The area around Bellever Tor is covered by this OS map – OS Explorer OL28 (1:25,000)
Postbridge
Bellever Tor near Postbridge is a fantastic short walk that not only takes in the dramatic rock formations that Dartmoor offers but a range of prehistoric sites and stone circles that date back to the Bronze Age.
There is ample parking in Postbridge at the National Park Visitor Centre. (Sat Nav postcode – PL20 6TH Map – SX646787). While you are there the nearby 13th century stone built Clapper Bridge over the East Dart River is well worth a visit, and the Ice Cream served at the local shop is a special treat on a hot day!
The Route to Bellever Tor
From the car park turn right and head south west for about 100m, before crossing the road onto a forestry track. You could just head south along this track and it will lead you straight to the Tor but this route deviates to take in some of the prehistoric sites that feature in this area.
Head south for approximately 200m then turn half right along a prominent track to another track junction by a little stream (or drainage ditch) at SX645784. Head south keeping the little stream on your left and in a couple of hundred metres you will come into a clearing on the norther slope of Lakehead Hill, this is the northern edge of the Kraps Ring Settlement. Kraps Ring Settlement is about 60m in diameter and the remains of 11 Bronze Age huts have been found here.
Standing Stones
Continue south to the summit of Lakehead Hill and here you will find more Bronze Age cairns and stone features. These are clearly marked on the OS Explorer map and the route below highlights some of the locations – all worth a visit.
Bellever Tor
Bellever Tor (SX645764) is visible to the south and there are a couple of well defined tracks to chose from. When I walked this route I was very lucky to encounter a band of wild horses that appeared from the woods to west and moved into the open ground on the northern slope of the Tor. After sneaking up on them as best I could I retraced my steps back to the main track that leads up to the summit.
Bellever Tor offers a stunning 360º panoramic view of the surrounding national park. Take a while to explore the granite outcrops and enjoy the scenery. The route back is due north through the Bellever Forest, but don’t miss the Cairn Circle and cist at grid SX646774 (there is an opening on the right about 200m into the woodline).
