Dr Blackall's Drive

Dr Blackall's Drive is a grassy carriage track of about two miles, cut round the heights above the River Dart by the owner of Spitchwick, Dr Thomas Blackall of Exeter, who bought the estate in 1867. It runs from Newbridge Hill, past Aish Tor and Mel Tor, to Bel Tor Corner, and gives wide views over the Dart gorge. Walkers use it today as part of the Two Moors Way and the Dartmoor Way.

• Route: Newbridge Hill, Aish Tor, Mel Tor, Brake Corner and Stumble Corner, to Bel Tor Corner
• Length: About two miles; about eight feet wide at its widest
• Made by: Dr Thomas Blackall of Spitchwick, after 1867
• Grid reference: SX 698 718 (approximate)
• Parking: Bel Tor car park, at Bel Tor Corner

In the guidebooks

By 1899 it was an established route. Sabine Baring-Gould wrote in A Book of the West (1899) that "it is called Dr. Blackall's Drive", and in A Book of Dartmoor (1900) of "a grassy track called 'Dr. Blackall's Drive,' that sweeps round the heights above the Dart and rejoins the road between Mel Tor and Sharpie Tor". In his Guide to Dartmoor (1914) William Crossing tells the rambler that from Bel Pool Island he may climb the steep hill to Dr. Blackall's Drive, and says the road was made by the late Dr. Blackall.

The Drive belonged with Spitchwick Manor, whose owner had it made. Who did the work is recorded in one account as Gerald Warren and his family.

On the way: Bel Tor, Mel Tor, Aish Tor, New Bridge.