WW 29th December 2010

The anticipated cast of thousands did not materialise. Only sufficient for Mary, Joseph and the Three Wise Men.

However, there were enough present to follow the star. This proved to be rather difficult as the star was playing up, being a little eccentric. In the beginning it appeared in the north, then it veered to the south east and finally it settled in the south west. Not at all in accordance with tradition. Nevertheless, the voyagers eventually nailed it.

Having reached their destination, the travellers distributed gifts of cheese, crisps, shortcake, sloe gin, sherry and scotch and quickly switched roles, next appearing as a Heavenly (but, quite small and musically adequate) Host.

All in all the cast performed admirably considering their reduced numbers. They richly deserved their subsequent self-congratulations in the boyless Whitty

WW 22nd December 2010

Out there
in the snow
making their way
to their goal
and back again.
Thinking of Christmas
a time for people
to be together
to sit together
to eat and drink together
to care for each other
to talk about what has been
and what may be to come.
So wherever you were
and wherever you are
have a happy
and
peaceful
Christmas.

WW 15th December 2010

Well, there are only 18 months to go
so if we are to take this at all seriously
and stand any chance at all
of gaining a place
or even getting to the final
or perhaps gaining a shiny medal
then we need to get on with it.
No more wandering about
aimlessly looking at this or that
or even that or this.
No, we all need to knuckle down
take the bull by the horns
put our best feet forward
and get some in.
After all there is a lot at stake
if we are to make the most
of this opportunity
to show what we can do
on our home ground.
Onward we will strive
to achieve glory, not because it is easy
but because we won't be able to do it.

WW 8th December 2010

Oh dear it was very cold and frosty.
And it was very long.
We were out for ages.
Did I overdo it?
They were all very polite.
All five of them tough boys.
Even when I couldn't find the proper path and lost my gloves in the dark.
They were very nice about it.
That pool was frozen solid.
Not even that Mike Raz could smash it up.
We didn't get to the pub till nearly 10.25pm.
But they did still talk to me.
And the beer was very good.
And the fire was warm.
I think they still like me.
Oh dear oh dear.

WW 1st December 2010

As the mere scribe it is not for me
to pass judgement or ascribe values.
All I am tasked to do is to report
what people tell me
as faithfully as possible
that's all.
So on a beautifully clear evening
with a gentle cooling breeze from the East.
The party gathered and set off
apparently in good heart.
For an invigorating wander
around and up to Roos Tor.
And then to the total consternation
of someone unnamed to me.
Some lazy, indolent, bone idle alcoholics decided to head straight for the pub.
Having hardly warmed up let alone had a half decent walk. Just what next?

The Wednesday Walkers

WW 24th November 2010

Well what a gathering and what a surprise!
Even those who knew all about it were surprised
Just how surprising it was and how surprised he was
It is so surprising that any of the so youthful Wednesday Walkers
Could possibly be even 40, let alone 50 or even more
Surely not! Someone must be counting the wrong things
But whatever, it was a jolly good excuse
To have a party and celebrate all our times together
Particularly those with 'you know who'
You really did have to be there
And thank goodness he was
So a great big
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOSSER

WW 17th November 2010

At the usual time a familiar group gathered at one of the many places we start our walks. After a brief catch up on news they set off from the cars out and along onto the moor. Following quite well known tracks, up and along and round. The ground was quite soft in places and in others not quite so. Reasonably good progress was made and generally people kept close enough together. After a suitable length of time a short stop was made to gather together and check all was as well as it should be. Onward they went until a stop was called for a warming drink, something to eat and a chat. It was not too warm and yet not really cold so after an appropriate pause off they went, now rather more downwards than upwards. Soon enough the cars were in view and the trip made to the pub. Most everyone had a drink or even two and a good long discussion of what had been, what might have been and what may be. Then the drive home. For some quite a short drive whilst for others a little bit longer. All in all a thoroughly memorable walk.

WW 10th November 2010

We were amazed
Just how much?
£138 it seems
Just walked away while
It all clonked out
Tipped it on the bar
And left it to be counted!
The things you see
If you were there
To head over North Hessary
To King's and round
To the old railway line
Back to the PoW
Henry was there
This time dressed as a cat.

WW 3rd November 2010

Yes, I guess
we can agree
that it was dark
that it was rainy
that it was misty
that it was windy
and
that it is November
but
even some of the Whitty boys
turned up at Bellever
to head over Riddon Ridge
across the stepping stones
to Laughter
and on to Bellever Tor
and
then to the empty East Dart
where we were made
very welcome
perhaps over welcome
by the bear

WW 27th October 2010

A dark and misty night beckoned
Us out to a busy Four Winds
Striking out south the brook was crossed
And a steady climb led to King's Tor
Down again to the railway now disused
And round to pick up the tramway past Foggintor
Then up and up to the whistle of the wind
At North Hessary Tor and a welcome break
Then carefully Hollow Tor was passed
Now to the cars and on to the Whitty
Where round our table we gathered

WW 20th October 2010

on quite a fair evening
a fair number of folk
set out fairly quickly from Two Bridges
carefully round Beardown Tors to avoid the firing
as tracers fairly swished around
but they had no fear
as they gaily crossed the fairly fast flowing Dart
fairly steeply up to Longaford
then a fair way along the ridge
to Littaford and fairly swiftly to the cars
fair enough then

WW 13th October 2010

A windly twindly walk out of Lydford
Led us across Fernworthy Down
And out onto the open moor
The cars were streaming back from Goosey fair
As we set off up Arms Tor
On a clear evening
Before heading down, down
Some over some through the prickles
Past Frank's House
To make our way to the Castle Inn
No quiz night tonight
We settled into the settles
For a few beers

WW 6th October 2010

Well all I can say is it better be good
After all they have made a right mess
All over our lovely Moor
And there better had be
Lots of mud in the film
Because they made enough.
Our walk was a lot, lot better
You really had to concentrate
Or you would have missed so much
So much information
So much knowledge
So much deeper understanding of the past
So, so much to learn
Perhaps if I listened a bit more
I would learn a bit more.

WW 29th September 2010

Quite a gathering at Norsworthy Bridge
to set off on a quiet evening
as the light gently subsides
up past Spaceship Tor and on towards Down
round to the track
to Cuckoo Rock
the slight path down to Combeshead Farm
potato cave and campsite
before crossing the stream
up to Yellowmead Down underneath Sheepstor
down to the Arboretum
the cars and the Royal Oak.

WW 22nd September 2010

As the nights slowly draw in
And the weather forecast warns of heavy rain
Only the few will venture forth
Into the mist and cloud
Onward and upward
Guided only by map and compass
Finding their way
Unerringly to Arms and Great Links
Then as the rain clears
And the skies lift
Out to the tramway in the shadow of Great Nodden
Round and back
To pick off yet one more summit
Before heading back
To Frank's friendly place
For a cool draught
Then, predictably, the heavens open
For the drive home

WW 15th September 2010

Tussocks

WW 8th September 2010

From Warren House Inn to an old 'oven' and then to Fernworthy.
Below the dam and all the way round the reservoir.
We stumbled on a lonely toad.
With a clear sky a low planet like a torch through the trees and the odd shooting star.
Back through the forest to the pub.

WW 1st September 2010

So out we set in brilliant sunshine
Up onto the moor and round just by Simon Tor
to make our way to Brown's House as the light left
then round over Broad Down before returning down the dark track
to the cars and to the PoW

WW 25th August 2010

You had to be there but where were you?

This was a "Committee" walk and it was well short of a quorum.

However, it's a fact that if the Whitchurch Inn is the pub at least one Whitty boy will turn up. Even if, as on this occasion, he constitutes 50% of those attending. Bravo, David!

A lesson learnt - a route not well-used is a route to avoid - there are reasons for its unpopularity.

Another lesson learnt - it may be called "Summertime" but "It Ain't Necessarily So". (acknowledgements to Gershwin)

WW 18th August 2010

Out, out, out
Too far distant places
The other side
Of the moor
Little visited
Except for the people
Who go there
And when we get there
Up and over
And round and down
Then round and up once more
Looking out over Haytor
Then along along
Down down, down
Over the new bridge
With the old bridge watching
Then up, up, up and even more up
And along to the quiet pub
Yes even more up
Before getting back
And the winding road
Home

WW 11th August 2010

Gathering at Lane End and making our way to Ger Tor
we carefully wound our way round to Tavy Cleave Tor
with long views across the Cleave to Fur Tor
and beyond as the sun gently set behind us
on up to Hare Tor and across to Sharp Tor
for a break down and back to the cars
and on to the Elephant's Nest
for a cooling draught.

WW 4th August 2010

A predictably strong party gathered
for the annual trek to the summits.
They were favoured by fine weather
and a gentle breeze from the north.
As they set off from the car park
round the rapidly lowering reservoir.
Out onto the open moor and soon
directly up towards their first peak.
As the sun lazily set they enjoyed
their refreshments looking East.
On now along the ridge with the sun
gone as they reached their second peak.
Then down in the last of the light
back to the cars and soon on to the pub.
Just as it should be on a perfect evening.

WW 28th July 2010

Well they do say

that they can be quite hard to spot
that you have to wait
and wait
until the sun is setting
and the twilight draws in
before
if you look really carefully
and listen
you can spot one
so we did wait
and wait
and we did spot one
and even more.
Can you?

WW 21st July 2010

4 girls, 3 boys, 2 cars

William Blake skies, no camera

Smiley landlady, smelly dog

Big bright moon, twinkly stars

And so to bed.

WW 14th July 2010

You had to be there.

But, apart from Michael the Good and John the Obliged, You weren't!

And, who can blame you?

Gales and squales and squalls - the lot.

So, with "excused walk" notes issued to show to our wives, Back home.

Nice!

WW 7th July 2010

Think of our Olympic gold medal track pursuit team - Wiggins and Co. - and you have some idea of the nature of this week's Wednesday Cyclists.

Yes, they rode bikes. And yes, there were four of them. Ah well, I suppose the similarity ends there.

But, in truth, taking into account their handicaps - age, funny bikes and, at least for three of them, a very dim recollection of how to pedal - they did very well, thank you!

Be warned! There are vague threats of a WW's ride from Ilfracombe to Tavistock next year. On yer bikes.

WW 30th June 2010

Almost the full team
Out from Morwellham
On a sunny summer's evening
Along the river
Through the workings
Up into the woods
And along, along back
To celebrate
Someone's special day
So a GREAT BIG
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to YOU!!

WW 23rd June 2010

another

long evening
the perfect time
for an educative walk
around the farmsteads
of Burrator
lots to interest
all
of times gone by
how people used to live
thousands of years ago
and more recently
close to the land
close to the weather
close to the seasons
close to each other
all interdependent
one on another
people
just
like
us

WW 16th June 2010

mid June
the time of big skies
when the sky is so high
the ground seems to disappear
beneath
with long views
out
across a patchwork
of fields
to the sea
with the horizon
stretching right round
and the sea
meets the sky
far far away
seeming to go on
forever
and ever
everything
joined together

WW 9th June 2010

A bit of huff and puff from Postbridge

to a waterfall of slender tumbling silver

amidst the long velvet shadows

of a soft Devon evening.

Then Beehive and the high road home

with rolling, tor-topped hills

that stretch to far horizons.

All rather nice, really.

WW 2nd June 2010

Gathering in the car park
in the sunshine of a June day
looking south seeing a splash of blue
so headed that way
to quite a sight
a complete field of bluebells
and looking round
noticed more and more
the most amazing year for bluebells.
So down over Shapley Tor to Hookney
to gaze out for miles and miles
across the moor.
Then on to King Tor for tea before
heading down to pick up
the Mariners' Way
through the fields
back to the cars
to the Warren House.

WW 26th May 2010

Well I suppose it had to happen
How do you know a Persian Carpet is genuine?
Because somewhere in that vast web of knots
Is one tiny, imperfection
And so, after all these years
We know
Because it actually was a Grasshopper Warbler
No imperfections in our annual jaunt to Minions
Surprisingly many people to make that beautiful trek round
Over the Cheesewring and on to Sharp to Berah
And then the treat
The traverse of Twelve Men's Moor
To come back along the disused tramway
In the dark to the cars
For a glimpse of sounds and memories of times long back
In the pub

WW 19th May 2010

On a misty and surprisingly warm evening the small group gathered. They made their way up the eroded track to East Rook Gate and out onto the open moor. Heading north east along an ancient track the the sweet smell of gorse was all around. Following the wall, with Ford Brook alongside it, Oliver Sayer Gate was taken into High-house Waste. There was clear evidence of lots of cattle churning up the ground although none were to be seen. The Bronze Age settlement came into view bordered by the 19th Century wall. Over the wall easier ground led round to the Yealm and on up to the beautiful Yealm Steps waterfall. A break was taken with tales of adventures in far away, warm and sunny places. Heading north first to the blowing house and then south west across Penn Moor the old leat was picked up at the wall corner. As they headed downhill a strange, vaguely familiar sound was heard. Yes, nightjars are out there as well. So to the cars and on to the Cornwood Inn for a cooling drink.

WW 12th May 2010

WW 5th May 2010

Thanks a lot for this
I wondered why people here were looking at me most oddly
But now I have put my pants on my head
Things have changed completely!

WW 28th April 2010

Perhaps it should be called a splog.
Because that’s what we did, we ten:
down from Holming Beam for a bit of splog and splosh.
Then up, over and across to the Weir for coffee,
sunset views and Beardowns Red Flag in evening’s balm.
Then sudden mist and gloom,
a bit more splog and splosh downhill
and so back up to the cars and a princely pint.
Simples !

Randonnee Mercredi

HOME THOUGHTS FROM ABROAD or WAS THAT BIFURQUER A DROITE OU A GAUCHE
Well with Iceland having declared a clear skies policy and the French railways no longer warning of the trains approach to the next level crossing the Limousin has been even quieter these last few days than normal. In keeping with our usual habits Wednesday is a walking day, yesterday being no exception. We do however follow way marked paths, well I say waymarked but a balisage blanc every 500 metres sometimes leads to walks taking longer than indicated, yesterdays being no exception.
This is an area of granite outcrops but with much more woodland than Dartmoor so there is usually some wildlife to see along the way, deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers,etc. yesterdays walk started by the ruins of an Abbey with an etang. However no ruins and no etang, Good Start!! The French have so many different terms for turning in any direction, yesterdays included "tourner, emprunter, diriger and enjamber and of course aller. So we did all 5 as well as rigole a gauche.
And by way of a change we also came across a wandering minstrel playing a Ukele!!! Unfortunately there was no Bar at the end so it was a return home for the draught that refreshes, the temperature oh a mild 26c.

WW 21st April 2010

A co-educational walk,
Five girlies and eight chaps,
One new boy, a few old public schoolboys.
Discuss: Politics, Politics,
Holidays, Holidays,
'Look there's a plane in the sky!'
Volcanoes, dust, tectonic shift,
Politics. Politics.
Feta cheese and ricotta Greek pie,
I agree with Nick,
Funny ol' Mr Brown
What's happened to Cameron?
Fumbles in the dark for an old cross
And an apple crusher,
Then back to the dorm for a bedtime drink.

WW 14th April 2010

After a cold, cloudy day the sun comes out
to set.
And we set out from familiar places.
Out onto the welcoming moor.
That is exactly the same
and yet so different
from what it was like
in the dark.
We remember being here so many times
remember so many things
that we saw
and so many things that happened.
Reminders everywhere.
So, once more, round we go
exactly the same but all so different.
From the light
gently into the dark.

WW 7th April 2010

Car park was full with other walkers so we found a place by Two Bridges to park our cars.
After months of darkness we could see much Moor. Sunshine, a cool breeze and dry under foot for a change!
During the week the elections was called we set off to Crockern Tor the place of the Stannary Parliament. We searched in vain for a prized letterbox which had gone missing.
So onwards along the ridge – the place was Littar ed with a tor and then to a Longa one. Down to the Weir for coffee with the snaking lights of other walking groups visible and a satellite in the sky?

We then Beared all to get Down to the top and back to pub – Jail was in the air!
But some where missing – you had to be there to see it all.

The man with the scar led us afar,
10 did tread into a sunset so red,
As they wandered happily about
Very soon the stars all came out,
Mysterious events, came and went
Who was the couple in the tent?
Where lies the box from that happy event?
Which two planets were heaven sent?
Another had a fall, this time from a wall
You have to be there to know it all!

WW 31st March 2010

John, Jon, Michael and Mike set out from Combestone Tor
In the wind and the snow - my it was raw
Michael hit a tree and fell to the ground
With great concern all gathered round
"What a nasty gash" they declared with great glee
It's off to A&E for thee
So they kindly pushed him in his car
and with a smile and a wave said "Tara"
To Bench Tor they headed, wind at their backs
Happily sheltering in the lee of their rucsacs
Then down, down, down to the Dart
That crashed and roared giving them quite a start
Then on they stumbled - there must be a way
Without a path how they did stray
Finally they clawed their way up the hill
With snow blowing hard, such a thrill
To the cars and on to the Inn
And they were really surprised when someone was in
There concluded an eventful night
For those that were there, but not those who only might.

WW 24th March 2010

To Brown's House?
Across Broad Down
Through dark and mist and rain
Over tussocks and sticky gloop?
NO THANKS!
Not us!
Irving is happy to save that for a more befitting time.
He has a get-out-of-jail-for-free card up his wet sleeve.
We are the adaptable, pragmatic ones.
So, off to Laughter Tor and BEL 5.
With an apt Ho! Ho! and many a belly chuckle back to the PoW.

WW 17th March 2010

Unerringly out into the gloop
Straight across Ringmoor Down
Until Ditsworthy Warren House looms
Hop across the ford and up the track
Until quite suddenly a tree
Shavercombe for tea
Down to the weir
Returning to Ditsworthy
On to Gutter Tor
And precisely 2km to the cars
To the Royal Oak where
All in green
St Patrick had been celebrating

WW 10th March 2010

Unusual
Lane End, Wheal Jewell to Gibbett Hill
under a bright, diamond clear sky
With ground like iron underboot and
breath thudding out in chunks
The wobble of bright head torches
and Range Firing that really wasn't
Unless, of course, they were all using
silencers.

WW 3rd March 2010

The Raz Express roars into the night

Lights strung out in a chattering chain.

Winding through gorse and swerving round rocks

Sticks tip, tap, tip, tap, tippety tap.


First brief halt at Innominate Tor.

(What’s it called? Who knows!)

Off again – no slacking.


Wheezing and creaking

Leaning into the incline to Cox.

What a view (that was).

Plunging down.

Gathering speed for the long pull up Staple.

Up and up and up and HALT!


Refreshments.


Down again, stretching out along the leat

And catapulted up to Pew.

An involuntary dog leg and squeal to a halt.

Then cars and the Whitty – hooray!

WW 24th February 2010

We saw tors, four.

We saw cairns, three.

We saw urbant lights to the east (Ashburton, Teignmouth, Bovey ???)

But, mainly, we saw, and experienced,

That prickly, papilionaceous shrub of the genus Ulex.

Lots and lots of it.

We stumbled through Ulex Gallii (western, summer or dwarf).

We shouldered our way through Ulex Europaeus (European).

It was there standing tall in its mature form.

It stood ghostly and stick-like in its newly-swaled sooty form.

And it lay there in dense, plump cushions following the previous year’s swaling.

Be it furze, whin or gorse, it was there in abundancend, before the night was out, we’d had our fill.

Nice walk.

WW 17th February 2010

Sometimes, just sometimes things are less than expected
The forecast was for a nice cool, wind free night
But, is was very cold, wet and windy
So we went to Windy Post and on to Pew
Under a wall for a cup and on to the rather sad quarry that was
To Great Staple and back
So to recover we went with the boys to the Whitty.

WW 10th February 2010

Out to Sourton no less
On a cold and clear evening
Around and about
Some signs of dissent
Up to the loaf
For a warming cup
Then down, down
Round, round
To Sourton Tors
Then straight down
To the cars
And on to the rethatched Bearslake
For a cooling drink
Just as it should be

WW 3rd February 2010

Well what can you say? - not a lot really.
Did it rain? - no, not really rain.
So was it dry? - no, not really dry.
Was it clear? - sort of in and out.
Where did you go? - round Links and Dick's Well I think.
Did you get lost at all? - sort of, no, not really lost.
Did you know where you were all the time then? - some did I guess.
Wet feet? - a bit soggy I suppose.
Many people? - usual crowd give or take a few.
Get back in time? - yes we were back just after 10ish.
Many in the pub? - no, just us now I come to think of it.
Anything interesting happen? - well yes, there must have been.
Anything else you want to say? - can't think of anything.
Well thanks a lot!

WW 27th January 2010

Off they went.
The Magnificent Seven.
(The Old One, the Big One, the Young One, the One with all the Clever Things, the Thirsty One, the Creative One and the Vintnerising One.)
Boulters Tor car park,
Godsworthy (Higher and Lower)
Dogs and dogs …. and dogs.
Roos (Yes! Anti-clockwise – most uncommon!)
And then………
The Old One led off the tor with his Artificial Aid to Navigation.
The Big One, bi-sticked and long of legs, took over.
Down and down they plunged.
But, the Young One, with his brand-new Silver Boots and his wife’s brilliant Christmas present, said “Halt!”
His fresh, young and sensitive cheeks had detected, in the wind, an error in direction.
The Old One rechecked his Artificial Aid and nodded sagely.
The Big One loped back and off they went again, slightly chastened, in the opposite direction.
The One with three Artificial Aids to Navigation, in the meantime, wisely kept his counsel and his head down in the face of the driving wind and rain.
Wall corner, Stevens Grave and back.
The Thirsty One, fresh from the piste, was very happy to reach the P.T. Inn.
As was the Creative One and the Vintnerising One.

WW 20th January 2010

So all the snow has gone
And we have our reliable
Misty, soggy, dank Dartmoor back
So out we trudged
The band of ten
To Berra Tor
Then down, down to Double Waters
Then round, round to Grenofen Bridge
And on, on to where we should not be
And there the mighty digger
Building the ramparts
Of the new bridge over the Walkham
So that we will be able to cycle
From Yelverton to Tavistock
Or even from Tavistock to Yelverton
With ne'er a puff
Now that will be nice
So back to the cars
And on to the Drake Manor
And so, we are told
9.6 km precisely
How kind

WW 13th January 2010

We few.
We four.
A-splodge, a-plod and a-skitter
across iron-hard ground and ice-polished lanes to
snow still thigh-deep in drifts on Pew Tor.
Then back under gin-clear, diamond skies
and across Shorts Down to the Witty
only just in time.

WW 6th January 2010

Who knows
Who knows how many set out
Who knows where they went
Who knows
We do know
Some left Yelverton Bus Stop
Picking up at Pigeon Post
Out over Yennadon and on
Meeting more at The Royal Oak
And back
Admiring the hedge cornices