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Plym Ridge

This high ridge on south-west Dartmoor goes by various names, including Lee Moor, Penn Moor, Broadall and Shavercombe Head, but it is perhaps Plym Ridge, introduced by Hemery, that is most suitable. It is a truly empty place, extending for miles between Langcombe Hill to Shell Top, where you are unlikely to see another soul. The ridgeline is marked by a track which is often very soggy underfoot. The views from the ridge are exceptional. The top at 493m is close to a trig point (at 492m).

If you want isolation this is the place to be. Just don’t be up here when there is a thunderstorm because there is no shelter whatsoever.

Plym Ridge Mound 1

Max Piper Note: It’s not obvious in the photo, but this is one of at least two grassy mounds on Plym Ridge which may be tumuli. Indeed, old OS Maps show one on the ridge, though neither of the two I visited match up with the exact location. Alternatively, are these meilers related to peat cutting/burning?

Penn Ridge

Reference:

  • Sandles, T. (undated): Legendary Dartmoor, Gazetteer.