Attractions and Places To See around Lands common to Bridestowe and Sourton CP's - Top 20

The region offers several prominent natural landmarks and viewpoints. You can visit Yes Tor summit, the second highest point in Dartmoor, or High Willhays summit, the highest point on Dartmoor, both offering extensive views. Other notable spots include Great Links Tor and Widgery Cross at Brat Tor, which provides views extending to both the North and South Coasts on clear days. Further out, Kes Tor is known for its magnificent views and a unique rock pool.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit Widgery Cross at Brat Tor, a significant landmark erected in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Nearby, you'll find Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, featuring a 13th-century tower. Okehampton Castle, one of Devon's largest castle ruins, is also about 4 miles away. For a deeper dive into the region's past, the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton is a great option. Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement, about 8 miles away, showcases impressive Bronze Age monuments.

The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore various trails for mountain biking, road cycling, and hiking. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop' or 'Lake Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop'. For hiking, there are easy trails like the 'Meldon Dam – Meldon Reservoir loop' or the 'Widgery Cross at Brat Tor loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Easy Hikes guides for the region.

Yes, there are several options suitable for families. The Meldon Viaduct is part of the Granite Way, a well-surfaced, mostly flat cycle path perfect for families and children. Lydford Gorge, managed by the National Trust, offers a beautiful natural experience with a 30-meter high waterfall, though it has an entry fee. Meldon Reservoir is another tranquil spot for walking and picnicking, suitable for a family outing.

The deepest river gorge in the South West is Lydford Gorge, managed by the National Trust. It features a spectacular 30-meter high waterfall and offers scenic trails. Please note that it has opening times and an entry fee, which you can check on the National Trust website.

The Meldon Viaduct, which forms part of the Granite Way, is noted as being wheelchair accessible. This section of the trail is well-surfaced and offers a gentle experience, making it suitable for those using wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Some areas, like the vicinity of Yes Tor summit, are close to a military range. It is important to check for firing times before your visit to ensure safety. You can find this information on the official Dartmoor firing notice website (http://www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk/firing_notice_1.html).

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, with longer daylight hours. However, Dartmoor's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always advisable to be well-equipped. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter walks are possible, but require careful planning due to potentially harsh conditions on the exposed tors.

Yes, the area boasts unique natural features. The River Lyd offers a picturesque stepping stone crossing, with a wooden bridge available as an alternative. Kes Tor is distinctive for its large rock pool at its summit, formed by weathered feldspar crystals. Additionally, Lydford Gorge is a dramatic natural formation with a significant waterfall.

Visitors frequently highlight the incredible views from the summits. For instance, Yes Tor summit offers stunning vistas of North Devon and Cornwall. Similarly, High Willhays summit provides wonderful views, especially on clear days. Many describe the experience as seeing the 'raw and rugged Dartmoor' and appreciate the accessibility of these peaks for hiking.

While specific cafes and pubs directly on Sourton Common are limited, the nearby village of Sourton and the wider Okehampton area offer options. For example, the Dartmoor Inn, located on the A386, is mentioned as a landmark near the car park for Widgery Cross at Brat Tor. Additionally, a new cyclist repair shop, cafe, and retail shop called PUMP & PEDAL was anticipated to open near Meldon Viaduct, offering refreshment options for trail users.

Yes, the Tarka Trail is a notable long-distance path that traverses the region, offering extensive opportunities for walking and cycling. It showcases the diverse countryside and coastal scenery of the area, providing a great way to explore over multiple days or sections.

Widgery Cross at Brat Tor is a significant historical landmark. It was erected by William Widgery in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Constructed from ten courses of granite blocks, it stands as the tallest cross on Dartmoor, almost 12ft 8 inches (3.86 meters) in height, and offers impressive views from its exposed location.