Bellever

Bellever Tor is a popular Dartmoor area - not least because it is easy to get to. Despite being surrounded by coniferous forests the view over South Dartmoor is excellent in clear weather. There are many remains of extensive old settlements, tombs and stone rows. Unfortunately, some of them are now obscured by the forests but there are still many to be found around Lakehead Hill. 

We parked at the Bellever Forest car park at SX 657772 and followed the road through Bellever to the forest. We made for Kraps Ring passing a lot of old remains on the way. Then we headed towards Bellever Tor and walked around the western  and southern slopes until we hit the southern approach path. From the tor we made our way back to the carpark via the forest paths.

This is an easy walk with gentle climbs and few wet parts. Mist is not likely to give you a problem here although you'll miss the views from the tor. Probably a walk to take your time over so allow 2 - 3 hours. No military areas.

	The eastwards view from SX 652773 looking over Bellever.
	Looking for a burial mound.
	Remains of a burial mound at SX 648774. A few years ago this would have been surrounded by sitka spruce.
	An excellent example of a chambered tomb with a stone row at SX 646776.
	A closer view of the tomb with the capstone cover still on top.
	A stone row at SX 644777.
	Another burial mound.
	A hut circle at Krapp's ring - SX 644782.
	A general view of Krapp's ring. There are many hut circles here which probably supported a settlement of over 200 people.
	Inside the conifer forest at Bellever. These plantations were set up after World War 1 when softwood shortage became of great concern.
	A cairn circle and cist at SX 644775.
	Another view of the circle and cist.
	Looking over towards Bellever Tor from SX 644773.
	A burial mound at SX 641765. This one has a well preserved cist with a good capstone.
	Walking along the southern side of Bellever.
	Approaching Bellever Tor from the southern path at SX 644763.
	Some of the rocks of Bellever Tor.
	More rocks at Bellever Tor.
	The edge of the forest at SX647765.
	Heading back towards the car park along one the Forestry Commission's roads.