Red Brook

In some ways Red Brook isn't the most exciting place on Dartmoor. For one thing it isn't very red - it's green. And some might say that the stream is a little humdrum. But what that really means is that it is a subtle and quiet place where the unexpected could happen. Well situated on the high moor in a isolated place with all sorts of wildlife to see. The upper reaches of Red Brook are flat and a little boggy - like many Dartmoor stream heads. The stream travels quietly along the plateau until it gets to the edge and then hurtles down a steep valley creating one of Dartmoor's surprises - Henchertraw. This is a beautiful wooded series of small waterfalls.

Start by parking at Peek Moor Gate (SX 677593). There's only room for a couple of cars but it isn't terribly popular. Walk a short way towards Owley Corner (NW) but then turn SW and walk up the steepish hill to Ugborough Beacon. Then contour in a NW direction along the extensive plateau passing Spurrel's Cross and then onto the Puffing Billy track. We walked up to Three Barrows and then down to the small lake of Leftlake Mires. From Leftlake take a sharp change in direction and head SE towards Red Brook head. The ground could be a little wet around here. Follow the stream right down until you get to Henchertraw. Then head SW over the easy walking ground of Brent Fore Hill and make for Corrington Ball. From here you could either follow the wall that takes you to Glasscombe Corner and the Glaze Brook or else head SW over Corringdon Ball and make for Newland Brakes. Be aware that there is private land around here and that you'll need to adjust accordingly. Once at Glaze Meet then walk along the track until you get back to Peek Moor Gate.

The described walk is about 9.5 miles over fairly good ground apart from the wetness around Red Brook Head. You are high on the southern plateau so mist could be a problem in the comparatively featureless Red brook valley. No army ranges nearby.

The easier side to this walk is the very attractive Glaze Brook valley. Straightforward access and is an ideal place for a Sunday afternoon walk or a summer evening for the family. Good for children. Just get to Peek Moor Gate and walk where you will.

	Peek Moor Gate (SX 677593).
	The easterly view from the steep track that leads up to Ugborough Beacon.
	Approaching Ugborough Beacon.
	One of the rocks of Ugborough Beacon - SX 668591. Splendid views over a wide swath of South Devon country.
	Looking over towards Ugborough Beacon from Beacon plain (SX 662597)
	Spurrell's Cross - SX 659 599. This medieval cross marks where the Monks’ route from Buckfast Abbey to Plympton Priory met the Wrangaton to Erme Pound track. The cross has been repaired.
	Thirsty cattle and horses gather round one of the few pools on this stretch of the moor. The walk day was a hottish day in July.
	The "Puffing Billy" track - or the Red Lake clay rail track. The track was lifted in the mid 1930's. Makes for easy walking though.
	One of the barrows of Three Barrows (SX 653627) with the westerly view overlooking Stalldown.
	The railway bridge at Left Lake Mires.
	The reservoir at Left Lake (SX 647635). This was last worked in the 1920's.
	One of the boundary stones that line the wettish path that leads to Quickbeam Hill. The boundary is between Brent and Ugborough Moors. To the right is where the watershed of Red Brook starts. This ground is not the easiest to walk over.
	The valley of Red Brook - SX 657631. Doesn't look very red.
	Further on down the Red Brook valley. A level valley and very quiet. Not many people come here. It's the kind of place where the quiet walker could see the unusual and unexpected.
	The Red Brook stream at SX 664625
	Looking down into Henchertraw. This is where the Red Brook hurtles down through the rock strewn valley. One of Dartmoor's hidden gems.
	Walking over Brent Fore Hill towards Corringdon.
	The Neolithic long barrow at Corringdon Ball Gate (SX 670614). This is one of the oldest human constructions on the moor.
	The edge of a splendid little wood by Newland Brakes (SX 667605). There are some impressive trees here.
	The blowing house near Glaze Meet (SX 668604). A double mortarstone is clearly visible while to the right is a tin ingot mould.
	The Glaze Brook as it heads on down through the woods to join up with the Avon some 2 or 3 miles away. This is a beautiful place - especially in the summer.
	Looking back up the Glaze Brook valley in a July early evening. Truly a lovely place.