Meldon

Nearby Meldon is amazing all year round with its wrought iron viaduct arching overhead. Here’s our favourite circular walk which begins a bit unpromisingly on a path parallel to the A30 ( park at ///stables.steps.zaps) but which soon has you following the river uphill and across a wooden bridge and one delight after another. Under the awe inspiring viaduct, past the quarry and everywhere the remains of old mining slag heaps and lime kilns. Another wooden bridge takes you back over the river from here with great views of the foot of the reservoir, Meldon Dam. It is peak-beautiful when the bluebells are out in late April /May (they are just coming out now.. bit early for peak 16/04/24) but there are always gorse bushes here. The river has formed steps which act as plunge pools to swim against and its a great place for picnics. From here you can make it a real hike and walk up to and round the reservoir to Black-a-Tor Copse, (///outsiders.according.laugh) one of the amazing remaining British rainforests. Or head for the buildings and the car park (///creeps.nicely.brushing)to get back on the quarry road and take a left. Somwhere around ///sushi.hill.distilled a short distance on the right, take the path signposted to ‘Rock Park’ When the path splits go left (or to the right steps take you to the top of Meldon Viaduct with amazing views of the dam and great close ups of the wrought ironwork). Pass under the viaduct and follow the very distinctive path through the woods which at the time of writing are soon to be carpeted with bluebells beneath beach trees as above! Follow the path down and back to the car. Our dogs love this walk but beware it is a bit sheer just after the first bridge and under the viaduct. Sheep graze here too and the odd wild pony.