Mists and gentle rain greeted us at Norsworthy and the gritty, scoured out cobbled lane led up to the old farm ruins of Nosworthy. Here the thick moss hides many buildings and smaller features.
Following the track above the Meavy we crossed via Leathertor Bridge. Up past the potato cave and then successful guided hunt for the fogou (more common in West Cornwall, this is the only one in Devon).
The ruins of Leathertor Farm towered castle like. A possible apple press base explored behind but no conclusions yet.
Along to the leat next we followed it's course to the complex remains of several farms at Stanlake.
A longhouse hunter's delight, there may be five here! With structures preceded by Bronze age huts it is a village fossilized through the ages of many thousands of years.
No records of who lived here until miner Richard de la Stentlake in 1281. The older buildings and circles even had glimpses of the sea from their higher vantage point.
Along the leat now, past the replacement Indian head and on up the Raddick Hill section, seemingly no one's favourite section but better to go up rather than down!!
Past Crazywell Pool and veering on to southerly track now, Cockle Gate and Roundypark ahead. Not enough time for Classiwell and Kingsett although in view.
Ralph Cockle commemorated his longhouse building by carving
RC 1648 on his entrance lintel (now safe at Burrator Discovery Centre in Wembley Walk).
Hut circles cleverly repurposed at Roundy Park, an intriguing multi century settlement like Stanlake.
Downhill now along the abundant "fungi walk" track within the woods and into the once backyard of Norsworthy Farm.
Perfect timing to a local hostelry where pre-ordering is a tricky hoop to jump through. Especially if you are a crab. !!
Anne