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.