Around Merrivale

Start point SX530751

Time 5 hrs +

Distance 12.75 miles

Guiness enjoyment rating 9 (still chasing his ball after 11 miles!)

This is a great walk. Long but not arduous and contains some fantastic scenery. Starting at the final car park/viewpoint along the B3357 between Two Bridges and Tavistock the view leading down Whitchurch Common just begs for you to get out and walk. From Pew Tor the walk goes along tracks and farmland through Samford Spinney and up a steep road before entering Walkhampton Common. This section requires you to snake through the gorse but it's worth the effort (not that you've got much choice) as you get a lovely view look backing as you reach the top and onto Dartmoor Way, heading East toward Princetown.

From Princetown you head up the hill toward the Television Mast. The mast was built in the late 1950s following a riot at the nearby prison when convicts took the Governor hostage and threatened to mess up his filing system if they didn't get better tv reception. Conditions are tough at the prison but they do get ITV2, 3 and 4. Over the hill from the mast and you rejoin the B3357. Go straight ahead and follow the track uphill to Great Mis Tor. This takes you right to the edge of the Merrivale Range Danger Area. Guiness, who is braver than me, chose to pose for the camera in front of the red flag, just to tell the army who is boss. On a serious point, do not enter this area when the flags are showing because if you do the army will shoot you.

Heading east this was my favourite section of the whole walk with the rocky landscape looking over at Great Staple Tor leading down to the River Walkham.

Guiness struggles with rivers, or even streams.  Puddles are about his limit.  It was only when I told him it was either get across or walk the 12 miles back the way we came that he plucked up the courage and got his paws wet.