Black Hill

Black Hill is probably one of the most unvisited and isolated parts of north Dartmoor. It adjoins Cut Hill, and like Cut Hill it is scarred by peat hags which makes walking a bit tricky. It is a wet and exposed place and in the summer the grass growth can hide holes and other obstacles. This walk isn't a long one, but you do experience the wilderness of Dartmoor. There are excellent views over the isolated East Dart Head and the ridge of Hangingstone, Whitehorse and Quintin's Man. In good weather the southerly views are superb.

Approach OP15 (Observation Post 15) SX 603878 by the military road from Okehampton Camp. Park, take a southerly bearing and head down the rough path. Head off right, pass Ockerton Court and then head southwards for Cranmere Pool following the headstream up. From Cranmere walk south over wet ground to Black Hill. Admire the views and then head NE so that you are walking along the shoulder of ground that leads towards the East Dart and Taw watershed. There are a couple of wet but distinct tracks. From Taw head take the right hand side if you want to visit the Hughes memorial, but otherwise head northwards which will take you back to the military road that returns to OP 15.

The described walk is about 4.5 miles - although there is lots of scope to extend the walk to Cut Hill or Fur Tor. The ground is rough and wet and in poor weather this could be quite a challenging walk. A map and compass is essential.

This area lies in the army firing range.

	Looking over towards Yes Tor and West Mill tor from OP 15.
	Ockerton Court Pool - SX 603869 with Hangingstone Hill on the horizon.
	The north view down the West Okement valley.
	The north view down the West Okement valley.
	Looking NE from West Okement Head - SX 602859.
	Cranmere Pool - SX 603858.
	Looking east from Cranmere Pool towards Hanginstone Hill. Walkers approach on the horizon.
	August bank holiday at Cranmere pool.
	The Cranmere pool letterbox.
	Looking east towards Hangingstone Hill. This line is the watershed that divides East Dart head and Taw head. If you were a raindrop the wind would determine whether you end up in the Bristol Channel via Barnstaple or the English Channel from Dartmouth.
	Looking south towards the gentle slope of Black Hill. The ground is pretty wet and squishy from now on.
	The view towards East Dart head with Hangingstone Hill on the horizon.
	We're approaching the top of Black Hill. We are walking along the Black Ridge which is a major spine of the northern fen.
	The SE view from Black Hill.
	The diminutive cairn of Black Hill - SX 604847.
	The SW view from Black Hill with Fur Tor, Hare Tor and Tavy Cleave in the distance.
	The rough ground of Black Hill. The east Dart valley in the background.
	East Dart head with Hangingstone Hill on the horizon.
	East Dart head from the eastern slope of Black Hill.
	The East Dart valley with Black Hill on the right.
	Approaching the watershed at Taw Head - SX 609858.
	The view down the upper Taw valley from the steep banks.
	The head valley of the Taw.
	Another view of the upper Taw valley.
	Yet another view of the upper valley of the Taw.
	Ted Hughes's memorial stone on top of a grassy mound (SX 609865)- probably once the spoil heap of medieval tinners.
	Ted Hughes's memorial stone.
	Nearly back to the car at OP 15.