Yealm Head, Cornwood, Dartmoor National Park
The River Yealm rises, or begins, at Yealm Head. Yealm Head is situated on the southern side of a vast, flat and boggy stretch of moorland called Langcombe Hill. You don't find many people up there. If you have an urge to go, we'd recommend walking after a long period of dry weather or after extreme cold when the high moor freezes.
We've positioned Yealm Head on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. You can walk in from all directions. We tend to follow the River Yealm to the beautiful Yealm Steps Waterfall and then continue up the valley from there. You used to be able to park at New Waste but it's now on private land so you have to yomp up from the Cornwood area (e.g. there's a car parking area just west of Cornwood).
Other routes include wandering up Langcombe Brook or Shavercombe Brook valleys. You ford the River Plym at the foot of each valley but only when water levels are low. You can also wander in from Erme Head via Plym Ford/Abbot's Way and via 492 from the Trowlesworthy Tors and Cadover Bridge. It's remote!
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