Ashburton Down

Ashburton Down

Ashburton Down Group Walks | Join a Walk

241m Elevation
44m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

200-299m Tump

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Ashburton Down together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

241m

791 ft

Prominence

44m

Coordinates

50.5367, -3.7489

SX761722

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28S

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a substantial granite outcrop and a modest cairn, providing a perfect spot for a well-deserved rest or a cheeky selfie.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops dotted with heather and gorse making it both picturesque and slightly prickly if you're not careful.

Primarily composed of granite, Ashburton Down showcases the rugged beauty typical of Dartmoor. The granite formations provide an insight into the geological history of the region, dating back to the Permian period.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy expansive views of Dartmoor, including the distant tors and sweeping moorland. On a clear day, you might even spot the shimmering waters of the English Channel.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ashburton' is believed to derive from the Old English meaning 'farm by the ash tree' or 'river where ash trees grow', which fits the lush surroundings.

Historical Significance

Historically, Ashburton was known for its wool trade and is steeped in Dartmoor's rich mining history.

Popular Routes

West Dart Walk

Moderate

A scenic route starting from the West Dart River, winding through beautiful countryside before ascending to the summit.

8.2 km 2.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking area is at Ashburton Town Centre, where you can find a public car park for a small fee. Be sure to arrive early as spaces fill quickly!

Public Transport

Frequent bus services operate from nearby towns, including Newton Abbot and Totnes, providing convenient access to Ashburton.

Nearby Facilities

Ashburton offers several charming cafes and pubs, perfect for a post-hike pint and a slice of cake. Public toilets are available in the town centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Keep an eye out for sudden weather changes typical of Dartmoor; the weather can turn faster than you can say 'It's a bit breezy!'

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ashburton Down?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ashburton Down through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ashburton Down?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ashburton Down search or of course create your own walk for Ashburton Down

Can I organise a walk to Ashburton Down?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ashburton Down.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ashburton Down?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ashburton Down here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible