Herb Piper

01392 811365 (herbpiper@hotmail.com) Mobile - 07773552906

The Whitestone Walkers held its first walk in March 2007 and was attended by four people. This group has now expanded to over twenty. We are not a club; we do not have membership fees, committees, insurance etc., therefore each walker is responsible for his or her own safety. Being a resident in the parish is not necessary; anyone is welcome to join us. We normally meet at 9.30 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month at the Parish Hall car park and share transport where possible.  We walk in all weather and dogs and children are welcome on any walk. 
Details of the proposed walks will be published on this website two to three weeks in advance.

Next Walk – Sunday 5th May 2024

Start from the Parish Hall at 9:30am or Drewsteignton Square at 10.10am.
A circular walk of approximately 4 miles to Rectory Wood, Drewston Wood,
Drewston Common & Fingle Bridge. The Fingle Bridge Inn opens at 11.00
and The Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton Village (Newly opened community pub)
opens at 12.00.

The route is mainly good surface tracks but can be muddy in places.
Good walking boots or shoes are essential.

If you intend to go to Drewsteignton directly, please let me know
in order that we do not set off without you.
Email: herbpiper@hotmail.com Tel: 07773552906

Entering Drewsteignton from Crockernwell there is a car park on the left
just before the village square. Limited free parking in the Square and
free parking as you leave the Square in direction of Fingle Bridge.

Herb Piper

Whitestone Walkers Programme for 2022/2024

2nd January 2022	Herb Piper	Circular Walk near the River Exe
6th February 2022	Bryan Durrant	Circular Walk from Whitestone heading north
6th March 2022	Bryan Durrant	Circular Walk around Topsham
3rd April 2022	James Bryant	Circular Walk around and near Oldridge
1st May 2022	Bryan Durrant	Circular Walk from Otterton towards Budleigh Salterton and return
29th May 2022	James Bryant	Circular Walk on Dartmoor from Bennett's Cross
3rd July 2022	James Bryant	Circular Walk on Dartmoor to High Willhays
7th August 2022	Bryan Durrant	Circular Walk on Dartmoor near Princetown
4th September 2022	James Bryant	Circular Walk around Fernworthy Reservoir
2nd October 2022	Herb Piper	Circular Walk starting at Castle Drogo
6th November 2022	James Bryant	Abandoned circular Walk Scorhill & Shovel Down - Gidleigh
4th December 2022	Herb Piper	Circular walk starting at the Alphin Brook, Exeter
8th January 2023	Herb Piper	Circular walk on Dartmoor from Okehampton Station
12th February 2023	Herb Piper	Circular walk on Dartmoor to various tors
5th March 2023	Herb Piper	Circular walk near Fernworthy Reservoir
2nd April 2023	Bryan Durrant	Steps Bridge to Clifford Bridge and return
14th May 2023	Herb Piper	Okehampton through Halstock Woods and return
4th June 2023	Herb Piper	Sticklepath area
9th July 2023	James Bryant	Scorhill & Shovel Down - Gidleigh
6th August 2023	Herb Piper	Meldon Quarry to Dartmoor
3rd September 2023	Herb Piper	Oke Tor, East Mill Tor and return via Cullever Steps
1st October 2023	Herb Piper	From Drewsteignton Village Centre
5th November 2023	Herb Piper	Killerton
3rd December 2023	Herb Piper	Exeter canal area
7th January 2024	Bryan Durrant	Otterton area
4th February 2024	Jock & Sue Kirkpatrick	Darts Farm to Lympstone and back
3rd March 2024	James Bryant	Princetown and Yellowmeade
7th April 2024	Bryan Durrant	Stickpath to Belstone and back
5th May 2024	Herb Piper	Drewsteignton and area

Previous Walk – Sunday 7th April 2024

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 0930 or Finch Foundry
National Trust Car Park, Sticklepath (EX20 2NW) at 10.00am.

The walk was about 3.5 miles in total, walking to Belstone
via the lower slopes of Cosdon Beacon and then returning via the
higher path down the Skaigh Valley. There was a steep climb of
about 1 mile at the start.

Previous Walk – Sunday 3rd March 2024

Princetown and Yellowmeade
Met at Whitestone Parish hall at 9:15 am or at
Princetown Car Park (SX589735), near Princetown Fire
Station at 10:20.

The walk Was about 4.75 miles initially following the
track bed of the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway, also
visiting Foggintor Quarry workings and the tracking uphill
to North Hessary Tor before returning downhill to
Princetown.

Underfoot conditions were uneven in places and a little wet
so stout footwear was required.

Previous Walk – Sunday 4th February 2024

Met at the Parish Hall to share lifts at 09:30 or
Darts Farm to leave for 10:15.

The walk wass along the cycle/foot path to Lympstone and return.
The path is well constructed and walking boots should not
be necessary. Refreshments should be available in Lympstone,
The Swan pub or at the Puffing Billy on the way back.

The distance is 6 miles.

Previous Walk – Sunday 7th January 2024

Met by Otterton village green at 1015.

The walk was a figure of eight of about 4.5 miles to
Budleigh Salterton and back around the newly created wetlands
and over the recently opened Queen Elizabeth bridge.
The river path was muddy in places. Refreshments were available
at Otterton Mill at the end.

Previous Walk – Sunday 3rd December 2023

The next walk will be on Sunday 3rd December 2023.
Meeting at the Village Hall at 0930am or Alphin Brook Road,
just passed the entrance to Lidl, Alphington at 10.00am

Free on street parking available on both sides of Alphin Brook Road.

A circle walk of approximately 4 miles beside the Exeter Canal,
Riverside Valley Park the Alphin Brook, Clapperbrook Lane and The New Inn Alphington.

It is approximately 200 yards from The New Inn to Alphin Brook Road
for anyone not wishing to visit The New Inn.

Previous Walk – Sunday 5th November 2023

The next walk will be on Sunday 5th of November at Killerton Estate.
Meet at Parish Hall at 09.30am or Killerton Estate main car park at 10.00am.
A circular walk of approximately 4 miles.
The paths on the estate can be very muddy. Please wear appropriate footwear.

There is a charge for parking at Killerton if you are not a National Trust member.
Please confirm if you intend to go directly to Killerton so that we do not start without you.
Either email as above or telephone 07773552906.

Previous Walk – Sunday 1st October 2023

Met at Drewsteignton Village centre opposite the Drew Arms at 10.00am.
The circular walk was mainly on foot paths and bridle ways which were uneven and muddy
Good walking shoes or boots were essential.

Previous Walk – Sunday 3rd September 2023

Meting at the Parish Hall at 09.30 or at Belstone Village Car Park at 10.00am.
The circular walk was to Oke Tor, East Mill Tor and returned
via Cullever Steps. Distance about 7 miles.

Previous Walk – Sunday 6th August

Met at the Parish Hall at 0930 or at Meldon Quarry
car park at 1015.

The walk was 6 miles. The route from this starting point
included a walk to Sourton via Sourton Tors and Ice Quarry
and onto the open moor via Red-a-Ven Brook.
All routes included uneven paths at some points and walking
boots were essential.

Previous Walk – Sunday 9th July. Scorhill & Shovel Down - Gidleigh

Met at the Parish Hall at 0930 to share cars, or near Great Ensworthy,
OS 658895 at 10.15. The What Three Words Reference is Utter.Pasting.Groomed.

A circular walk took in Scorhill Stone Circle, clapper bridges,an
unusual holed stone, Shovell Down ancient stone rows, Kestor Rock and
rock basin and Gidleigh village. Distance was 6.5 miles.

Previous Walk – Sunday 4th of June

This walk was a circular walk from Sticklepath near Okehampton.
Met at the Parish Hall at 09.30 or the car park at the rear of
Finches Foundry Sticklepath at 10.00 am.

We walked to Cawsand Beacon via Ramsey.

The walk was wet and muddy in places and te paths were uneven
so boots with ankle protection was essential.

Previous Walk – Sunday 14th of May

The walk was delayed by one week due to Coronation and Bank Holiday.

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30 or Okehampton Railway Station at 10.16
The walk started after the train from Exeter arrived.
The circular walk was approximately 5 miles through Halstock Woods & Farm before
returning via the Army Camp. The bluebells were out in flower throughout the Halstock area.
The cafe and toilet facilities at Okehampton Station were welcome.
It was a swelteringly hot day throughout the walk.

Previous Walk – Sunday 2nd April 2023

Met at Whitestone Village Hall at 0930
or Steps Bridge car park (SX 803883) at 1000.
The car park was just off the Exeter to Moretonhampstead road (B3212)
about 200m up the hill from Steps Bridge.
The total walk was about 5.5 miles to Clifford Bridge with return on the other side of the river.
The track was very muddy in places and there was a steep climb at the very start.

Previous Walk – Sunday 5th March 2023

This walk was a lovely Dartmoor walk in the Fernworthy area.
The walk was approximately 7 miles starting from the field
just past the Fernworthy car park.
We walked to the Fernworthy standing stone circle and the headed towards
Teignhead Farm to view the twin stone circles nearby.
Good footwear was essential and gaiters were advantageous.

Previous Walk – Sunday 12th February 2023

The Whitestone February Walk was on Sunday 12th February 2023 because of
commitments to Whitestone Village Pantomime the previous week.

The walk was approximately 6 miles on Dartmoor starting
from the car park east of Rowtor. Map ref: SX 596.917.

We walked south west to Rowtor - West Mill Tor - Yes Tor -
High Willhayes - before returning via Dinger Tor & East Mill Tor.
Good footwear was essential and gaiters advantageous.

Previous Walk – Sunday 8th January 2023

The first walk for 2023 started from the car park at the rear of
Okehampton Railway Station at 10.15am.
Meet at Whitestone Parish Hall at 0930 to share transport or at
Okehampton at 10.15am.
The walk was on the direct climb over Klondyke to
East Hill and then the open moor.
Distance 6.0 miles.
There was a lovely cafe at Okehampton Station and toilets.

Previous Walk – Sunday 4th December 2022

Met at the Parish Hall at 09.30 to share cars, or at 9.45 to park on the Alphinbrook Road near Lidl.
The circular walk was around parts of Exeter for Christmas.
This was an easy walk (but thoroughly enjoyable) along the Alphin Brook and taking in parts of the Green Circle.
At the welcome stop at Double Locks, we enjoyed a hot refreshing cup of coffee.
About 7.5 miles!

Previous Walk – Sunday 6th November 2022

Met at the Parish Hall at 09.30 to share cars, or near Great Ensworthy (OS 658895) at 10.00. The What Three Words Reference is Utter.Pasting.Groomed.

The was was intended to be a circular walk taking in Scorhill Stone Circle, clapper bridges,an unusual holed stone, Shovell Down ancient stone rows, Kestor Rock and rock basin and Gidleigh village. Distance about 6.5 miles.
However, due to torrential rain and deep mud, it was decided to put the walk on hold until a later date.

Previous Walk – Sunday 2nd October 2022

The circular 6.2 miles started at Castle Drogo.
Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30 or at Castle Drogo car park at 10.00am
The walk was along Hunters Path to Fingle Bridge
via Drewston Wood and Rectory Wood.
Returned to Castle Drogo on the riverside path.
Decent walking boots or shoes essential.
Herb

Previous Walk – Sunday 4th September 2022

A gentle walk around Fernworthy reservoir. Meet at the Parish Hall at 0930 to share cars, or at SX665840 at 1015.
Directions:
Head to Chagford. Follow Manor Road south west and then south below Meldon Hill. The road splits. Take the right fork past Tunnaford and Hillhead Farm. You pass over a cattle grid just beyond where the Two Moors Way cuts across the road and the road climbs to open moorland with a wall to your right. Follow this to Fernworthy Forest. As you near the reservoir, there is a clearing between the trees on the left for free parking. Alternatively, there is a pay car park (£2.50) beside the reservoir.

We should have time to go into Fernworthy Forest to visit the Fernworthy Stone Circle where you will find a Bronze Age circle of 27 granite slabs standing in a clearing on a plateau of land. Good footwear is always recommended. The walk is likely to take less than3 hours but some refreshments are advisable.

Previous Walk – Sunday 7th August 2022

Met at the Parish Hall at 0930 to share cars, or at SX561708 at 1030.
The walk was a circular one taking in Devonport Leat, Crazy Well Pool, Combshead Tor, Cuckoo Rock, Potato Cave and the end of Burrator Reservoir. Distance about 6.5 miles. A mixture of open moorland and forest tracks. Good footwear was needed. There were some steep climbs, marshy ground, and high ferns. The walk took about 6 hours as quite a few stops were required.

Previous Walk – Sunday 3rd July 2022

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30 or Row Tor car park (SX 596923) at 10.15.
The walk was about 5 miles in total to High Willhays, the highest point
on Dartmoor and included Yes Tor on the way back.

Previous Walk - Sunday 29th May 2022

Bennett's Cross - Dartmoor
Grid Ref: SX679815
What Three Words ref: immediate.remake.bleak
Met at 9:30am at Whitestone Parish Hall OR 10:30am at Bennett's Cross.
It was a circular walk of 5 miles starting at Bennett's Cross.
The walk took in Hookney Tor, Grimspound, Challacombe Medieval Village and
About 2 hours duration.

Previous Walk - Sunday 1st May 2022

Met by Otterton village green at 10.30am.
The walk was a circular walk of about 5.7 miles down the river towards
Budleigh Salterton and then crossing over and following the coastal path back
around to Otterton. Refreshments were taken at Otterton Mill at the end of the walk.
There were a couple of short steep climbs and it was a bit muddy in a few places.
Bryan Durrant 01392 811328

Previous Walk - Sunday April 3rd 2022

Met at 9:45am at Whitestone Parish Hall.
It was an interesting 4 mile circular walk with some fine views commencing
from the lane adjacent to Lillybrook Bridge, Tedburn St. Mary.
The walk included a long steep hill over rough terrain to Tomhead Cross
near Oldridge.

Previous Walk - Sunday March 6th 2022

A circular walk around Topsham with a coffee break on the way.
Distance was about 3.7 miles and solid ground all the way.
Met at “The Retreat Drive” in Topsham at 10.00.

Next Walk - Sunday February 6th 2022

Started from Whitestone Village Hall at 10.00a.m. for a circular walk to the North of the village.
Distance 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday January 2nd 2022

An excellent fresh air walk to clear away the leftovers of New Year Celebrations!
The walk started from the Flower Pots car park in Okehampton Street, Exeter
and was along the footpaths by The Flood Relief, The River Exe and The Exeter Canal.

Previous Walk - Sunday 5th December 2021

The walk on Dartmoor started from Okehampton Railway Station at 0930.
Distance was approximately 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 7th November 2021

Started at 10.00am from the main car park at Castle Drogo.
Post Code EX6 6PB
Circular walk of 5.5 miles via Rectory Wood, Fingle Bridge & Hunters Path.

Previous walk - Sunday 3rd October 2021

Started from Finch Foundry Car Park at 10.00 am
Map Ref SX 941 642   Post Code EX20 2NW

The walk was about 6.8 miles and included
Skeigh Valley and the Standing Stones Circle

Previous walk - Sunday 5th September 2021

Started at Belstone Car Park at 10.00 am
Map Ref SX621938. Post Code EX20 1RB
The walk Was about 6 miles and included Presticott, West Cleave,
Scarey Tor, Winter Tor, Oke Tor and Belstone Tors.

Previous walk - Sunday 1st August 2021

The Whitestone Walk was a circular walk of approximately 5.5 miles,
starting from the car park near Rowtor south of the Okehampton Battle Camp
at 10am. Map ref: SX 596 922 We walked South to East Mill Tor and
Okement Hill before turning East and then North to return to start.

Previous walk - Sunday 4th July 2021

Cancelled

Previous walk - Sunday 6th June 2021

Met at Okehampton Railway Station at 10.00am for a circular walk
of approximately 5 miles.

Intended route was Tram Lines to Fatherford and then to the
East Okement river to Chapel Ford.
Return was be by Roe Tor or Roman Chair and Klondike.

Previous walk - Sunday 2nd May 2021

Met at 10am at the railway crossing in Stoke Canon for a four mile circular walk.
The route was flat and a bit muddy in places.
Street parking was available in Chestnut Crescent

Previous walk - Sunday 3rd January 2021

Met at at Whitestone Parish Hall. Walked south of village to
Holcombe Burnell, Garden Down, Woodhayes Farm & return via Springdale Farm.
Total distance was 5 miles along minor roads, bridle ways and footpaths.

Previous walk - Sunday 6th December 2020

Started from Whitestone Parish Hall car park at 09.30 am.
The walk was on footpaths, bridle ways and minor roads North of the village.
It involved undulating terrain with seasonal mud and good footwear was essential.
The circular walk was about 4.8 miles.

Previous walk - Sunday 1st November 2020

The walk started at 10.00am from the car park at the rear of
Finch Foundry, Sticklepath.

The route included the Skaigh Valley plus footpaths and
bridle ways around Belstone.

The circular walk was about 5.3 miles.

Previous walk - Cancelled - Sunday 4th October 2020

The walk in the Skaigh Valley and footpaths/bridle ways
around Belstone had to be cancelled due to a dire weather forecast for Dartmoor.

Previous walk - Sunday 6th September 2020

The walk was a figure of eight starting from Okehampton Railway Station
at 10.00am. The furthest point was Meldon Reservoir and a total distance
of 6.5 miles.
The majority of the walk was NOT be the Granite Way Cycle Track, but on footpaths
and bridleways which were very muddy in places.
Good footwear was essential.

Previous walk - Sunday 2nd August 2020

Met at the rear of Finches Foundry,Sticklepath near Okehampton at 10.00 am.
The weather was a bit showery but mainly dry and a good temperature for walking.
The walk was approximately 8 miles.

Previous walk - Sunday 5th July 2020

Met at Belstone Village Car Park (SX 621 938 or EX20 1RB) at 10.00 am.
The weather was favourable for walking and we covered about 5 miles at a leisurely pace.
A welcome tea or coffee was taken outside The Tors Hotel afterwards.

Previous Walk - Sunday 1st March

Met at Parish Hall 09.30am or in the Killerton Car Park (EX5 3LE) at 10.15 am
for a circular walk in the Killerton Estate. The car park was free for members but
£2 for 2 hours parking or £4 all day.

The weather was great with just an occasional shower.
Just a bit muddy underfoot.
Really enloyed there is a cafe at the finish.

Previous Walk - Sunday 2nd February 2020

Met at the Parish Hall 09.30am or Okehampton Railway Station at 10.00 am
for a circular walk of 5 miles along the Okement river.
Waterproof footwear was essential!

Previous Walk - Sunday 5th January 2020

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30 a.m. or on
Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton at 09.45 am.

The circular walk took in the river Exe and a part of the Green Circle.
Distance was about 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 1st December 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30 a.m. or Castle Drogo
car park at 10.00 am. The circular started at Castle Drogo
and took in Fingle Bridge and be along the river Teign before
returning to Castle Drogo.

With the amount of rain we had had recently, good footwear was essential.

Distance was about 5 miles.

A shorter walk was available. From the Fingle Bridge Inn (10.25 am),
along the River Teign on the Fisherman’s Path to the footbridge,
crossing the river and returning to the Inn.

Previous Walk - Sunday 3rd November 2019

Met at the Parish Hall car park at 9.30 am Distance about 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 6th October 2019

Met at the Parish Hall car park at 9.30 am or at
Killerton car park (SX621939 or EX5 3LE) at 10.00 am.
The circular walk skirted Killerton House, was up to
the woods, passed the old Columbjohn Chapel to the
original gateway to the (now gone) Acland Manor and
return.
Distance about 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 1st September 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30a.m. or on the road leading to
the Fingle Bridge Inn (EX6 6PW) at 10.00 a.m.

Thereafter it was road/track all the way. There was downhill on the
return path but nothing excessively steep and there were level bits between.

The walk was approximately 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 4th August 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30a.m. or at Okehampton
The walk was be along Granite Way to Meldon Dam and return via the Golf Links
and was be approximately 6 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 7th July 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30a.m. or at Okehampton
Railway Station car park at approximately 10.00a.m.
Walked to Fatherford Viaduct and then followed river to Chapel Ford and returned
There were good refreshment and toilet facilities at the station.
The walk was approximately 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 2nd June 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.30 am or at
Belstone Car Park at 10.00 am. SX 621 938 or EX20 1RB

The walk was a circular walk on Dartmoor.
Distance about 5 or 6 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 5th May 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09.40 am or at
Flowerpots Car Park at 10.00 am. SX912 922 or EX4 1DH

The walk was a circular walk across the Millers Crossing , along The Quay to
Double Locks public house and return on the opposite side of Canal and River Exe.

Distance just over 5 miles.

Previous Walk - Sunday 7th April 2019

Met at Whitestone Parish Hall at 09:30 am or at Haldon Belvedere Tower
(Lawrence Castle) grid reference: SX875861, Postcode EX6 7QY at 10:00am.

There was a large free parking area adjacent to the road at the entrance to the castle.

The walk was a circular walk of about 4 miles on forestry paths.
We stopped at Haldon café for a refreshment/toilet break (about ¾ of the way around).

Previous Walk - Sunday 3rd March 2019

The walk for Sunday 3rd March 2019 was cancelled due to dangerous high winds predicted.

Previous Walk - Sunday 3rd February 2019

The walk for Sunday 3rd February 2019 was cancelled due to the wrong type of snow in Whitestone!
Rescheduled for March.

Previous Walk - Sunday 6th January 2019

The walk for Sunday 6th of January 2019 was a circular walk of 4.3 miles
starting from the Railway Crossing at Stoke Canon via River Exe, Brampford Speke,
Burrow Farm and return.
Met at Whitestone Parish Hall Car Park at 09.30am or at Stoke Canon
near the Railway Crossing at 10.00am.
Had a lovely drinks stop at the Stoke Canon Inn at 12.00.