Dartmoor, Devon

Shavercombe Brook and Waterfall

River

Source image

7.2

Wildland

Half day

Time

Check

Cost

Secluded

Feel

Remote countrysideValleyHillsWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.2

A sheltered waterfall lies in a remote-feeling fold of Dartmoor, reached by crossing feeder brooks and open moorland. Beyond the falls, views take in the Drizzlecombe standing stones, tors and the striking contrast of the Lee Moor clay workings.

Shavercombe is not simply a waterside stroll: reaching its tucked-away waterfall means crossing Dartmoor’s open moorland, while the route connects the River Plym’s feeder brooks with tors, prehistoric stones and wide views towards the coast. The landscape and journey are the draw; navigation and weather deserve respect.

Secluded · Wild · Dramatic

Find your way

Open map

Dartmoor, Devon

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Make the walk the experience. Follow a sourced route from Cadover Bridge across the River Plym’s feeder brooks to Shavercombe Waterfall, then return over open moorland via Hen Tor. Expect uneven ground and changing weather; do not assume the brook is safe or permitted for swimming.

Things to do

Walk to Shavercombe Waterfall

Follow a moorland route from Cadover Bridge to the sheltered waterfall beside Shavercombe Brook. The route sources describe uneven, open moorland; plan navigation and check conditions.

Included in the published 8.5-mile, approximately 4-hour circuit from Cadover Bridge.

Look for the Drizzlecombe standing stones

From the Shavercombe Brook area, look towards the menhirs of Drizzlecombe. The Guardian identifies one as Dartmoor’s largest standing stone and also points out the nearby Giant’s Basin cairn.

Take in Hen Tor and the moorland return

The published circuit returns across open moorland via Hen Tor, with views over the Trowlesworthy Tors and towards the Lee Moor clay workings.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow several hours; no short, verified route duration supplied.

Quick Escape: the waterfall out-and-back

01
Start from Cadover Bridge and follow a suitable mapped route towards Shavercombe Brook and the waterfall.
02
Pause at the sheltered waterfall, then return by your planned route.
03
Check route access, weather, ground conditions and daylight before setting off; the available route descriptions involve open moorland.

Half day · About 4 hours for the published 8.5-mile route; allow for stops and conditions.

Make a half day of it: brooks, waterfall and Hen Tor

01
Begin at Cadover Bridge and follow the route alongside the River Plym.
02
Cross or pass the feeder-brook landscape described in the route, including Blackabrook, Spanish Lake and Hen Tor Brook.
03
Continue to Shavercombe Brook and the sheltered waterfall.
04
Return across open moorland via Hen Tor, taking in views towards the Trowlesworthy Tors and Lee Moor clay workings.

Verified history

The route passes a landscape containing the Drizzlecombe menhirs and Giant’s Basin cairn, and overlooks the Lee Moor clay workings. The supplied sources identify these features but do not provide further dates or a detailed history of the brook itself.

Hidden details

The waterfall’s sheltered setting — The route description highlights a sheltered resting place beneath Shavercombe Waterfall, reached about a kilometre upstream along the brook on that described walk.

A standing stone in the wider view — Look towards Drizzlecombe from the brook area: the Guardian notes that one of its menhirs is Dartmoor’s largest standing stone, with the Giant’s Basin cairn nearby.

When to go

May · June · Early morning or late afternoon is suggested by the supplied source row for a quieter visit; this is not independently verified by the linked sources.

The source row recommends late spring and early summer for mild weather and flowering vegetation. The route sources warn that Dartmoor can be very wet and flooding can be a problem, so current conditions matter more than the calendar.

Dartmoor weather and ground conditions can change quickly. The Guardian route article specifically warns of very wet conditions and possible flooding. Check forecasts, visibility and route conditions before setting out.

The route

ascent: 250 m
surface: Moorland paths and tracks; rough or uneven terrain is indicated by the supplied route sources
distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) for the Guardian-described circuit
duration: Approximately 4 hours; the Guardian gives 4 hours and Walkingworld gives 3 hours 50 minutes
difficulty: Moderate, according to the route sources
route shape: Circuit from Cadover Bridge, returning across open moorland via Hen Tor
start point: Cadover Bridge car park, OS grid reference SX 554 646
parking start: Cadover Bridge is the stated route start. Check current parking availability and restrictions before travelling.

River Plym and its feeder brooks
Shavercombe Waterfall
Views towards the Drizzlecombe menhirs and Giant’s Basin cairn
Hen Tor and views towards Trowlesworthy Tors and Lee Moor clay workings

Worth pairing with

The Plume of Feathers, Princetown

The Guardian’s walk article suggests this inn as a post-walk stop and describes it as about five miles away. Check current opening and food details before travelling.

Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery

The Guardian article suggests the museum as a wet-weather alternative; check current opening and exhibition information before planning a visit.

What to look for

Look across from Shavercombe Brook towards the menhirs of Drizzlecombe, including the standing stone described by the Guardian as Dartmoor’s largest. Notice the change from sheltered waterfall valley to exposed moorland, and the contrast between the tors and Lee Moor’s clay workings.

The story

Prehistoric standing stones and cairn at Drizzlecombe; industrial landscape of Lee Moor clay workings

Best time to go

Spring to early summer for the season suggested by the supplied source row; the waterfall and moorland can be visited in other seasons, subject to conditions.

The source row recommends late spring and early summer, with early morning or late afternoon for a quieter visit. Treat this as a general suggestion, not a verified seasonal forecast.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Reach the brook and waterfall on a moorland walk from Cadover Bridge. The supplied route descriptions cover rough, open terrain; check current access, conditions and route information before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Cadover Bridge is identified as the start point in the published route descriptions. Check current parking availability and restrictions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting; the supplied Guardian walk article mentions the Plume of Feathers in Princetown as a post-walk option.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible according to the source row. Route descriptions include open moorland and rough terrain; conditions and navigation may make the walk challenging. Check current route conditions before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Brook, waterfall, river