High Willhays

[john923]

Hello all
We had a short break in Dartmoor at the end of last week and did this walk on our last day. Started from the Meldon Reservoir carpark near Okehampton. There had been some fresh snow overnight and although there was still some low cloud around there were also patches of blue sky showing through which promised better things to come.
We took the path that skirts high above the northern side of the reservoir and then dropped down to the West Okement River, which we followed for 3 km upstream. This was a delightful stretch and although footprints showed we weren't the first that day we didn't see anyone else. Halfway along there is a patch of ancient woodland which is also a National Nature Reserve.

Setting off

West Okement valley

Looking back down the valley

Looking towards Lints Tor

We finally left the valley and headed NNE up the faintest of paths. It got a bit murky for a time as we ascended through the cloud but for once our luck was in and as we reached the top the last wisps of cloud were just disappearing. We had High Wilhays to ourselves for a while and the views were excellent, especially over to the SW towards Great Links Tor with a strip of shining sea beyond.

Approaching High Willhays

On the top

View SW to Great Links Tor

Summit plateau

The various outcrops that make up High Willhays all look about the same height so we went to each one and then it was just a short walk through six inches of fluffy snow to Yes Tor. After the obligatory Trig Point photo it was an easy walk back down to the start. Nice to have completed the first Hewitt of the year - but I guess we'll have to go north next time!

On Yes Tor

Yes Tor

[mountain coward]

I have to say Dartmoor looks soooo much prettier in the snow! Nice photos!

[malky_c]

I like the look of this! This is an area I have never walked in, and only seen briefly from the car once. Would definitely visit if I was down that end of the country.

[Gorf01]

Great to see my "current local tramping" getting a look in on Walk Highlands.

[canisp]

Love the summit photo’s

I was very interested to see this report as High Willhays is the furthest Hewitt from where i live, 350 plus miles, must make the effort soon.

[john923]

Thanks, canisp. We're up in your neck of the woods the week after next. Any chance of arranging some of your trademark blue skies?

[canisp]

We're up in your neck of the woods the week after next. Any chance of arranging some of your trademark blue skies?

I’ll have a word with the weather gods , though the road works in Keswick and round Ullswater may be more of a problem than the weather, good luck with your hill walks.