Plym Ford, Princetown, Dartmoor National Park

Plym Ford, Princetown, Dartmoor National Park

There are many fords on the upper section of the River Plym between Plym Head and Ditsworthy Warren House. Some are marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. Others are visible when you walk the river from source to sea. The most used is Plym Ford near Plym Head connecting the high south moor east of the River Plym to the moorland around Princetown and Burrator Reservoir. According to the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map, Plym Ford is on the Abbot's Way.

We've positioned Plym Ford on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

After a period of dry weather, when the water level is low, it's easy to cross the ford. Stones are placed across the water to help. After rain, when the water level is high, it can be very difficult to cross. If you have problems, head upstream and hop across the water channel. The area is covered with the remains of tin mining activity. Don't wander too far upstream as the banks of the river by Plym Head are boggy and lined with reeds.

To walk to Plym Ford, we'd recommend following the good path to Eylesbarrow Tin Mine. This path runs between Princetown and Gutter Tor. At Eylesbarrow Tin Mine, another path takes you east to the ford.

You can also cross the flank of Crane Hill using the route marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. This connects Plym Ford to Nun's Cross Farm. Don't try to walk direct from ford to farm as the moor is very boggy where it's marked 452 on the Ordnance Survey map.

If you're coming from the east, follow the path marked Abbot's Way on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.

Note that there are paths and tracks running up and down the west bank of the River Plym. Avoid Evil Combe by crossing the old mining works west of the River Plym. The moorland at Evil Combe is very boggy.

Other fords downstream include:

Plym Steps. We've turned back many times from Plym Steps. There are several water channels here. The upper channel is wide and impassable after heavy rain. If the water level is high and the current strong, wander upstream to cross at Plym Ford.

Shavercombe Brook Ford. This ford is marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map between Drizzle Combe and Shavercombe Brook. It's wide and potentially deep.

Ditsworthy Warren House Ford. Similar to Shavercombe Brook Ford, the ford here is wide and potentially deep.