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The Meldon Dam Circuit - Circular Walk - 1 mile
Grade
Easy to ModerateType
WalkDescription
Meldon Dam Circuit - 1 mile - Circular route This short walk starting from the car park at Meldon Reservoir rewards you with fine views of Meldon Reservoir, the valley either side of the West Okement River, and of Meldon Viaduct. It involves a significant descent and ascent, along each side of the valley. Definitely a walk on which to take your camera! The walking surface is mainly along grassy tracks and is uneven - it can be wet and muddy, particularly after prolonged rain.
Walk Waypoints
- 1 Start at the car park, leaving through the gate above the public conveniences. Turn left along the track, and then immediately turn left through a gate (signposted 'Bridlepath to Meldon Viaduct').
- 2 Follow the path as it descends, alongside the wall. At the bottom bear right to a gap in the bank and on to a track. Follow the track down (notice the bed of the old tramway for the transport of rubble from local mines on the right. The cave on the left was a trial mine adit).
- 3 Continue to a footbridge on the right. A short distance past the bridge on the left are the dark waters of Meldon Pool, where a small outcrop of limestone was almost completely worked out ot a depth of 40m in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Cross the footbridge over the West Okement River.
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4
Notice the remains of a wheel pit for a waterwheel which drove the pumps and other machinery associated with the limestone quarry. On the left is rubble tipped from trucks on the former quarry tramway. After crossing the bridge, bear right over a grassy area, and cross a stream at a ford and stepping-stones.
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5
Continue on the grassy track ahead, parallel to the West Okement River. Then, when the track begins to climb, bear right, keeping parallel to the river, towards the dam.
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6
Climb the steps to the top and cross the dam.
- 7 Follow the lane and you will shortly see the car park and start point on your right.
