What a great day out! The weather was perfect for the ramblers to visit the late bronze age settlement of Grimspound, first settled in 1300BC.

Eighteen members and four new walkers joined this seven-mile walk.

The terrain was easy, mostly of soft moorland tracks and field crossings. They set out from a car park off the B3212 heading a short way down the road, before turning south where they eventually crossed the Two Moors Way before climbing a track up towards the settlement.

One of the numerous historical theories for the name of this ancient site is that ‘pound’ is the name for such a walled settlement and it is close to Grims Lake stream therefore Grimspound seems logical.

It is surprising that such a large settlement was not built on top of a tor for safety against marauders, but as grim was also an Anglo-Saxon name for the devil, this was reputedly the home of the devil and a savage tribe, and may even have been wooded at the time, so was considered a safe enough position.

The large stone circle shows evidence of 24 stone houses and small circles within the boundary wall. The site is 4 acres measuring 145 by 170 yards. More information about this impressive historical site can be found at www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk and other websites.

After a coffee stop at the settlement, the ramblers made their way on past Kings Barrow to King Tor with its spectacular panoramic views, where they stopped for lunch.

The return was via the summit of Hookney Tor for the best views of the settlement.

From here they descended to join the Mariner’s Way, an ancient trackway stretching between Bideford in North Devon and Dartmouth in South Devon which was used by sailors to travel between the two ports.

It was then a short walk back to the cars. Next week, the ramblers will walk from Drewsteignton. If you wish to join the ramblers, please be at the post office in George Street Okehampton suitably dressed and equipped and ready to leave at 9.30am.