WWW 19th December 2012

And, it all looked so promising, for quite a few days, the promise was, that Wednesday morning, it would be absolutely tipping it down, and blowing a gale, so exactly, the right weather, to go to Lane End.

But, no, on arrival, it was not raining and merely windy, still, better get out there, so up and round the busy leat, no doubt, turning the turbines, at Mary Tavy, to power all those Christmas lights. Round Wilsworthy to marvel at the technology of a firing range, then the long plodge up to Hare for a warming drink.

Then down, into the Cleave, where the Tavy, was just gently, bubbling along, and then back along the rising leat, to the cars, and on to the Ele's nest.

Which was quite quiet, with a nice warm fire, other people started to turn up, so we left.


 

WW 12th December 2012

A cold and starry night and we did follow the leader south over the frozen ground, across the little stream and up to the railway line before going into the sheltered quarry.  To the remains of a little hut and we sat on what was left of the walls. A great feast then took place with mulled wine, cheeses, sausage rolls and mince pies.  The voices did then sing, accompanied by the man with the organ.  Eventually, we all got cold and the singing came to an end. We left the quarry and wandered over to King Tor before returning across the stream and the frozen ground.

WW 5th December 2012

Here's Ho Ho to the strivers, shirkers and smirkers. Out the gallant team went from the Fox and Hounds on a starry, starry night. Up to Arms Tor and into the snow. On to Great Links for a warming drink.  Then a tussocky trail out and round and back again not down not up but just sort of round. To the Dunna Goats which loomed large. Down the muddy track past Dick's Well to the Lyd and back to the frosty cars. The very quiet Fox and Hounds was open, bedecked in its Christmas finery. A cooling drink with lobster crisps before a frosty drive homewards.

WWW 5th December 2012

A fine walk on a fine day. Always nice to meet up with old friends - not that he is old, in an old sort of way, just someone, you know, who has been around a bit, not in that way, just you know. Anyway nice. So out from Two Bridges in the sunshine with a cool north wind. And on past Wistman's Wood to Longaford Tor. Then down towards Powdermills where we met a most beautiful patch of lovely green grass. And it did not disappoint. Some tried to walk over it and others walk under it. Safely across to explore Powdermills and have a cuppa. Then back via Crockern Tor to the cars where most all retired to the PoW. When I say retired I don't mean retired like with nothing to do I just mean went on to the PoW although now I think of it all are retired and obviously have nothing at all to do except enjoy a lovely walk in one of the very best parts of the World.

WW 28th November 2012

Dry, crisp, clear and very cold under a full moon. Over the top from Cherrybrook Bridge and down to Bellever, then on to Laughter Tor for a few chuckles before swinging down and up to Bellever Tor itself and so home through the woods. . At least one of us sees a fox and, better yet, we start with six and end with seven. How very satisfactory !

WW 21st November 2012

Well that was nice, nothing quite like a good Dartmoor blow through. Out from Pork Hill as the rain softly started, unerringly out and round to both bull stones. Each being most professionally roddled out.No doubt flooding some poor soul down stream. On to Pew and over to Heckwood for a nice cuppa. Slipping and sliding our way round Vixen Tor where, amazingly, the locks had been smashed on the gates. And onwards and upwards as the hail arrived to Middle Staple and then a wet plodge back to the cars. To the Whitty which was rammed, some people were even sitting at our table - the sauce.

WWW 21st November 2012

After another night of very heavy rain, on a beautiful sunny morning we started from beside the River Tavy in the picturesque village of Bere Ferres before following the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail to the River Tamar on the other side of the Bere penninsula. Past Liphill Quay and on to Weir Quay stopping to look at the controversial site for the relocation of Weir Quay boat club. Then up through the woods to take a higher route back through the many puddles before returning to The Plough for lunch. Eleven of us enjoyed an excellent three hour walk with superb views all around.

WW 14th November 2012

We walked directly into a surprisingly strong wind as we headed up from Sourton to Shelstone Tor. Then down around Meldon reservoir with a stop to admire the stars - a crystal clear night with no moon or light pollution and a fantastic view of the sky. Back up the very muddy track and on to the Fox and Hounds.

WW 7th November 2012

A fine walk on a beautiful, clear evening. Out from the quarry car park along the track to Stephen's Grave. Then steadily up White Tor to explore the ancient fort. On to the now small stump of the fibre glass flagpole for a warming cuppa and to watch fireworks in the north. Down the froggy track past Broadmoor Farm. Over the bridge and up to Boulters Tor. The full traverse of Boulters Tor - just how many tors are there? Back to the cars and the very quiet PTI for a jar and catch up.

Nice

WWW 7th November 2012

A most educative walk. Out from Dunnabridge past most interesting things, and on to Laughter Tor. Down into the woods and on to somewhere else before rounding to Bellever Tor. Down and along the old track to the cars for the PoW. 

WW 31st October 2012

I will not be joining you this fine evening - have a nice one.
Kindly send on words and a pic if possible.
Best wishes, Jon

WW 24th October 2012

I will not be joining you all this evening.
Kindly send on words and a pic if poss.
All the best, Jon

WW 17th October 2012

The moor is a wet as it ever gets and as we set off over Leeden Tor there were more very heavy showers.  Down the other side to the little bridge and then up the path to the top.  With the heavy showers the path was like a stream as the water ran down.  Along the track and on to King Tor for the break.  The showers stopped while we were there and it was good to get out of the wind. Then down to the track, around Ingra Tor and back to the cars.  On to the Burrator Inn - an uninspiring  place but the barman was friendly enough and our own company was good! 

WWW 10th October 2012

History in the making. The Wednesday Walkers first morning walk. Six of us for this inaugural walk with a mixed bag of weather, a little sunshine, a little rain and quite a lot of hill fog. Out from Gutter Tor car park (and what a busy place that was) and over towards Deancombe. Through the old workings and across to the pig pit which 160 years ago housed a giant water wheel to provide power for the workings on Eylesbarrow. John produced a diagram and of the area and explained how this huge water wheel was powered by water. Next across to Higher Hartor Tor and back on the ridge with the standing stones between Drizzle Combe and the Giant's Basin. Then for a tasty lunch in the Royal Oak.

WW 3rd October 2012

No one could remember having ever starting a walk from here before. Most of us survived the treacherous gully on the entry to the car park and off we went along the road to Brisworthy which had a very strange smell but the dogs which our leader had encountered before were not there.  Then on to the moor.  To a perfect stone circle before going through the boggy bit of Legis Lake where one person managed to find a big hole.  Up to Legis Tor and across to the film set of  Ditsworthy Warren House. Along the track and up to Gutter Tor for a break - with a military tent nearby - but they  kept their distance.  We found several glow sticks in different places and this one was on the trig point by Gutter Tor with a small red led. The military were on manoeuvres.  They were well hidden and we didn't see them. Next along the boggy track and back to the start.  There was a lot going on in Meavy with cars everywhere - some sort of meeting for the squeeze box people but at least we didn't have to put up with them in the pub.

WW 26th September 2012

The walk was dedicated to the memory of Andy Williams who passed away peacefully on this Wednesday aged 84.

There was a moon, there was a river, we crossed it in style. It was going our way.

WW 12th September 2012

Ah, now that's a lot better, that's what was needed, back to traditional values, when men were men, and the other lot were - whatever they are, a bit of backbone into proceedings, more rigour, no more of falling standards, prizes for all, just messing about, being nice to people, time to get back to what made us what we are, time to build some character, no more of that bimbling about, knowing where you are, having nice little cups of tea and a nice chat, a nice chat I ask you, Pah, not for us, out out out, into the gloom, to Ryder's Hill, then on on, tumbling over tussocks, smashing rocks, into the gloop, out and about, going where we should be, eschewing tracks, and places where we know where we are, reliant on our intimate knowledge of car headlights, and back, to the Forest Inn, where you almost have to drink cider, comfy chairs, beer and crisps. We know what we are doing.

WW 5th September 2012

Well, that's better, isn't it, all sorted, all nice and nice, after a very nice walk over Water Hill down to Fernworthy and back through the woods, to the Warren House, quite a gathering as well, the team has reformed as one, after a brief consultation, and will proceed, much as normal, with a few extra bits added in, what a relief, now the talking is done we can get on with walking.

WW 29th August 2012

And it all seemed to simple. Always wondered how they wrote all those magazines. Pages and pages of it. Going on and on. Just thought all they needed was one edition, ever. Two sentences. Two words in each. Left foot. Right foot. But no there really is an awful lot to think about. It really is terribly complicated. There really are options, choices, decisions to make. Things to talk about. What to do? When to do it? Where to do it? What happens if? And what happens if not? Simple me just thought: 

1. 7 o'clock, Wednesday, boots on, out.
2. If wet - get wet.
3. If muddy - get muddy.
4. If cold - get cold.
5. If hot - get hot.
6. If dark - put torch on. 

Still that's what we did. To Postbridge, a goodly gathering of all those who were there. No one in charge. Good company. Up to the Beehive for a nice drink. Round the Dart under a stuttering moon. To the lovely waterfall. Round and back. To The PoW. Nice and simple.

WW 22nd August 2012

So what is to be made of that?
Could there be change in the air?
The passing of the baton?
A new broom?
Out with the old?
In with the new?
Who knows
After what seemed
A perfectly normal trek
Up to Hollow
On to North Hessary
Tumbly down to the railway
And round
And back
To the Whitty
Ah - The Whitty!

Perhaps there's the clue?

WW 15th August 2012

A pacey walk on a warm yet overcast summer's evening. Out from Long Ash and round to the Iron Age settlement, Castle Field. Past Berra Tor and on to Heron Rock. Down the track to Mrs Oxenford's house and Big Pool. To any rational person it is quite clear that stone skipping is the premier Olympic team competitive sport. All schools will be mandated to provide two hours stone skipping per day. Over Double Waters to Goat Rock and on past West Down mine, over Grenofen Bridge and up back to the cars in the dark. Retiring to the Rock for watery tales of derring do.

WW 8th August 2012

We started in bright sunshine but, by the time we had got up to Hare Tor we were in cloud. We took our break on top and left the cloud behind as we went down over White Hill and past one of the many rifle ranges. By now it was getting dark and reminder that the lighter evenings are getting shorter.  For the second week running the appointed pub - this week the Elephants Nest - had closed early.  We continued to the Mary Tavy Inn where we received a warm welcome and cool beer.

WW 1st August 2012

Out from Meldon on a more typical Dartmoor summer's evening. Some already in waterproofs. Round Yes Tor to Red-a-ven with all the talk of the Olympics. Up the brook and on to the summit itself. The rain poured down as we headed back to the cars.

WW 25th July 2012

 
A fantastic summer evening, warm and no breeze - so where was everyone?  We went around to Little Cox Tor before going up to Cox Tor.  Down through the stream, around the enclosed land before coming back to Roos Tor and then along the ridge past the three Staple Tors.

WW 18th July 2012

We set out on the proper date at the proper time to see them. But they weren't there at all, not a chirr in sight. But they were there resplendent in their tunics but sadly not wearing their medals. He was there even though he is on earlies so we did hear some chirring. Two of them were there but the other one from the smoke wasn't. When we got there again they were there but we couldn't see them yet although we saw their photo - Simba and Solomon. But they were there waiting for us looking rather cheery all things considered. So there you are on rather a cool, grey and grizzly evening.

WW 11th July 2012

A busy, busy time on a cool dry evening. So much to see, so much to do. Log bridges to cross, tyres to roll, bogs to explore, tors to climb, cairns and cists, ancient villages, waterfalls, submerged bridges, streams to jump, hairy stones, the famous trig point and back to the PoW. Apparently they were upstairs, getting used to us, so we may see them soon.

WW 4th July 2012

The weather presented us with a superb evening for a walk after all the rain.  Four of us set off from Meldon. Over Lonstone Hill and on Black Tor. Next up to Fordsland Ledge before going on to High Willhays and then Yes Tor. Back down the clitter free route and into the pub for 10:20. What more could you want?'

WW 27th June 2012

In the corner

always in the corner

quietly sitting

pipe

tweeds

buttonhole

soft smile

"Lads" he'd say

and tell us of the moor

long ago

covered in ice

carving out the valleys

changing the tors

and we'd listen

respectfully

of course

turns out

he was right

all along

WW 20th June 2012

The summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the shortest night and people seemed to be rushing about all over the place. Take your time, relax, slow down and go with the flow. Quite a crowd set out on this typical summer's evening. The sun was so high in the sky we could not even see it. Out we tromped in their back yard to Cuckoo Rock round and up to Combshead for a wet. Over and round to Down Tor and back to the predictably quiet Royal Oak. Tales were told of adventures far and wide. Of holidays where the unexpected came to pass. There appeared to be some murmurings about pert posteriors but I must have drifted off at that stage.

WW 13th June 2012

Only the finest of the fine and the fairest of the fair ventured forth on this calm dry evening deep into the south moor. Out to Harford Moor Gate and round south with views over the Sound and up onto the ridge.
Past the Longstone and the longest of stone rows up to Butterdon Hill. Past Flat Rock which certainly was and on to Spurrell's Cross with views over Teignmouth - where else. And back to Hangershell Rock perched so sublimely before heading down to the 4 wheel drive before meandering along the lanes to the pub for a swift one - or two.

WW 6th June 2012

No fuss, no fanfare, no attention seeking, no bother to anyone, just quietly getting on with it, as usual, in the finest traditions, nineteen years of duty, finding new places to explore, dodging the showers, past the signs of terrible destruction visited on Bellever, finding four sodastream bottles and a cushion, who do these people think they are, enjoying themselves, then to Arch Tor with a wonderful logan stone, up Hollowcombe Bottom with rushing waterfalls and on to Row Tor where the poignant memorial is no more, back down to the cars, on to the PoW, no signs of the new cats yet, a detailed discussion of the relative merits of old people who can no longer sing ensued and home in the tipping rain.

WW 30th May 2012

A lovely summer evening and six of us set out from Shapley Tor car park to follow the Mariners Way. This path goes from Dartmouth to Bideford. Through the Devon meadows and past a field of rabbits playing in the evening sun to the remote hamlets of Lower Hockner and Hethercombe before going up the steeper bit to King Tor. Across to Hookney Tor where we took our break. From here you can see the Warren House Inn and so we stepped up a gear to 'pub speed' to get back to the cars.

WW 23rd May 2012

The hottest day of the year so far so it was surprising just how cold it was on the moor - with extra layers being applied. We set off towards Cox Tor but didn't go to the top instead we weaved across towards the gap between Great Staple and Middle Staple Tor. Great Mis Tor was hidden in cloud but King Tor wasn't. We walked down to the Sett Makers' Bankers and Mike demonstrated how the men would work - kneeling at the 'banker' to produce the setts (granite cobbles). Using a hammer and chisel the setts would be cut to size. A single worker might produce 40 a day. The setts were taken to Tavistock railway station by cart. This work was done between 1870 and 1880 when there was much demand in the larger towns of the the southwest for kerbstones and small blocks of granite for paving town streets. Just a short walk from here to the disused quarry at Merrivale which closed in 1997. On the side of the quarry is an old Perigrines nest. From here we walked towards the forbidden territory of Vixen Tor where the landowner has banned public access. It is amazing what you can do with a telephoto lens these days especially if you can get in really close! Finally around Pew Tor before returning to the cars. Drinks were in the Whitchurch Inn. Some people have no consideration for others - they actually ordered hot chocolate after the bar lady had cleaned the machine - but in the event she was most helpful.

WW 16th May 2012

A goodly crowd stepped out precisely on time from Hound Tor car park on a crystal clear evening. Glimpses of them had been caught on the way and we were hopeful of a good show. Out across the point-to point course and down. They were there slightly hidden in the old bracken and briar but still all there. Up and over to Saddle Tor where our chief demonstrated his canine proclivities. To Smallacombe to watch and hear the busy cuckoos. Down and up the route of extreme cyclists. On and back to the Rugglestone. Of course he was there in his sweater and may even have had a small drink.

WW 9th May 2012

Well they did forecast a bit of rain, and it has been raining, and it was raining, so we went out in the rain. From Meavy, along the lane and up through the mud to Bluebell Woods with lots of bluebells. On along the even muddier track to Sheepstor where we were so kindly invited to to the tradesman's entrance to stand in the rain to watch it raining. Onto another testing ground to check that our senior members' members were functioning properly. To watch the water pour over the dam and down in the mud and the rain to the pub. Which was jolly quiet so we had a few pints before heading home in the rain.

WW 2nd May 2012

Gently does it.
Gentle evening weather with gentle company.
Up gently and along gently and down gently.
Just the job for a gentle return.
Gently mystical, too -
For, we left the car park with only our cars in it.
But, something must have sprinkled magic dust.
For, on returning, a khaki camo encampment had sprouted.
Seventy-two navigators with tents and vans and buses and dogs.
I like Wednesday nights! Good to be back.
 

And behold  a great multitude assembled below the slopes of Mount Leedon Tor to welcome the return of the old master. His followers were legion. A great army bearing large sacks pitched tents, lit camp fires, parked their wagon trains and unloaded bushel upon bushel of provisions. So great was the throng that it grew fearful in the twilight. The prophet and his seven true disciples slipped away in the dark to The Rock, where they were joined by a man whose boat had delayed his arrival to the scene of the earlier miracle. And they took 'Tribute' and shared one bag of crisps among the many. Blessed are those who walk the wilderness.

WW 25th April 2012

Well that's a bit sad isn't it, no more Henry or Sir Henry as he is to be known, but his Mum will have two Bengal cats in early July apparently when full grown they will be able to put their paws on the bar now that will be worth seeing. Only the fully fit and brave braved the elements to embark from Princetown to explore all the puddles ponds and lakes that had miraculously appeared out over South Hessary to the trig that seems to be emerging from the ground and down to Cramber to find a hop across Hart Tor Brook past the hairy rock and up to Hart out along the firing range and back on the railway to the PoW. Where we heard all the news and even saw pictures of the kittens from Henry's Mum - as she will always be known.

WW 18th April 2012

This was considered to be something of a classic Wednesday Walk. A classic number of people gathered at the Scout Hut and set off up Gutter Tor on a cold evening as the sun set. On to the memorable trig point now a very respectful memorial for Plymouth Group. Down to the Plym to find a classic crossing point. eschewing the ford a classically deep place was found to get feet wet before heading up Hen. Tea was taken in the lee of the tor. A classic plodge ensued down to Shavercombe and then on to the Plym. A classic dance was made across before heading back to the cars. The Royal Oak was very quiet as those who so ably annoy our chief are on their summer schedule.

WW 11th April 2012

Out to the sun under huge skies
Round Great Nodden on the Rattlebrook Track
Up Great Links for tea
And spot the space station
Down past Arms
With a familiar figure looming in the gloom
Back to Frank's place
For a quick pint

WW 4th April 2012

A highly selected group set out on the first walk of the brand new, shiny programme so wonderfully prepared by our most illustrious chief. They were there resplendent in their yellow jackets plodging about here and nowhere. This was the walk of the Fox Tor crosses on rather a cool evening. Out to Seward's Cross and then on to the wonderful incised cross at Whealham Bottom. Swiftly uphill to that most picturesque cross, Northmore's. Managing to find a track to Fox Tor and then down to Childe's Tomb. Onwards round the south of the mire to Goldsmith's before picking out the track to the newest cross on the moor - that bit of plumber's pipe that so accurately marks the way. Back to the cars and on to the PoW which was full of bunnies. No sign of Henry although his mum was there.

WW 28th March 2012

It is understood that a party ventured out in the light to Dicks Well and then on towards Chat before heading around and under Brat and back.

WW 21st March 2012

Well there are always things out there to be found if you look and some to be found if you fall over them not that we did. This on Littaford Tor, according to Hemery, is a natural cave, over 12 feet long and 3 feet wide. So we set out from Two Bridges on a fine starry evening as the light left us. Over Littaford to Longaford. Watching the planets flash their strobes as they transited the sky. Down to the weir to find shelter from the cooling breeze for a warming cup. Then up Beardown Tors to the muddy track past the farm and back to the cars. No more to find welcome and shelter in the Two Bridges bar so on to the PoF for a pint and mandatory crisps before heading home.

WW 14th March 2012

Our leader would have loved this walk - if only he had turned up. Let's hope he doesn't forget to go to John O'Groats. So an excellent unplanned walk by committee. First one local chap led them up and over Gutter Tor. The new bloke from Plymouth commanded the route to Ditsworthy Warren House (no warhorse at home) then yet another led them up the path to the stone row, and a fourth took the initiative to Higher Harter Tor. Coffee taken under the planets watching Venus and Jupiter getting so close that they could soon collide. Someone set off first and found the way to the old Eylesbarrow mine house ruin and then it was one long group charge down the path for an early fireside pint at the Royal Oak where the ceiling has been put back - almost.

We six were there, but HE was not. So it was a walk by committee: Gutter Tor, Ditsworthy Warren, up to that big standing thing and the line of stones in the dark and on into the the biting wind to shelter behind HigherHarttor Tor- Tor - Tor for coffee. Then back to Eylesbarrow and down the track to the log fire at The Royal Oak. Where were you ?

WW 7th March 2012

It was one of those strange nights when, for no particular reason apart from the amount of ground to be covered, a fair pace was set. Bellever Tor, Laughter Tor, the Youth Hostel and the Nightjar territory passed in something of a blur. Not so fast that the amazing moonlight went unnoticed though and torches were off for half the journey. Back to the P.O.W for the debrief and the usual refreshment.

WW 29th February 2012

Well it is hard to understand why there is not a clear list of all the things you do not know about or maybe even have not thought about then that way you would know where to go and what to look for it and would be able to find it and tick it off only makes sense if you think about it doesn't it I mean just what is the point of there being all these things that you don't know makes you wonder just what these teachers get paid for not telling you things bet they do it on purpose just to cause you bother so we found it in fact there are two of them one large and one huge and also what about things you haven't been able to do for years and years and yet you can go on the tinternet and find out how to do them and then really annoy people with what you can do and nearly get thrown out of pubs and with all that going on you nearly crash the car and go the wrong way round Golden Dagger Vitifer and Birch and learn that him with the cull has gone and moved to the smoke no wonder he went in secret at least there was some good news one of the mob im is already running all over the place like a demented fool and the other one is nearly fixed up good and proper again and no doubt he will soon be running about all over the place just what more is going on and why doesn't someone just tell us what are they paid for and no wonder people don't know what is going on and get all confused it is just political correctness gone mad with all this stuff happening or not happening and not telling you isn't it I mean it just doesn't make any sense does it?

WW 22nd February 2012

I dunno: that Dartmoor. Just when you think you’ve got it cracked.....

Pork Hill car park to Cox Tor ? Easy-peasy, even in the damp and the clag and the mist. Uphill until you can go no further, then stop. Thus we trogged to the trig point behind our navigator with he who sells wine and he who sold homes yackering away like a couple of demented jackdaws. Next stop, Roos. Well, you would, wouldn’t you ? Besides, what could possibly go wrong ? Eschewing map, compass and electronic aids and with all the confidence of his years, our newly-lean and intrepid leader strides off unhesitatingly into the mist towards Chipping Norton. Others pause en route to Roos and scan the gloom, torch-beams diffusing into misty moorland softness as we realise there should perhaps be rather more of us than there are. A scan for lights against the darkness and an eventual regrouping is followed by a hurried consultation of... the map. A swift conferring of rumours, a blind hazarding of guesses and on we tramp. Suddenly, out of the gloom, the gleam and swish of a car’s yellowed headlights . Next thing we know, we’re on tarmac. A turn to the left and - blimey ! I could swear I left a car just like that at Pork Hill car park ! Time ? 2035. And so to the Whitty. Mine’s a pint of Jail, thanks. Pete.

WW 15th February 2012

A chatty starry night to catch up on all the new news and the old news round and up Sheepstor down to the concentric stone circles for tea then down to Middleworth to gaze at the wonderful stars before heading back to the pub where 'e was awaiting us having almost recovered from his squeezebox phobia or some other ailment but then they turned up so 'e had to run away.

WW 8th February 2012

They were back, well most of them, and they asked us where we had been, cheeky monkeys, of course we went there, round our large table, and he was there, the other one, chipper as ever, promising to be out next week, everyone asked about 'im and were jolly pleased to hear 'e is getting along well, hope to see 'im out soon, before all that we gathered, under a 100% waning gibbous, quite a nip in the air, out round under Kings Tor and on along, up Leeden for a cuppa, across the frozen bog, admire the icicles in Foggintor and back.

WW 1st February 2012

Safely tucked away, almost forgotten about, sometimes wonder why you bought it, at all, because, it just never is, quite the right weather, but then, perhaps only once a year, the right day comes, cold and dry, so you can wear it, and traipse over the frozen mud, snug and smug, all nice and cozy, on a star filled night, up past Stephen's Grave, and on, into the wind, round the end of the wall, hunker down for a cup of tea, and on to Great Combe Tor, over the river and back, to a very quiet pub, where we wet Ellis Donald's head.

WW 25th January 2012

Well that was really helpful and thoughtful
Just what you need really
After plodging through the mud to Meldon
Struggling into the wind out to Black Tor
Wending down through the rocks
To find the so called stepping stones
Near the enclosed land
By the West Okement
Watching one twit fall in the river
Then having a go yourself
And the self same twit
Just as you are finding your balance
Taking a flash photograph
So you cannot see anything
As you pirouette gracefully
From rock to rock
Yes a really good idea
On to Shelstone in the rain
Then driving to the pub
With far more candles than people
Still the chairs we left
All had puddles in them

WW 18th January 2012

Seven tonight for the walk on a warm drizzly night. From Long Ash we went across the moor and down a very slippery muddy path to have a look at progress on Gem Bridge. Getting closer to completion and it should be finished in another couple of months. From here to Grenofen Bridge and then along the river to Double Waters for a short break before deciding to take the slightly shorter route back. On to the London Inn.

WW 11th January 2012

We were there, well eventually, but he wasn't, hopefully, next time he will be. But Henry won't be, not that we were at his pub, well some were, for a short while, apparently he has been banned from his own pub, how can they do that, someone snitched on him, claiming he was actually a cat, how ridiculous. We learnt a lot, when is a pie not a pie, how you can fit your own hip, that there really might be smoked salt. We hardly found time for a misty walk round Beardown, to the leat for tea, up and over Longaford to Littaford and on to Crockern.

And as a taster for next week from your leader.
Gem Bridge progress

WW 4th January 2012

Just as well really
That we didn't have one
With us
Because
It would not
Have been right
To send it out
In that
But it was nice
And wild
And wet
And windy
For a good tromp round
Over Brat
So easy to find
To the lintel for tea
Over to Doe
Down and round
Through the fields
To Frank's
Which was quiet