Two Moors Way – 40th Anniversary

The Two Moors Way is a walking route, originally inspired by a group of Devon Ramblers stretching for 102 miles between Lynmouth on the Exmoor north Devon coast and Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor.  The route was opened on 29 May 1976 by Councillor Ted Pinney, when four commemorative stones were set up at Ivybridge, Drewsteignton, Morchard Bishop and Lynmouth.

The route crosses the two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, with their very different characteristics and in between the walk passes through the rolling countryside of Mid-Devon. In 2005, the Two Moors Way was combined with part of the Erme–Plym Trail, linking Ivybridge with the South Devon Coast at Wembury, which extends the route to over 115 miles.

Much of the development and care of the route was undertaken by Joe Turner, ably assisted by his wife Pat, with the support of Devon County Council. Joe sadly died in the spring of 2004 and the County Council subsequently erected two memorial stones in his memory. These were created by the artist Peter Randall-Page, who cut a large granite boulder in half and the stones were placed facing each other on the northern edge of Dartmoor near Drewsteignton and on the southern edge of Exmoor at Badlake Moor Cross.

Since Joe died the TMW Association has fallen into dormancy. With the 40th anniversary of the route approaching this summer, and with the considerable support of Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks and Devon County Council, the Association is looking to rejuvenate itself. Future plans for this year include the development of a website, a new accommodation list, route information leaflet, certificates for walkers who successfully complete the route and badges.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary a walk led by John Howell is going to take place on 5th June 2016 starting in Chagford.

Sunday 5th June TWO MOORS WAY – 40th ANNIVERSARY WALK

Start: Chagford Village Car Park (fee paying) 10.30am Leader: John Howell

Grid Ref: SX 702 875

The walk of about 10 miles will climb Meldon Hill (only strenuous part), then follows lanes to Hurston, and will then use the TMW through Teignworthy and Teigncombe, then beside the Teign to Leigh Bridge, Chagford Bridge, Rushford Bridge and return.

A Moderate to Strenuous walk. For more information please mail to: John.Owl@btopenworld.com