Scorhill Down, Chagford, Dartmoor National Park
Scorhill Down is an area of moorland on the edge of Dartmoor's north moor. To the west, the land rises towards the National Park's highest ground. To the east, the countryside around Chagford becomes green and wooded. Scorhill Down is well known locally as the location of the impressive Scorhill Stone Circle. Nearby is the rocky outcrop Scorhill Tor and the beautiful Scorhill Gorge cut by the North Teign River as it runs through Gidleigh Park. Just west of Scorhill Down is a large area of mires and bogs. Numerous waterways flow through this landscape. Stonetor Brook, Gallaven Brook and Walla Brook all meet the North Teign River below Scorhill Down. Whilst there are routes through, we'd suggest you avoid this area. If you want to walk to the high ground via Scorhill Down, head for the northern section of the down and its higher ground. Wide grass tracks run across relatively stable ground between Kennon Hill and Rippator up to White Moor Stone Circle by Little Hound Tor.
To visit Scorhill Down by car, drive to the small parking areas at either Batworthy Corner or Scorhill Farm near Gidleigh. These two parking areas are on either side of the North Teign River and Scorhill Gorge. From Batworthy Corner, follow the line of the wall and trees to Teign-e-ver Clapper Bridge and Wallabrook Bridge. Scorhill Down rises in front of you. From Scorhill Farm, you pretty much walk out of the car parking area onto Scorhill Down. As ever, we'd recommend you refer to the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map for detail.
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