) on an old farm track above Burrator Reservoir. Starting at Norsworthy Bridge car park, it follows the track to the deserted Deancombe farmstead and returns the same way. Allow about 1½ hours for the full walk. For a shorter outing, the accessible picnic table about 300 metres from the start makes a turnaround of roughly 0.4 mile round trip.

Leaving the southeast corner of the car park, the track climbs steeply at first, then eases and levels out at a grassy farm area. The continuation runs about 1 km farther to Deancombe. Its wide gravel surface and slopes make it manageable for many visitors, but the opening climb is a real effort; the published access grade is category 2/3, “For Many.” The old track once served the farmstead higher in the valley. Old beech and oak trees and views down into Narrator Brook Valley give the longer stretch its character. In spring, you may hear cuckoos over the open land and woodpeckers among the trees.

Use Norsworthy Bridge car park at the northeast corner of Burrator Reservoir; the route starts from its southeast side. Public toilets are at Burrator Dam and the Discovery Centre, away from the trailhead. Dogs are allowed; keep them under close control on rights of way and put them on a lead if livestock are near. Mobile phone reception is unavailable around the reservoir.