Lustleigh Cleave

About trip

Directions: From the parking area (only space for around 7 cars though) walk north up the lane (away from Lustleigh) and turn left up a narrow rocky path between the houses ‘Logan Stones’ and ‘Grove’, following bridleway signs ‘Cleave for Water’. At the gate go straight ahead signed ‘Hunters Tor’ and climb steeply up to the top, where there are lovely views towards Hound Tor. Turn right through oak woodland; eventually you reach open ground and follow the path straight on over the highest part of the ridge 1,063ft/324m) and across the remains of the Iron Age fort to reach Hunter’s Tor. Pass through the gate right of the tor and follow the signed path right downhill to meet another signed path left. Walk downhill through one gate, then immediately right through another and descend towards Peck Farm. Go through the gate to the left of the farm and straight on down the concrete drive. Shortly after turn left through a gate signed ‘Foxworthy Bridge’ and continue along a wooded track to reach the beautiful thatched hamlet at Foxworthy; turn right. At the path junction go left, signed ‘Horsham’. Follow the track into mixed woodland through a gate. After 5 minutes or so follow signs right for ‘Horsham for Manaton and Water’, to the River Bovey. Follow the river bank left for a few paces to the crossing (on boulders) at Horsham Steps. Note: If you are concerned about crossing Horsham Steps, don’t turn left for ‘Horsham’ at Point 5, go right, down the drive, which crosses the river. Take the first footpath left and keep ahead until you rejoin the main route during Point 6; turn right uphill. Cross over, taking care, and walk downstream to enter Bovey Valley Woodlands. Follow the path steeply uphill (the path avoiding Horsham Steps comes in right) and over a stile. Keep ahead to pass through a gate by pretty cottages (note the tree-branch porch). Keep straight on up the track, following signs for ‘Water’ through Letchole Plantation. 

If you want a lunch stop at the crossroads of tracks turn right (‘Manaton direct’) to meet the lane by the Water Mill. Take the second lane right to the Kestor Inn. Retrace your steps to the crossroads. 

Or go straight on downhill, signed ‘Bovey Valley’, to a split in the track. Keep left, eventually passing through a gate and continue down the steep, stony path. Cross the river on the bridge and proceed steeply uphill to the signpost. Go left, signed ‘Lustleigh via Hammerslake’, and left again at the next signpost (very steep). At the next junction keep ahead uphill; where the path forks keep right to reach the gate; turn right down the rocky path back to the lane at the start.