Looking for a magical slice of Dartmoor that won’t leave you breathless (well, maybe just from the wind)? Let me introduce you to Windy Post, one of the moor’s most enchanting granite crosses that’s been standing guard over this wild landscape for over 500 years.
What Makes Windy Post So Special?
Sometimes known as the Beckamoor Cross, this late-medieval granite cross is very well preserved. It stands at the lowest crossing point between the watersheds of the rivers Tavy and Walkham. But what really sets this ancient monument apart is its incredible character – today the time-worn granite pillar displays the effects of numerous cattle and ponies rubbing up against it which has resulted in a somewhat ‘drunken’ tilt.
Standing at a height of 2.09 metres, a circumference of 1.01 metres and an arm span of 70 centimetres, this isn’t just any old stone cross. The arms of the cross are octagonal with chamfered edges which according to Hemery, (1983, p.1009) gives it a unique facet among the stone crosses of Dartmoor. Plus, it’s absolutely covered in a multi-coloured coat of lichens which serve to emphasise its rugged texture – basically, it’s wearing nature’s own graffiti!
The Story Behind the Stone
This isn’t just a pretty face in the wilderness. It would seem that the purpose of the Windy Post was to act as a marker of the Tavistock to Ashburton trans-moor track which in effect was an early medieval route which connected Buckfast and Tavistock abbeys. Imagine medieval monks trudging across these windswept moors, grateful to spot this reassuring landmark through the mist!
Over 100 wayside crosses survive on Dartmoor, where they were frequently used to mark the course of major pathways across the open moors. But Windy Post holds special significance as a 16th-century medieval cross historically used to mark the course of major pathways across the moors. This cross marked the moorland route from Merrivale Bridge to Moortown and on to Tavistock.
Getting There: Your Adventure Starts Here
The good news? This is one of Dartmoor’s most accessible ancient treasures. No need for mountain climbing gear or extreme hiking experience!
The Easiest Route
The most typical route to Windy Post Cross starts from a small car park at grid reference SX534751 on the B3357 road between Tavistock and Two Bridges, just east of Merrivale village. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Find the car park: As you drive from Tavistock, the road rises to the open moorland, marked as a panoramic viewpoint on OS maps. Just past the summit, there is a parking area to the right of the road, and, a hundred yards further on, a smaller parking area to the left (north). Park at this second car park
- Follow the leat: cross the road to the south side, and walk along the west side of the obvious gully – that’s the ancient water channel that’ll be your trusty guide
- Enjoy the stroll: Carry on for 700m and you will see Windy Post Cross on the far side of the leat, reached by a wide clapper bridge. From the parking area to the cross is no more than 20 minutes, and the going is quite easy, though it can be muddy in several places.
Alternative Starting Point
If you prefer, you can leave your car at the Pork Hill car park (SX531752) for the start of this short Dartmoor walk – yes, that’s really what it’s called! Follow the leat along to the South – this is a very pleasant way to wander, not least because leats follow contour lines so the going is flat. Carry on for just under a kilometre and you will come to an ancient cross called Windy Post at the point where the leat forks.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
The Grimstone and Sortridge Leat
This isn’t just any ditch – you’re walking alongside a piece of engineering history! This man-made watercourse has been faithfully carrying water across the moor for centuries, and for centuries this lone cross has stood upon the bleak moorland with just the murmuring Grimstone and Sortridge leat for company.
The Mysterious Bullseye Stone
Here’s a hidden gem that most visitors miss! A few steps from the cross is the Bullseye Stone. This vertical stone slab has been bored with a circular hole in its centre and placed across the leat to allow a measured amount of water through. This was common practice on Dartmoor to supply a set amount of water to farms. It’s like finding a medieval water meter in the wild!
A Secret from the Past
Keep your eyes peeled for a faint marking on the cross itself – there is, albeit only faintly discernable today, an Ordnance surveyors bench mark cut into the face of the southern side of the shaft, roughly 46 cm up from the ground. This benchmark has been there since 1887 so it can be assumed that the damage was done over 121 years ago.
Perfect for Everyone
This walk is genuinely inclusive – whether you’re bringing kids, grandparents, or friends who think “hiking” means walking to the corner shop. This is one of the most atmospheric moorland crosses on Dartmoor, and makes for a very enjoyable short walk.
Distance: About 1.4km (just under a mile) each way Time: 20-40 minutes each way, depending on how much you stop to explore Difficulty: Easy – mostly flat following the leat Dog-friendly: Absolutely, just keep them close to avoid wandering sheep and ponies
What to Bring
- Waterproofs: This is Dartmoor – the weather changes faster than your Netflix recommendations
- Sturdy shoes: It can get muddy, especially after rain
- Camera: You’ll definitely want photos of this atmospheric beauty
- Snacks: Perfect spot for a peaceful picnic by the cross
- Sense of wonder: Essential for fully appreciating this magical place!
Best Time to Visit
Honestly? Windy Post is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something different:
- Spring: Wildflowers and fresh green moorland
- Summer: Warmest weather and longest days
- Autumn: Dramatic skies and fewer crowds
- Winter: Most atmospheric (and probably windiest!) but dress warmly
Why This Walk Will Win Your Heart
There’s something deeply moving about standing next to this ancient cross, knowing that it is the symbol of faith that has aged in simple dignity – and at the same time a sign along the way – that still leaves a deep impression in the middle of this lonely landscape.
Unlike some of Dartmoor’s more famous tors that require serious hiking, Windy Post offers all the magic and history of the moor in an accessible package. It’s the perfect introduction to Dartmoor for newcomers, yet atmospheric enough to keep bringing locals back.
Should you wish to visit the Windy Post you are assured of a gentle stroll with wide ranging views. And trust me, once you’ve experienced the wild beauty of this place, you’ll understand why people have been making pilgrimages here for over 500 years.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Dartmoor: The nearest major towns are Tavistock (closest), Plymouth, and Exeter. Good train links to Exeter, then bus or car to reach the moor.
Parking: Free roadside parking at the designated spots mentioned above
Facilities: None at the site (it’s wild moorland!), but Merrivale village nearby has basic amenities
Accessibility: While the walk itself is relatively easy, it’s over uneven moorland terrain, so may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters
Make It a Day Out
Why not extend your adventure? The area around Windy Post is rich with other attractions:
- Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement: Ancient stone circles and burial chambers
- Pew Tor: A classic Dartmoor tor with stunning views
- Feather Tor: Another great viewpoint nearby
- Great Staple Tor: For those wanting a bit more of a climb
Final Thoughts
In a world of Instagram-perfect destinations and overcrowded attractions, Windy Post offers something increasingly rare: authentic, accessible history in a setting that feels genuinely untouched. It’s a place where you can connect with both Dartmoor’s wild beauty and its rich human heritage, all in the space of a gentle morning walk.
Whether you’re a seasoned Dartmoor explorer or taking your first steps onto the moor, Windy Post deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Just don’t forget to lean into that famous Dartmoor wind – after all, it’s what gives this incredible place its name!
Ready to explore more of Dartmoor’s hidden gems? This ancient landscape is packed with stories, legends, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Windy Post is just the beginning of your Dartmoor adventure.
