Conchies Road, Princetown, Dartmoor National Park
During WW1, many Conscientious Objectors were housed in Dartmoor Prison. In this time, they built what is know locally as 'Conchies Road' which runs from the Tor Royal area just east of Princetown across the moors towards Swincombe Bridge. The road stops about half way between these points. Roughly speaking, it follows the route of the old Tavistock to Ashburton Packhorse Track that you see marked on the Harvey British Mountain Map 'Dartmoor' map.
To visit, start from the centre of Princetown. There's a car park by the Princetown National Park Visitor Centre for which there's a modest charge. Note that there's free parking *for customers* at Fox Tor Cafe and The Plume of Feathers Inn.
Follow the narrow moorland road that runs east by Fox Tor Cafe to Tor Royal.
When you get to Tor Royal, continue east past a campsite to Bullpark where the Conchies Road starts. It's easy walking with huge views. Stop to see the Crock of Gold Carin Circle and Cist. At the end of the road, the views open up. It's a particularly impressive place to stop for a walking lunch.
At the end of the road, you can continue down to Swincombe Bridge and beyond to Hexworthy's The Forest Inn or loop south west around Royal Hill to Whiteworks and back up to Princetown. The route is marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.
From Conchies Road, you can also follow paths to Prince Hall Hotel for a cream tea.
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