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Upper Ockment

The upper Ockment valley and its subsidiary streams are rich in tin streaming artefacts. There are many remains of tinner's huts in this area. In addition this walk gives us the chance to experience an upper Dartmoor valley that isn't too difficult to get to and yet is very isolated. The views from Lints Tor are a highlight.
Drive along the military roads from Okehampton and make for the observation post at Okement Hill (Observation Post 15 - SX 603878). You can park there and then head along the southern track towards Hangingstone Hill. Turn left towards the shallow pool of Ockerton Court and then continue westwards down the slope towards the upper Ockment. This ground may be a bit wet or rough depending on season. Follow the stream path down past the Vergyland Combe confluence until you get to Kneeset Nose. Then walk directly west over the hill and make for Kneeset Foot. Alternatively you could follow the stream right around to the Foot. Then climb the hillside to Lints Tor where there are some excellent views. Head back to Kneeset Foot and then walk up the brim Brook until you get to the head area. From there it is a short eastwards walk back to OP 15.
This is a 5 mile walk that is pretty straightforward but some of the ground gets a little awkward. You are isolated on the moor in this area and you are in the army firing range so appropriate care must be taken.
Looking back at Observation Post 15 (OP15) on Okement Hill. This is a convenient place to park when walking some of the Northern moors.
The west view from SX 603869 (near Ockerton Court). Straight ahead on the horizon is Amicombe Hill while closer lies the Upper Ockment valley.
Another view of the upper Ockment valley.
This is where the Ockment and the Vergyland Combe stream meet. You can track their paths by the vegetation. Typical upper Dartmoor moorland.
A tinner's hut beside the Ockment at SX 594867. This hut is quite well preserved.
Walking down beside the upper Ockment.
Another tinner's hut. This one is at SX 589868 and is beside the Ockment.
Another view of the tinner's hut.
The third Ockment tinner's hut - SX 588869. This one is not so well preserved and lies in the grass near to the confluence of Brim Brook and the Ockment.
Looking back at the confluence of Brim Brook and the Ockment.
Lints Tor.
The upper Ockment.
This bright green suggests water. This is a watery blister on the side of the hill just above the stream. Step on this and it shakes. SX 578871.
View over the Ockment valley from Lints Tor. Ten Tor'ers refer to this as Death Valley owing to the steep sides.
Lints Tor - SX 580875.
The view over the Okement valley from Lints Tor.
The upper Ockment valley at Kneeset Nose from SX 585869.
This is a substantial Brim Brook tinner's hut and sometimes referred to as the Garrison on account of it's internal space and regular outline. SX 589872
The Brim Brook.
The third Brim Brook tinner's hut remains at SX 590876
The tinner's hut nearest the head of Brim's Brook - SX 591878.
The peaty ground surrounding Brims Brook.
The head of Brims Brook.
Getting back to OP15 before dusk.
 
 


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