Upper Plym Valley

Upper Plym Valley is a broad Dartmoor archaeological landscape containing more than 300 recorded monuments across roughly six square miles. Bronze Age roundhouses, enclosure walls, stone rows and burial cairns survive alongside later traces of rabbit farming and tin working. At Trowlesworthy, low stone boundaries and groups of house platforms help reveal a landscape that once held settlements and cultivated fields rather than today's largely open moor. English Heritage's downloadable audio guide adds context to features that can otherwise look like scattered stones. Plan this as an exposed moorland outing, carrying suitable navigation and checking the weather before departure. The recommended car park is at Trowlesworthy, east of Cadover Bridge, with onward exploration on foot. The terrain is naturally uneven and includes slip and trip hazards, so wear sturdy footwear and supervise children closely. Keep dogs on leads around freely grazing ponies and sheep.