Skerraton Down

Downs, Moorland in Devon South Hams

England

Skerraton Down

Horses in the Long Grass The valley floor widens a little just here and supports a swathe of marshy grassland which these horses are enjoying.
Horses in the Long Grass Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Skerraton Down is a picturesque area located in the county of Devon, England. Situated in the southwest part of the county, it forms part of the larger expanse of Dartmoor National Park. With its rolling hills, open moorland, and stunning natural beauty, Skerraton Down is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometers, Skerraton Down offers a diverse range of landscapes. From sweeping valleys to rugged tors, the area is characterized by its granite outcrops and heather-covered moorland. The down is also interspersed with wooded areas, small streams, and charming villages, adding to its appeal.

The rich biodiversity of Skerraton Down is a major draw for wildlife enthusiasts. The moorland provides habitat for a variety of species, including Dartmoor ponies, sheep, and birds such as skylarks and buzzards. Rare plants like the yellow bartsia and the globe flower can also be found in this area.

Walking and hiking are popular activities in Skerraton Down, with numerous trails and footpaths crisscrossing the landscape. The area offers stunning vistas and opportunities to explore its ancient archaeological sites, such as stone circles and burial mounds. It is also a popular spot for mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching.

Skerraton Down is easily accessible, located near the town of Tavistock and within a short driving distance of Plymouth. Its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and range of outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true taste of the Devonshire countryside.

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Skerraton Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.47126/-3.830399 or Grid Reference SX7065. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Horses in the Long Grass The valley floor widens a little just here and supports a swathe of marshy grassland which these horses are enjoying.
Horses in the Long Grass
The valley floor widens a little just here and supports a swathe of marshy grassland which these horses are enjoying.
Stone at the roadside Perhaps a boundary stone.
Stone at the roadside
Perhaps a boundary stone.
The way to the moor [1] At the road junction known as Cross Furzes, this 'no through road' leads past Haywood Hall to Lud gate and open moorland.
The way to the moor [1]
At the road junction known as Cross Furzes, this 'no through road' leads past Haywood Hall to Lud gate and open moorland.
Haylage store Seen from the minor road near the entrance to Forder Farm.
Haylage store
Seen from the minor road near the entrance to Forder Farm.
On Dean Moor [2] The path crests Gripper's Hill and the views open out.  The path across the moor  is no longer on the line of the Abbot's Way bridleway but runs somewhat to the north.
On Dean Moor [2]
The path crests Gripper's Hill and the views open out. The path across the moor is no longer on the line of the Abbot's Way bridleway but runs somewhat to the north.
On Dean Moor [3] The path starts to descend, giving wide views, as the moorland comes to an end. The path across the moor is no longer on the line of the Abbot's Way bridleway but runs somewhat to the north.
On Dean Moor [3]
The path starts to descend, giving wide views, as the moorland comes to an end. The path across the moor is no longer on the line of the Abbot's Way bridleway but runs somewhat to the north.
On the Abbot's Way [6] The path across Dean Moor unites with the line of the Abbot's Way bridleway just before the moorland section ends at this gate.  The Abbot's Way has a legend, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learning/dartmoor-legends/the-legend-of-the-abbots-way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learning/dartmoor-legends/the-legend-of-the-abbots-way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
On the Abbot's Way [6]
The path across Dean Moor unites with the line of the Abbot's Way bridleway just before the moorland section ends at this gate. The Abbot's Way has a legend, see LinkExternal link
On the Abbot's Way [7] The Abbot's Way bridleway, having just left the moors, now runs across farmlend.
On the Abbot's Way [7]
The Abbot's Way bridleway, having just left the moors, now runs across farmlend.
On the Abbot's Way [8] In an area of rough grassland, the Abbot's Way bridleway descends to cross the un-named stream, a feeder stream for Dean Burn.  The Abbot's Way has a legend, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learning/dartmoor-legends/the-legend-of-the-abbots-way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learning/dartmoor-legends/the-legend-of-the-abbots-way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
On the Abbot's Way [8]
In an area of rough grassland, the Abbot's Way bridleway descends to cross the un-named stream, a feeder stream for Dean Burn. The Abbot's Way has a legend, see LinkExternal link
Across the stream The bridleway crosses the un-named stream, a feeder stream for Dean Burn.
Across the stream
The bridleway crosses the un-named stream, a feeder stream for Dean Burn.
On Lambs Down [1] The bridleway continues to run across farmland.
On Lambs Down [1]
The bridleway continues to run across farmland.
On Lambs Down [2] The bridleway runs across the hillside of Lambs Down affording some wonderful views.
On Lambs Down [2]
The bridleway runs across the hillside of Lambs Down affording some wonderful views.
Forder Farm The farm is seen, across the valley, from the bridleway.
Forder Farm
The farm is seen, across the valley, from the bridleway.
On Lambs Down [3] The bridleways starts to descend to cross Dean Burn.
On Lambs Down [3]
The bridleways starts to descend to cross Dean Burn.
On Lambs Down [4] On its descent to cross Dean Burn, the bridleway passes through an area of gorse.
On Lambs Down [4]
On its descent to cross Dean Burn, the bridleway passes through an area of gorse.
Towards the burn The bridleway drops steeply towards its crossing of Dean Burn.
Towards the burn
The bridleway drops steeply towards its crossing of Dean Burn.
Over the burn The bridleway ford Dean Burn but there is a bridge for walkers.
Over the burn
The bridleway ford Dean Burn but there is a bridge for walkers.
Towards the road The bridleway follows the rough track as it ascends from its crossing of Dean Burn towards the minor road.
Towards the road
The bridleway follows the rough track as it ascends from its crossing of Dean Burn towards the minor road.
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Skerraton Down is located at Grid Ref: SX7065 (Lat: 50.47126, Lng: -3.830399)

Administrative County: Devon

District: South Hams

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///ambushed.residual.maker. Near Buckfastleigh, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.47126,-3.830399
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.4706226/-3.8321284
Siren
Emergency: siren
Lat/Long: 50.4695389/-3.8298557
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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