It came to pass on the shortest day of the year, that 11 wise people did climb up to the summit of Pew Tor. They did sing their hearts out. And at some point during the evening everyone did sing the right notes – but not necessarily at the right time. They enjoyed such wonderful treats as mulled wine, sausage rolls, crisps, cheese and mince pies, but most of all they enjoyed good company. Then some bright star mentioned the pub and as suddenly as it started, it was over and they followed him all the way there.
WW 21st December 2011
It came to pass on the shortest day of the year, that 11 wise people did climb up to the summit of Pew Tor. They did sing their hearts out. And at some point during the evening everyone did sing the right notes – but not necessarily at the right time. They enjoyed such wonderful treats as mulled wine, sausage rolls, crisps, cheese and mince pies, but most of all they enjoyed good company. Then some bright star mentioned the pub and as suddenly as it started, it was over and they followed him all the way there.
WW 7th December 2011
There are those who have been to deepest darkest South Africa and trekked through the wild bush who say that under a twinkly night sky it is not unlike Dartmoor - tearing gorse, ruined homesteads, abandoned diamond mines. And if your native guide loses the path and blunders down some deep lost valley there is no knowing what you might come across.....
WW 30th November 2011
Three Grey haired men set off in Grey Weather (no drought on Dartmoor) to Grey Wethers and returned wet but unbowed.
They went for refreshment to the home of the special one but no sigh but there were more decorations than in Plymouth City Centre.
WW 23rd November 2011
A goodly number gatheredat a misty Peat Cot
it did seem rather cool
some even had their gloves on
down to Older Bridge
then along the leat
lots of vehicles have been
the track very muddy
pausing at one of the newer crosses
the Devonport Leat Cross
round the tunnel end
and out to Hingston Hill stone row
to Combeshead for a snack
and of course the stars popped out
up to Eylesbarrow
and the forest bound cobra
down the track to the cars
to the Plume
where doc was waiting patiently for us
full of beans
and buying buckets of beer
what a fine chap
WW 16th November 2011
That man, you know that man who stands there with the map behind him just as you are putting on your gaiters. Well he said that although there was high pressure over Scandinavia (Exeter way) the heavy rain was blasting in across Cornwall ready to strike Dartmoor. And so that is perhaps why the wise four put on all their waterproofs before heading out from High Down. And yes it did tip it down for nearly one and a half minutes. Up Doe Tor they went stopping for a refreshing cup of tea. Then out to check the lintels were still there before meandering their way to Brat Tor which is always a funny place to find. The stars were out and through the magic of spending loads and loads of cash they endeavoured to ascertain where the North and South Poles were. And yes it is amazing to find all the planets in the sky and the constellations. But it was all the more amazing to look downwards to check out the constellations in the southern hemisphere. Suitably impressed down to the ford, cars and the Mary Tavy Inn. Where they seem to have moved the bar, painted it all and installed lighting.
WW 9th November 2011
Well apparently as far as can be ascertained from one of the two who actually turned up this is what most likely happened. From Frank's place headed out onto the dark and damp moor and round the gallant two went up Great Nodden and to the peatworks track and along before turning to ascend Great Links Tor and down to Little Links under Great Nodden and managed to cross the boiling Lyd before returning to Frank's for a glass or two.
WW 2nd November 2011
Those that turned up at the RV this week decided that there wasn't a quorum. In addition, the weather was extremely extreme and we had been advised prudence by those left at home. Also, it was clear from recent blogs, that the most interesting part of Wednesday nights occurred in the pub after the walk. So, what to do? Straight to the pub where, as well as enjoying a pint in dry clothes, we learnt how the Koreans prepare dog for the table, the current market price for steers, a 101 ways to despatch fowl, how to escape rutting stags, how to read the stars on your phone and all sorts of other useful stuff.
WW 26th October 2011
What us, the most mild group you could ever meet, the quietest, most understanding, broad minded, liberal and charitable. No one would ever dare call any of us intolerant. But you do have to admit that there just happen to be some really annoying people out there, who make steam come out of your ears. There are those who communicate for the sole reason that they will be heard. But there are worse, there are people who think that they can go about their business each and every Wednesday evening doing exactly what they like week after week, year after year, inflicting it on others. Who are these people,why can't they be more like us and quietly tolerate the rich diversity of life. Oh, and that is without all those frogs a certain person secreted about their person and dropped on the path so the unsuspecting would slip and fall, not once but three or more times. Just who do these people think they are?
WW 19th October 2011
With unerring precision our leader surveyed and navigated a course leading directly to 'the Whitty' via Windy Post, Feather, Vixen, and Great Staple, in a faultless example of dead-reckoning and compass navigation under a dark but starry sky. And although he left the car park last of all - he was first at the bar before anyone else arrived. How does he do it!
WW 12th August 2011
Well, what a privilege, after all these years, that HE actually deigned to join our group, to sit there with us in the pub, not saying a lot, but clearly pleased to see us, and to listen to the riveting conversation, to hear tales of the evenings derring dos, how we had ventured into the gloop, climbed the tors, fallen into holes before we had even been told they were there, found bridges for cows and even met a friendly toad. And all the time he listened intently, with his head on one side, just happy to really be there, with us, us!WW 5th October 2011
The leader sat in his car nursing a cold finger crossed for a no show to be able to return home to the scottish medicine, but it was not to be. With 2 minutes to go M & S arrived, no not with a delivery but prepared to walk. A change of plan so up to Little Mis, well we think we passed it, and on to Great Mis, which we did actually see, and then back to the fence and along the track to the road by the cattle grid and balk to 4 winds. We then repaired to the Whitty where those boys in red arrived looking dry, an "INDOOR" night, what whimps.
WW 28th September 2011
Well what a turnout for a Whitty Boy Walk, at least double the recent number.And the youngster (the Vintner) was proving all night he had better eyesight than the rest, pointing out a Lizard, a frog and a toad all before the traverse of Leather Tor.
WW 21st September 2011
Well yes it was a wee bit damp and it was rather dark as we set out from Princetown on our adventure over the hummocks round and down to Hart Tor and up to the famous trig point on to Older Bridge for a warming drink over the hill and down to Peatcot then round the wall and past Bull park and the old level crossing gate to return and go to The Plume which seems a lot cosier than before with beer and very useful guidance on shopping at Lidls.
WW 14th September 2011
WW 7th September 2011
Well it was rather greyPlenty of people
For a fine walk round
Past all the felled Larch
Raddick Lane and Cramber
Past the abandoned tent
To the Tor and on to Hart
Down to the leat
As it turned from grey to black
To the packed Royal Oak
With songs and music
WW 31st August 2011
So to Fernworthy
Follow the plan
A goodly number arrived - 3
As the sun was setting
Out through the forest to the moor
With the sun setting behind Watern Tor
To the Longstone
And down to Batworthy
Before heading up to Kestor with views
Middle and Frenchbeer
As the dark closed round us
Over to Thornworthy
And back to the welcoming Warren House
Where
Apparently
Another had been
Who was it?
WW 24th August 2011
Wakeham's Rook
Hillson's Brake
Ford Waste
High-house Waste
Broadall Lake
Hawns
Dendles Green
Ford Brook
Fernfires Wood
Higher Hele Farm
Broom Ball
out into the wetting
along long disappeared tracks
through hedges
out onto the moor
subtle waterfalls
cairn and ciste
left and right
following the lights
to the pub
where few spoke
a unique walk
Well, I wondered why no-one turned up for my walk last night – and then I got home and checked the list. D’oh! Still, Colin, Jan, Linda and I had a lovely walk round Fernworthy Reservoir. I now have a problem in that, thinking my walk was last night, I’ve committed myself to something else next week. Could anybody else do it for me? (Bet you don't see the lovely rainbow or the friendly moth, though.)
WW 17th August 2011
Must have been the extra long trek, all that setting sun, into the twilight, does funny things to your head, all gets rather confused, can't tell the difference between, just altogether too much, sometimes, so best if, you know, we just forget all about it, pretend it never happened, in fact, never even mention it, never think about it, cast it from our memories, something that just did not happen, that no one talks about, ever again, ever.
WW 10th August 2011
A long walk tonight and we could have been in two different places. We set out from the car park up the track to Bagga Tor with a cool wind, a low sun and good views. On to Lynch Tor, but from here we were in a different world - this was real Dartmoor. Featurless Dartmoor in the mist and that humocky stuff where you don't know if your foot will touch the bottom. Through the wet peaty bits. In the mist and we wandered around a while before finally reaching a spot on the River Tavy below Tavy Hole, where we took a short break. By now it was getting dark. Our route back was to go further up the Tavy before taking a direct line through Walkham Head to Lynch Tor but the going was tough (some described it as horrible and ‘hobbible’). Knee deep in the tusocky stuff for ages but we hit Lynch Tor bang on target and finally arrived at the cars for 10:25. The Peter Tavy Inn was still open. The Jail Ale was accompanied by the fiddle and accordian of the Morris Dancers. We were happy - we had been there when so many hadn't!.
WW 3rd August 2011
Well there you areThat was it
All that silly weather
What was that all about?
Back to the gloop
The true delights of the moor
Briars fuzz and splodge
Funny the places you haven't been
You really do have to go there
To know why you never bothered
Nice if you like that sort of thing
WW 27th July 2011
A proper little goldmineThat's what it is
A proper little goldmine
And we had blasted round
Picking off the tors
Just like someone
Picking off the tors
On a fine summer's evening
With a helicopter whizzing round
Past the point to point
Past the sunset
Down and up
And round
To get to the Rugglestone
He was there - seemed slightly quieter
And he left before us
And home again
Where two actually saw Lady Godiva
Don't ask
WW 20th July 2011
Well once again he worked his magicLuring us from the midgy car park
Through the dank woods
Racing up Bellever Tor
Down and round to Laughter
On into the drizzle
Until we came to the place
Where we waited and waited
Then waited and waited
And sure enough
Right on time
One flew round us
And the sound was heard
So we were permitted
To return
To the PoW
Where last orders was called
WW 13th July 2011
A brilliant summer evening for a walk from Walkhampton across the fields to the lovely church that sits on top of the hill. Through more fields to the green lane which leads out to the moor. Soon we were walking on the old railway line and then up to Peek Hill. With superb views all around we took our break here. Then down again - as the moon was coming out. A short walk on the road where we met Charles and then along the leat. Up over the moor again and before we knew it we were back to a warm welcome at The Walkhampton Inn.
WW 6th July 2011
Bagga Tor. A challenging choice of RV for your average WW. However, as he was programmed to lead, we five awaiting his arrival were totally confident - despite the red flag and the red flashing lights signalling live firing on the Merrivale range. Of all people, we could rely on him to provide us with a safe and interesting evening.
So, we eagerly awaited the groaning and creaking noise that would herald the arrival of his travelling (through time and space) machine.
But. He did not come.
After much nervous discussion we set off. And, thankfully, after a decent amount of time, despite inhospitable terrain, a wandering route and much rain, we returned.
Where was he? Probably saving the earth from an evil, alien force from beyond our solar system. We should be grateful for The Doctor.
So, we eagerly awaited the groaning and creaking noise that would herald the arrival of his travelling (through time and space) machine.
But. He did not come.
After much nervous discussion we set off. And, thankfully, after a decent amount of time, despite inhospitable terrain, a wandering route and much rain, we returned.
Where was he? Probably saving the earth from an evil, alien force from beyond our solar system. We should be grateful for The Doctor.
WW 29th June 2011
There were only 3 of us (and one lone runner). A glorious summer evening with a cool breeze and perfect for a walk with fantastic views into the heart of the moor. A part of the moor we don't get to very often and a shame so many were not here! We were ably led by Stella. We set off through the village of Belstone and took the track up to Belstone Tor and along the ridge to Higher Tor. We stopped here to enjoy the views out into the moor. Oke and Steeperton were inviting but out of bounds so we turned back to Gullivers Steps. We met Nigel shortly afterwards and returned through Halstock Woods to The Tors.
WW 22nd June 2011
Quite a gathering for the coolest longest dayAnd the promise of vistas in all directions
So out on the Two Moors Way we trod
To Shapley from where we could see all around
Round Hameldown to wonder at the robust posts
To burrow for shelter and a warming cup
Over the tor to Grimspound and down to the farm
Up Bench and back to the cars all in daylight
To the warm Warren House to be educated in all things
It seems there is a lot going on out in the world beyond
Some things make us cross some amuse and most confuse
WW 15th June 2011
No mist, no rain, and so we found them all - Bristol car twockers at Nun's Cross Farm, Crane Hill Cross, Bill Northmore's Cross (it's made from the metal propeller shaft of an old ship) Black Lane Post, Fox Tor, Childe's Tomb, and the POW with the surly, short-changing, black barman on duty. And celebrations to an auspicious birth for the Keene family under a rare total eclipse of a red full-moon!WW 8th June 2011
Just three of us tonight - where has everone gone? A bright clear evening but with a very cold wind. We set off towards Deep Swincombe and followed just below the dry leat. Next into Deep Swincombe - but it is not actually that deep! From the top of Deep Swincombe and off to the cross on the top of Ter Hill. Rough ground and hard going under foot and a small flock of sheep came running towards us - I spy humans - maybe they have some food! Then into Skir Gut for a break before going on to The Henroost and Hooten Wheals mining complex. Finally to the very quiet Forest Inn with the dodgy beer.
WW 1st June 2011
No biking……………All work and no play makes Charles a dull and forgetful boy
However the two of us had a lovely walk on a fine and “warm” summers evening
New discoveries……….a second bulls eye stone on the way to Feather Tor plus a discarded
apple press stone
Wonderful views from Heckwood, then…………. a Peregrine take a small bird and it’s young practising their flying techniques close by.
Up over Middle Staple, through the dry Dew Pond and back over Cox
On to the Whitty by 10…..Perfect!
Shame you missed it.
WW 25th May 2011
So instead of thrashing from tor to tor a more informed walk around the reservoir to see the things you might not normally see. From the dam down to the River Meavy across the weir back up the other side through the bluebells in the woods (now well past their best) to Burrator Tor. This Tor doesn't even get a mention on the map.Then down to the road to the reservoir. On to a disused farm.. .with an apple crusher and granite troughs nearby and a place for extracting the grain using the wind. The water level is very low and we followed a road normally covered by water to the weir at the end of the reservoir. The good news is that South West Water are confident there will not be any shortages or restrictions. This means of course that they must have loads of water somewhere else (but not in any Dartmoor reservoirs)! Next around the north of the reservoir and back once more to fairyland with a toadstool and chairs carved from whole tree trunks. Through the woods again to an old road called Wembly Way. This used to go through the reservoir but is now a place where various items are kept from places flooded by the water. And then on to the Royal Oak.
WW 18th May 2011
from the far west last weekto the far east this week
and we really ticked off the tors
up Top across to Pil
away to Tunhill
down to Buckland Beacon
by Westor
up to the Nutcrackers
over to Rippon
in the twilight
and to the very busy Rugglestone
where we met a most interesting cricketer
WW 11th May 2011
Rather predictablyOnly the valiant minions
Ventured forth
Into the wilds of Bodmin
To explore new places
By the setting sun
From The Hurlers
Past a ruined farmhouse
Across Witheybrook Marsh
Which was remarkably dry
Round Kilmar Tor
To Sharp Tor for tea
Over the Cheesewring
And back
To the pub at 995ft
Wow!
WW 4th May 2011
From the moonscape of Lee Moorthrough the homes of our ancestors to Shell Top
out to that remnant of the Ordnance Survey's old ways
Refreshment at Hen Tor
to the cars by Trowlesworthy
Home via the Royal Oak
Another splendid evening a pity their were so few but I'm
sure we can forgive Dr Tom on this day
out to that remnant of the Ordnance Survey's old ways
Refreshment at Hen Tor
to the cars by Trowlesworthy
Home via the Royal Oak
Another splendid evening a pity their were so few but I'm
sure we can forgive Dr Tom on this day
WW 27th April 2011
A tour of the TorsIn the sunset
From the Fox and Hounds
Up Great Nodden
Round to Gren Tor
Along the ancient trackway
To Hunt Tor
Across dry ground
To Great Links Tor
Down to the Looming
Little Links Tor
Gently to what what we think is
Lydford Tor
And back to
The Fox and Hounds
And Frank was there.
WW 20th April 2011
Well that makes a nice changeAll that damp
Softens the skin
Back to normal
T-shirts and trainers
That's what we like
Slight cooling breeze
Out into the brightness
Proper Dartmoor
Ditsworthy and Eyelsbarrow
To see the ISS
Coming out of the clear sky
Down to the Scout Hut
And to the Royal Oak
Where we could drink French beer
And hear of all the plans
To travel the world
And glory in the new beginning
WW 13th April 2011
Well that makes a nice change
All that sunshine
It dries the skin
Back to normal
Hats and gloves
That's what we like
Overtrousers and hoods up
Out into the mizzle
Proper Dartmoor
King's and Swell
To North Hessary
Looming out of the gloop
Surprised soldiers at Hollow
And to the Whitty
Where people were sat
At OUR table
How dare they?
WW 6th April 2011
The RV was Gutter Tor CP but we didn't go to Gutter Tor! There was some playing with the boomerang before we started but it wouldn't come back. After a briefing from our leader we set off for the track and onwards to the first of our river crossings. It was here that Tom made quite a splash. Next across to Shavercombe brook for a brief stop at the beautiful hidden waterfall and our second river crossing. Onwards for our final river crossing at Plym Steps and then a short break at Lower Hartor Tor. Up to Higher Hartor Tor and back to the cars. Not only did we have daylight this week but a setting sun and perfect conditions for an evening walk.
WW 30th March 2011
So after the long winter we started our walk in daylight again! To lead us Stella had returned after a period of recuperation. Out from the Fox and Hounds and down to the ford. Up then on a direct line to Brat Tor and then across to Doe Tor where the light was fading fast. Next we followed the Doetor Brook stopping at Foxholes tinners hut for a break and then up to Dick's Well. By now the cloud had come in and we had some light rain. Back to the pub via Arms Tor
WW 23rd March 2011
A timely trekas promised
in such familiar places
but there is always something new
to catch your eye or ear
just what is that whistling?
so round we went
to Cramber and Hart
on a starlit evening
soon it will be light
and everything will change
once again
just like it always will.
WW 16th March 2011
Always nice to have an adventureespecially if it is the sort
that quietly creeps up on you
all just pootling along
by the light of the shiny moon
in such familiar places
places which we know
like the backs of our hands
where we can roam freely
not paying any particular attention
not really needing a torch
then quite slowly
you realise
you are not totally sure where you are
and
you are not quite sure where anyone else is
you are not sure if you are going up
or down
just as slowly
it all comes together
back
again.
WW 9th March 2011
To Postbridge we went
to explore most all the tracks
in, out and around the woods.
To be precise
we went out along there
then turned and up that narrow track
then out onto the open moor
saw lots of lights
headed up the Tor
then down again
along the wall
through the gate
along the forest ride
to a muddy track
up and over
past where we hear the sound
down the other side
and back along
down, down
to the cars.
Then to the PoW.
to explore most all the tracks
in, out and around the woods.
To be precise
we went out along there
then turned and up that narrow track
then out onto the open moor
saw lots of lights
headed up the Tor
then down again
along the wall
through the gate
along the forest ride
to a muddy track
up and over
past where we hear the sound
down the other side
and back along
down, down
to the cars.
Then to the PoW.
WW 2nd March 2011
So, just after leaving the cars we stopped for a brief moment to 'Paws' on the newly repaired Norsworthy Bridge. Repaired presumably after the sides had been demolished by lorries removing the stricken larch trees. The good news is that there are also new signs each side of the bridge warning that the bridge is narrow so this shouldn't happen again.
From here we went into what appeared to be Fairyland with a toadstool and small chair constructed from whole a tree trunk by a very clever plastic tree surgeon who had made good the deformities of the normal tree lines of tall trunk and branches.
After this we went up past Lower Lowery where the ruined former farm now has metal railing gates to keep out the unwanted. However, if they were clever and fit enough they could still get in by scaling the walls and going in over the top where the roof used to be.
Up then to the old railway track and along to Burrator rocks for a break - much colder up here in the wind. Next, down to the road to see the artificial waterfall below the leat and down past Burrator lodge where the old road used to go where the reservoir is now. Back to the cars along the side of the reservoir and off to the Royal Oak
WW 23rd February 2011
Have faithIt was a gloopy night
Thick mist all the way
Visibility almost zero
A dark and dank night
And only the few arrived
To head out over the moor
Unerringly compass led
Trying to find a track
The faintest of track
To lead us round Hart
Crazy Well Pool
And Older Bridge
But you have to be there
Because only if you are there
Will you see the stars come out
The mist gently blowing away
And the distant views appearing
As we walk
Blessed by moonlight
To our destination
But - it didn't
WW 16th February 2011
My how it did rain, it tipped it down, it poured, it blew and we would have got totally, absolutely soaked if it hadn't stopped before we started. So from Prewley we trotted up to Sourton and then round to the sad memorial in Tiger Marsh. Useful information abounded, apparently there wasn't even a tiger there. Up to Branscombe's Loaf and a warming drink then down to Shelstone where most didn't see the logan stone. Then round and back to the cars to the quiet Bearslake for a small drop and we didn't have a game of ring and hook or whatever. And as we left to drive home - it rained, as it does.
WW 9th February 2011
From the car park down to the mine workings. Then through the forest to Soussons Farm and along the track to the stream for an encounter with newts and frogs. On along the track to Challacombe. North to Headland Warren Farm and then back to the mineworkings with much loud 'singing' from the three boys at the back. Mild and misty with some rain. Back in the pub the chairman, after changing his batteries, was in fine form enquiring both of peoples activities for the following day and their current weight!
WW 2nd February 2011
And the rain did stop so to Joey's Lane we wentThe ground now wet and muddy- like it should be
Up to Sheepstor then charging down the back
and down to Deancombe Farm for a brew
The loggers seem to have been everywhere
We are told the ground will be reinstated
to what we do not know
Onward round Burrator and back over the dams
To the rock for a few beers and a reminisce
Up to Sheepstor then charging down the back
and down to Deancombe Farm for a brew
The loggers seem to have been everywhere
We are told the ground will be reinstated
to what we do not know
Onward round Burrator and back over the dams
To the rock for a few beers and a reminisce
WW 26th January 2011
A very gentle walk from Pork Hill car park to Lower Staple Tor, along the top to Great Staple Tor then down across the leat to the River Walkham.An easy river crossing and then up and up and up and up through the clitter to the top of Great Mis Tor leaving one or two of us just ever so slightly puffed out.
A short break and then down again, back across the river, over the barbed wire fence and through a boggy bit. Back over the ridge and on to the pub.
Phew!
WW 19th January 2011
and there it wasright there
right down there
from nowhere
a complete
whole
just sitting there
where it should not be
waiting
how long had it been there
and how long will it be there
and will it still be there
when it has gone
WW 12th January 2011
Combestone Tor on a wet, wild and windy winter's night
The distant crosses to the south
Ryder's and possibly Snowdon
Venford Reservoir
Was anyone there to see it?
And if not, was it there?
The distant crosses to the south
Ryder's and possibly Snowdon
Venford Reservoir
Was anyone there to see it?
And if not, was it there?
WW 5th January 2011
So, a brand New Year
all fresh and shiny
with not a mark on it.
On our way what do we meet
a man training his malamutes
well what else do you expect.
Out onto the welcoming moor
now all wet and squidgy again
after all that white and cold.
So out and round we go
to the familiar places
we know so well.
And back to The Rock
for a pint or even two
and perhaps the odd crisp.
Trying to remember
how it used to be
in times gone past.
And now even this day
is in the past
just a memory.
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