The Mysteries of the Dewerstone

This is a popular walk, not only because of its proximity to Plymouth, but also because of the wealth of obvious industrial archaeological interest. The best way to experience this is to start from Cadover Bridge, on the edge of the open moor towards the Lee Moor China Clay Works. You follow the route of the pipeline that carried the china clay in suspension from the works to the drying kilns at Shaugh Bridge (seen in the car park), via settling tanks, the remains of which are passed on the walk.

The area around Shaugh Bridge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), nationally important for plants and wildlife, and there is a constant conservation programme going on here. The bridge itself dates from the late 1820s, and replaces one that was badly damaged in January 1823. Cadover Bridge was named in a charter of 1291 as 'ponta de Cada worth', so its name probably derives from cad, Celtic for 'skirmish'. The Plym is also referred to as Plymma, from the Celtic pilim, 'to roll'.

This is definitely not the place to be on a black winter's night - the Devil (locally known as 'Dewer') has long been associated with the Dewerstone. The Devil's fearsome pack of wisht-hounds are said to roam the desolate moors at night, seeking unrepentant sinners, whom they drive over the edge of the crags to the Devil waiting below. One of the more unpleasant legends associated with this distinctive granite formation tells of how an old farmer met the Devil carrying a sack near the rock and, not recognising him, asked if he'd had a good day's hunting. The Devil is said to have laughed, and to have given the farmer the sack. The farmer, delighted, rushed home - only to find that the sack contained the body of his son. And beware, the woods near the Dewerstone are said to be haunted at night by a huge, evil dog with red eyes. Such stories are common in moorland areas, and perhaps date back to a time when wolves still inhabited the more remote parts of the country. Their eventual extinction in Britain was largely due to this process of demonisation.

There are Bronze Age hut circles and cairns on Wigford Down, dating to at least 1000 bc, and Iron Age fortifications protecting the summit of the ridge. Cadover Cross, passed on Point 8, is an ancient restored cross - the modern shaft is made of red granite - set on the line of the Monastic Way between Plympton and Tavistock. It was found lying recumbent in 1873 and re-erected, only to fall and be put up again in 1915, set in a large socket stone. It stands over 7ft 6in (2m) tall.

While you're there

Buckland Abbey, in the Tavy Valley to the west of Yelverton, has strong associations with Sir Francis Drake. It was originally a small Cistercian monastery, and the house incorporates the remains of the 13th-century abbey church. There is a superb monastic barn, and delightful gardens and estate walks. Buckland Abbey is managed jointly by Plymouth City Council and the National Trust.

What to look for the dewerstone crags provide the best middle-grade climbing in dartmoor, and you are almost bound to see climbers from this walk. the main crag, devil's rock, rises 150ft (46m) from the banks of the plym; to the right lie the isolated needle and upper and lower raven buttresses. evocative names for the many routes here include hagar the horrible, if i should fall? and knucklecracker! in 1960 a climber found a late bronze age (c 1000 bc) drinking vessel here.

Where to eat and drink

There's often an ice cream van in the car park at both Cadover Bridge and Shaugh Bridge. Formerly the old Church House, the Royal Oak at Meavy, a free house with good food and attractively sited tables outside, is over 500 years old and is set on the village green near the famous 1,000-year-old oak tree from which it takes its name. Meavy can be found on the way to Burrator Reservoir north of Cadover Bridge.