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Horse HoleHorse Hole is the name on the OS map for a rather featureless and exposed part of High Dartmoor that lies south of Cut Hill. Holes on Dartmoor usually refer to a narrowed river valley or gorge but there aren't any up on this plateau - except for the peat hags. Horse Hole is associated with the Summer Brook which drains into the West Dart. The Summer Brook rises in a shallow peaty pan and as it curves northwards it flows past the small wet hollow of Horse Hole which can be quite difficult to make out. Horse Hole country is worth visiting simply because it is exposed and high up so the views can be excellent. On a fine day with little wind the silence is almost oppressive.Park by Holming Beam (SX 591765), walk up the track, and turn right down a short steep track towards the Cowsic. Cross over the wooden bridge and head up to the high point between Lydford and Beardown Tors. Then walk NE down to the West Dart where it loops around at Foxholes. Continue up the West Dart valley, past the spread out boggy ground south of Brown's House and on up the valley to where an old wall crosses from Rough Tor to Wildbanks Hill. Then climb up to Rough Tor. This walk then took a diversion and went south down the plateau to visit Crow Tor and then back up to Rough Tor. From Rough Tor head NE over rather difficult and wet ground to get to Horse Hole - this may take a bit of finding as the depression isn't obvious. Then head south on the plateau to the Beardown Man and back to Lydford Tor. From there it's an easy walk back to Holming BeamAbout 7 miles in army areas. This walk is in an exposed part of Dartmoor with awkward walking around Rough Tor and Horse Hole. In poor conditions compass navigation is essential as it would be very easy to get lost on the featureless plateau.
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