WW 18th December 2013

A very heavy storm between 5.00 and 6.30 caused flash floods and limited the number of people attending the annual carol singing event. The road out from Yelverton was awash with water and a flood just before the Walkhampton turn. There were just five who made to Norsworthy Bridge where surprisingly the stong wind and rain had stopped. It was decided we would have a gentle bimble into the woods. We took the track up to Leather Tor Bridge by the side of the fast flowing river. Then up to the leat and out to a clearing for some Christmas goodies. Mulled wine, hot glazed sausages, crisps and stollen cake - we know how to celebrate! Back under the moon and on to the Devon Tors.  

WWW 18th December 2013

Now that certainly sorted out the goldfish from the turkeys! To Scorriton on a very mild December day. It was rather windy and a wee bit wet and all the better for that. So, out we strode on the Two Moors Way and on through the deer gate. And there they were, resplendent red deer - weren't we lucky. Out to the open moor. The plan was to cross the wee Mardle Brook but it did look a bit too frightening. So, up, nearly to Hapsteads, before finding shelter in the old workings for a nice cuppa. Then back on the Sandy Way and through Michelcombe to the Tradesman's Arms. A pleasant lunch was taken and some even had coffee in front of the roaring woodburner.

We could mention that someone forgot to pay for their lunch, but that would just be ungentlemanly.

WWW 11/12/13

Well, a very pleasant morning for a walk indeed. Sunshine, a few clouds and a gentle breeze from the East. So, out we strode from Long Ash over the down to the cycle track. And along, admiring the new bridges and the Sustrans volunteers clearing the scrub. Over Magpie to the delightful Gem Bridge. Through the tunnel where the new access is being built to the Halfway house. And back down to Grenofen Bridge before heading back up the rocky lane to the cars. To the London Inn where we were intrigued by the Atbara porpoise laces.

WW 4th December 2013

7.30 p.m. Princetown 0.0⁰C where else would you be?
To Two Bridges which was very busy indeed
Up and out under a starry, starry sky
Frost just starting to crunch
Hang about searching for satellites, again and again, ...
Up to Littaford
On and over Longaford, of course, where coughing was heard
To Higher White
Down the wall to the leat take off
Which has had a make over
A nice cuppa under the Milky Way
To Beardown and on to the muddy track
Back to the ever reliable PoW
So, how do you get Bill to talk to the talking dog?

WW 27th November 2013

Unusual Dartmoor melody: the still of windless silence, the orange gleam of distant city lights and the white shafts of torchlight amid the murmur of friendly voices in the darkness of a moonless winter’s evening. And so to Ringmoor, Ditsworthy, Eastern, Drizzle Combe, Eylesbarrow and up to Gutter. Good stuff, this Dartmoor walking: it’ll probably catch on..... and so back to The Royal Oak,that peerless walkers’ pub of choice.

WWW 27th November 2013

Now that's a lot better. Away from those clear, frosty, sunny days. Back to some decent weather. Weather where it is neither raining nor dry. Weather where it is neither windy nor calm. Weather where it is neither warm nor cool. Weather where is neither clear nor misty. Weather which is not really weather at all.
And a goodly gathering to head out to the quarry. Where there were lots and lots of goldfish, yes really there really were lots and lots of goldfish. Then up past the golf ball to inspect the feather or tare or whatever. Before heading up Pew to observe the hidden trig station. Past the pond to Heckwood and the wonderful hawthorn. Down and across to the forbidden tor and up to Merrivale Quarry. Where there was lots to see and a nice cuppa. Back along the leat and across Beckamoor Ford to the Blacksmith's Shop, Windypost and the Bullstone. To the cars and London Inn.

WW 20th November 2013

Blinded by the Light

For those of you unsure about venturing out on these dark, winter evenings help is at hand. Our dear friends have invested in super bright LED (Ludicrously Extremely Dazzling) headtorches. So, what used to rather dim walks on the moor now resemble looking straight at the sun. Don't worry about falling over things you can hardly see because now you can't see them at all.

Waterproofs on for a proper winter's evening. Straight up Cox Tor to get the full effect. Down and across the field to White where the red flag was well flapping. Rather a cool cuppa before finding the wall corner and to Roos. Over lovely Great Staple to Middle and back. Disappointingly it was just not cold enough to turn the rain to snow. And on to a quiet Whitty.

WW 13th November 2013

So out we set from the furthest scratchy reaches of Walkhampton. Round to find that rather buried stone row emerging from the stream. Up and across to Leeden and down to the railway bridge. Tumbly up and into the recesses of Swell Tor for a cuppa before heading up, up and round and down. And a steady chuff back. Heavy rain was promised but only a slight shower emerged. She got lost again and the onset of a sense of humour failure could be detected. To the Walkhampton which was singing.

WWW 13th November 2013

A bright, warm sunny morning to set out from Bennett's Cross. A windling walk through lots of places of interest. Up the steady rise to Birch Tor before heading across to Chaw Gully. Through the workings down to East Birch Tor Mine and down. Rising up to Soussons by the playing card fields. The wide track in Soussons evidence of the timber being claimed. To Golden Dagger before heading back up onto Challacombe Down. And then back through Vitifer to the cars. And on to a busy Warren House Inn where lots of food was being served.

WW 6th November 2013

Such sublime weather we have. A clear strong wind and warm rain. So out from Two Bridges up the track to Crockern farm where the generator gently hums. Up and round and down. To traverse the Powdermills mire before heading up for a cuppa. Sheltered beneath Longaford. Some choose to go over the windy top to get the full effect. Then to Wistmans and back. To the PoW which was very quiet. Halloween seems to be over but New Year beckons.

WW 30th October 2013

It was very wet, very windy, very dark and very 'oribble but we talked ourselves out of going straight to the pub and instead three wimps dashed up the railway track for half an hour, turned round and dashed back. Meanwhile one tough guy who arrived a bit late went for his own proper walk up to North Hessary Tor before joining his sheepish pals in the pub.

WW 23rd October 2013

Out and about. Windely and windely. From the quarry car park. Along the track past the spout to the sieve. Along the leat rather muddily. And along. Pausing to watch the ISS pass overhead. And, to the fishy walk. Up the waterfall to the junction. Down to Lether Tor farm. The potato cave and Norsworthy Bridge for a cuppa. Up the lane and down the fungus trail. Through the arboretum soon to be closed for three months. Around under Sheepstor and over the earth dam. Over the main dam where the hydro was humming. To the cars. Back to The Rock where we kept the staff from going to bed.

WW 16th October 2013

Moonwalking, now that's why we do it. So, out from Dunnabridge as the moon scudded underneath the clouds. And, up the track to the workings, so much work for five years gain. Then fuzzyly down to Brimpts where the new barn towered above us. A cuppa where the seat by the ruin used to be. And, on to the stepping stones and the lovely clapper bridge to Babeny. Down the so eroded track to Laughter Hole steps. It appears some renovation work is begin attempted on the track. Up and over back to the cars with the moonlight so gently being turned off and on. Back to the PoW which is all decked out for a truly horrible evening.

WWW 16th October 2013

The rain clouds lifted for a sunny morning just perfect for a history lesson and a walk through the ages when we saw and learned about prehistoric reaves, three mediaeval farmsteads, a bronze age cist grave, a corn ditch wall, a stone circle, and a vermin trap. But who was the villain who stole Tom's Crunchie bar? He hurried home quickly with his tail between his legs.

Challenge65 - 9th to 13th October 2013

Wednesday 9th Up to Wales for Snowdon on 10th. Arose to clear day which enabled a quick ascent via the PYG Track to that rarest of occasions, a view from the top! A quick descent of the Miners Track and it was off to the Lakes. Friday morning was clear with sunny intervals down in the Langdale Valley but as so often is the case here the tops were covered in low cloud and from Angle Tarn onwards the walk was through mist and cloud and unlike Snowdon there were very few walkers around until I was on my way back as the clouds had started to lift. A Quick pint from the ODG and it was of to Fort William for day 3. Saturday dawned with clear skies and a covering of frost on the car. Our host at the B&B said October was often the best time to climb the Ben for good weather and a less crowded climb. There were plenty of people out though and plenty of encouragement for one another. The top had a light covering of snow and ice but with clear blue skies the views were sensational. Another descent, another pint (Pubs at the end of such climbs are such a good idea) and off to Glasgow to fly to Belfast for the final climb. Sunday morning saw us on the bus to Newcastle for the ascent of Slieve Donard. Not the highest, in fact the lowest but our fellow walkers were definitely the friendliest ( a visit to Northern Ireland should be on every walkers bucket list) again the lower part of the walk was in dry clear conditions but the top was again mist covered and the ascent up the Mourne Wall so steep I was pleased that Kath could not see what was in store as this was the one climb she was doing with me. We lunched on the top and descended to the stile on the ridge as the cloud lifted to give fine views over Newcastle and the rest of the Mournes. That's it until next may when I set off on the Pennine Way.

WW 9th October 2013

Autumn over, wintry weather, temperatures plummeting, north wind - well Pah to that. Nice gentle breeze and great visibility as we set off from Four Winds. Up the track to Little then Great Mis Tor. Where some hooligan has placed a new, shiny bolt. I suppose the huge flagpole attached to the core of the tor is not enough for them. Back down the track to Rundlestone, lots of nice fungi here and all around at this time of year. Up to the tor for a cuppa before wending to Hollow and back. On to the Whitty which was quiet until someone started spouting.

WW 2nd October 2013

With a weather forecast of hail for the high moor your leader knew there would only be 1 taker and who it would be. He was not wrong! We started off in the dry, up the railway track but were soon in full waterproofs. On round the back of Dunna Goat, compass in hand to Great LInks, where the cloud lifted just enough to see our destination in the distance. Then it was off down to Arms Tor and across the Lyd ,which despite the heavy rain was not deep enough to overwhelm our boots, and finally into the Fox on a quiet evening.

WWW 2nd October 2013

And, how fortunate we were, to have in our presence, one so wise. As it appeared that, apparently, as far as the wise one could tell, beyond all reasonable doubt, it appeared to that wise one, that it was wet. And so in that alleged wetness, set forth from the Scout Hut, the intention was clear, but the Plym in spate was as clear, so the river was followed up, past the waterfalls, tin workings and isolated trees with nests. To Plym Steps for a cuppa and on to Lower then Higher before rambling back via Whittenknowles threshing floor to the cars and hoards of commandos who had been ... eating bananas.

WW 25th September 2013

It was a gloomy evening with that Dartmoor mizzle and drizzle. And it was very, very muggy. Up to the side of Sharpitor, along Peek Hill, down to Lowery Tor and then into the Peekhill woods. Through the woods and at the bottom we turned to follow the railway line stopping to examine two of the Walkhampton plaques on the way. At the bridge just before the other Fur Tor we turned around coming back over the top of Leeden Tor to the car park. On to the Rock. 

WW 18th September 2013

The first moonlit walk of the season. As we set off from the Warren House the moon was sitting over Birch Tor lighting the moor in front of us. So out we trod along the Two Moors Way to King Tor for tea. Down to Grimspound which is always interesting. Then past the monkey puzzles at Headland Warren to Vitifer Mine. And back up the hill to the lights of the Warren House. Which was empty apart from us. So the new programme is now almost complete and what a set of delights are in store.

WWW 18th September 2013

Busy at Pork Hill as lots of tourists enjoyed the drizzle. They should have waited a few minutes as the sun came out and the clouds scudded by. So up to Middle Staple with marvellous views north and south. On to Great Staple and then to Roos. Down to the Walkham to a nice, warm spot for a cuppa. Then back up and over past the dew pond to the cars. And on to the Whitty for a truly huge sandwich. Hoping things turn out OK.

WW 11th September 2013

Coo eck now that's a lot better back to a bit of proper weather. So out from Lane End as what light there was faded in the comforting drizzle. Down to Standon Steps where the Tavy was very quiet. And round, round up to Baggator along the old track and on to the open moor. Time for the good old, reliable map and compass. Up to Lynch with a northerly wind and drizzle turning to rain - nice. Across the old track to the horse hut on Standon. A dry, clean welcoming place for a cuppa, lots of coal and even fresh hay. Down roughty tumble to cross the Tavy. Now no need for the compass as it is simply back along the wall. But, those piskies were out and so we roamed the fuzz bushes exploring every break until we got back where we started from. Then compass out and neatly back. Late to the Mary Tavy which was quiet and welcoming.

WW 4th September 2013

Now that really was something quite different. How often do you go to Newbridge car park and find it rammed? Well, like every time of course. But, at 7.30 on a Wednesday evening? They were all there, and I mean all of them, a full set, from everywhere. All absolutely resplendent in their togs, ready to do what they must do. But we didn't do that, we did what we had to do. So we went to the lily pond and then along the Dart. It was very warm, thank goodness. So we trekked until the path disappeared. Then down to the babbling river for a cuppa before the crossing. Out we went to the island and on to the other side. And even the river was warm as someone found out. Then back along the other side in the dark dark. To the Tavistock Inn which was very quaint and very quiet. And on home through the evening mists - with the heater on!

WWW 4th September 2013

Well
that really was
very pleasant
wasn't it.
Misty everywhere else
but sunny in Lydford.
So out and about we went
to lots of new places.
Past Ingo Brake
out onto the moor
gunfire gently
on the breeze.
Round White
to Doe Tor Farm.
Then back
past Frank's and
more ancient lanes.
To see the Saxon Banks
and the ancient well.
To the Castle Inn.
Very pleasant indeed!  

WW 28th August 2013

And on it goes, on and on. So on a warm, sunny, summer's evening a goodly gathering at Norsworthy Bridge. Out along the lane to Cuckoo Rock with the sun gently lighting up the trees. The Rowan gleaming bright red. On to Combeshead Tor as the sun started to set over Peak Hill. Then to the stone row and down to Little Hughes Mine and round the T-girt to Newleycombe Cross. Getting dark as we headed to Crazywell Cross where a very calm lady was watching the sunset with a bottle of wine on her birthday - good for her. Now time for a cuppa before heading down rocky Raddick to the fungus trail. Not much to see but high hopes for a few week time. To the Royal Oak which was as busy as usual. What a nice walk on such a nice evening.

WW 21st August 2013

Goodness me it really is hot! For an evening walk quite remarkably hot. How often do you walk in the hot dark? So out from Two Bridges on a hot evening. Out past Crockern and winding up to Littaford. Hotly on to Longaford where some bivouacers had managed to find damp wood to try to start a fire. Just where do you find damp wood in this hot? Down across the dribbling West Dart and on to lovely Crow Tor. The torches of the red brigade danced over by Lydford Tor as we made our way down and back past Witsman's to the PoW. They were there and also some mad, bold visitor had sat, presumably accidentally, in his chair!

Editors note: Ho Ho Google maps has got two East Darts

WWW 21st August 2013

A most pleasant walk on a, now familiar, hot summer's day. Out from the Fox and Hounds along the tramway to the points. Clear as a bell it was. Up to Gren and tussocky to Hunt. Great Links beckoned and we responded. A drink and down to Dick's Well, not to that stone but to the actual well. Well we did have a wise old owl with us. And down past Arms over the trickle of the Lyd. Frank was not there, apparently playing golf this time.

WW 14th August 2013

From what can be ascertained it appears that a sole walker did venture forth this evening.

WW 7th August 2013

WWW 7th August 2013

Such a nice young man. Peter on Holiday from Holland on Hare Tor. And so we all had chocolate digestives. How nice. It really is not true what they say about the Dutch in Devon. And after we had met at Lane End, headed up Ger on a perfect, typical August day; sun, fluffy clouds and a gentle breeze. On to Tavy Cleave Tor, quite a lot of people about for Dartmoor. Then, most fortuitously, up to Hare where we met Peter on Holiday from Holland. So a nice cuppa and a bicci before heading to Sharp and wending our way back through the firing range and round the leat - full of fish and we flushed a heron. To the Mary Tavy Inn which was very nice.

WW 31st July 2013

Oh dear me. And it all seemed to be going so well. On a perfect Dartmoor evening. Lovely enveloping mist ensuring that all the delights emerge gently. Out from the stated place and up to Little Trowlesworthy past the cheesy rock to Great. Along to Spanish Lake to follow the old leat out and then up to Hen Tor. A nice cuppa before heading down the track to the ford at Ditsworthy. Managing to find the sheep trods to cross the Plym again and back to the cars. Down to the the Royal Oak for a rather late pint. 

But no, total disaster, abject misery, there, what would we find, but three poor souls who had been left behind, left behind to wander the fishing pools desperately trying to find a friend, any friend, before they had to retreat to the pub, there all they could do to console themselves was to drink so much beer they were reduced to drinking coffee.
 
What can you say ...

WW 24th July 2013

And it is said that on this evening only two brave souls ventured forth from Manaton to enjoy the delights of a warm evening on the moor.

WWW 24th July 2013

Another hot day and superb weather as we set off up the track past Dunnabridge Pound to the Brimpts North Tin Mine. Once this was a place with lots of activity and an information board tells of a  shaft going down 30 metres.  We changed direction towards Huckaby Tor and then headed to the mine trail within the woods around Brimpts Farm.  We came out in the valley of the East Dart River and the track took us down to the first set of stepping stones.  Into the hamlet of Babeny and across to the second set of stepping stones by Laughter Hole House.  Up through the trees and back to the start - a lovely leisurely stroll.

WW 17th July 2013

Another glorious evening, clear views, dry underfoot and hot.  We went out through the woods and into the grassy bit which runs between. Up to Bellever Tor on the dry and dusty track that is usually wet and muddy.  Then looped around and back into the forest, past a group of children having fun and past the cutest and tiniest foal to the appointed place to listen for the Night Jars.  Did we see and hear them - well you had to be there to know that!

WW 10th July 2013

Well, there really cannot be that many evenings like that. Hot, hot, hot. No mist, rain, dark or mizzle. Just sun, sun, sun. So out from Top Tor car park in a strong breeze. Quite a few people wandering about, amazed at a hot, clear, sunny Dartmoor evening. Down to Top Tor and on up to Pil. Past Blackslade Ford to peep at William's Well. Well guarded by a lovely new wall, super high tensile barbed wire and a bull. Down to that odd stand of trees at Ruddycleave Bridge and more beautiful new walls. Across the common to the Beacon passing all those bound stones. The Ten Commandments Stones were hard to read as the sun gently set behind them. Amazing views across Holne Chase, to Princetown, Combestone and Ryder's where we were in the mist only a week ago. Back following the stones and to a very busy Rugglestone. 

Sunny, warm evenings; we will miss them when they are gone.

WWW 10th July 2013

Hot or what?
What weather
Goodness only knows
Nearly makes your blood boil
Still
Got to do
So out from High Down
In a very strong Easterly
Straight up Brat
What else?
Then down 
Doe Tor brook
Wander up though the workings
To Dick's
Bleak House
No cuppa
A cooling draught
Dunna Goats
To that elusive pond
Great Links
Arms
Stepping Stones over the 
Lyd
Not much water flowing
And back
To the Dartmoor Inn
Which was ...
Very welcoming
If a bit above our station.

WW 3rd July 2013

 

Just what is it about the moor? That makes it just so... Well it could be the contrasts in scale. From the very small, to the wide open, mysterious views. Certainly this evening we were treated to both. Out from Venford, quite mild but still feeling the need for a sweater. Round Venford and the sight of a Labyrinth Spider emerging from its lair. Then through all the workings heading south west. Just how did people shift all that earth with picks, shovels and wheel barrows? Over the top and down though the cotton grass to Hapstead Ford - always a delightful corner of the moor. A swift cuppa sheltering from the breeze then following the workings west up to Mardle Head and on to Ryder's Hill. The soft mist gently enveloped us as we wound our way back to the cars. Rather late so swiftly to the welcoming Forest Inn. 

WW 26th June 2013

He lied, of course: Not about the soft velvety Devon evening and the gentle meander up to the village pool behind Peter Tavy. Nor about the track skirting Cox Tor and the bright red sheep passed en route and the soft views of distant tors.   But then, then he lied. Uphill for the very last time, he said. Pffffh !! Downhill at first, though. Then over the stream. And then...up. To a chilly White Tor that was there one minute and then it wasn’t as the mist was. As it were. And so down to the pub for beer and crisps and nuts.  Anne’s walk, really. But then, he lied about that, too. Eee, but it’s good to be back ! 

WWW 26th June 2013

Not a lot of sunshine but warm and humid.  We headed down to Combestone farm and followed the footpath/pipeline back to Venford reservoir which was surprisingly low given the amount of rainfall this year.  Then on to Bench Tor with fine views over the Dart valley. On to the far end of the reservoir and over the moor to find a stone row which wasn't there and then to Horn's Cross.  A good lunch followed in The Forest Inn.

WW 19th June 2013

 

He is back after a break of seven months. As enthusiastic as ever! It was a good walk to come back to - a fantastic summer evening and a part of the moor we don't get to very often.  Starting on Hayne Down just below  Bowerman's Nose.  We headed over Cripdon Down and through a patch of gorse.  Not a problem if you are properly dressed for Dartmoor but not if you happen to be wearing sandals! Through the Devon lanes to the top of Easdon Tor with brilliant views in every direction. Back along the lanes and on to the Rugglestone Inn and he still wasn't there.

WW 12th June 2013

On a soft, soft Dartmoor evening we were delighted to be joined by one of the original cast members. We dutifully put on our waterproofs to stop the rain and set out over Gutter Tor to Ditsworthy to chat with the soldiers. Quite odd, they were patiently waiting with their guns to be attacked and we were bimbling about and off to the pub. The Plym was roaring as we headed along the banks and round to Lower Hartor Torter Tors for tea. Round the old leat through Evil Combe and up to Eylesbarrow before following the PCWW stones back. To the Oak which was pleasantly busy as usual to catch up on all the news. Between Wednesdays things must always happen, sometimes these happen to those we care for and out thoughts go out to them.

WWW 12th June 2013

Another winter day walk just ten days before midsummer day.  Four of us headed out to Hart Tor by and indirect route and then down to the River Meavy.  Up to Black Tor and then down to the Aqueduct.  On to Cramber Tor and then over to the track which runs past South Hessary Tor, and back to Princetown.  Yes we enjoyed the walk, we discussed and sorted out some relevant issues and felt invigorated.

WW 5th June 2013, 20th Anniversary

Some say 16, quite a gathering, of the stalwarts, those who do, out and about, in the sunshine, up hill, and down again, to sit, and eat,and drink, and chat, about what was, what is, and what is to come, out from the F&H, along the old track, to find a corner, to shelter from the glare, lots to eat, lots to drink, then their separate ways, to meander back, some by Great Links and Arms, to the F&H, which had a fire burning, which was warm, and beer, and slowly home, and CAKE.

WW 29th May 2013

After a sunny, cloudy day the clouds just gently rolled in. He was there, second time in three weeks. And so, we had lots to catch up on. Out we rolled from Belstone Green, past the Field Marshall slowly sinking into the ground. To Taw Marsh and the Radon Works before climbing gently up to wonderful Oke Tor. A few stalwarts were hiding, beautifully camouflaged except for the yellow flashes on the machine gun. A gentle NW was blowing as we sheltered for our cuppa. Then back along the ridge and even some rain to hustle us into waterproofs. Down, down to The Tors, which was very quiet until we arrived. Then back home - still 12C so can't complain.

WW 22nd May 2013

Well that cold northerly wind was really kicking in. As a substantial team set out. Round Bonehill and up to Bel. To Chinkwell and then a real treat. Down to Hedge Tor. What a lovely place, with views round from Bowerman's Nose, Hound, Hay and on to Hameldown. Rather naughtily to the lane where we could hear the trials bikes trialling. Then up to Hound for a cuppa. Before heading across to the bluebells. They were sleeping as the sun had set but still well worth a visit by all in the next few, cool days. Back in the gloaming, a few to Top before the Rugglestone. He was not there, apparently Tuesday night had been a bit heavy. In fact the place was empty.

WWW 22nd May 2013

A substantial team gathered on the green for the traditional bluebell woods walk. And they were not to be disappointed. The bluebells covered the ground and quite a few were out admiring the view. Onward to Sheepstor and up Joey's to Maiden and on to the tor itself. Round and down to the dams where the tarmac gangs were busy patch patching. And to the Royal Oak which was pleasantly busy. We sat outside in a most orderly manner and caught up on all the news.

WW 15th May 2013

 
Well, who was the most surprised? Just bimbling down the track to Plym Ford on a cool, beautiful May evening. Minding your own business and just what can that be. Bold as brass. Just sitting there. Sitting there seemingly without a care in the world. Then turning and staring. What else can you do. 

So out from Peat Cot and down to Nun's Cross. Remarkably cool, some in their winter wear. A few puddles on the track. Winding out to Whealham Bottom before chasing the narrow track to Hand Hill, always lovely there. To Plym Ford and a surprise. On along the slightly repaired track to Eyelsbarrow. Then down in the gently easing day with seemingly ridges of mountains running away. To Seward's Cross and back. With the car warning of ice on the road to the PoW. 

These long, lazy, spring evenings are quite something, but ...

WW 8th May 2013

I marched them up to the top of Stannon then marched them down again. 

No marching needed to get them in Mary Tavy Inn.

WW 1st May 2013

I will not be joining you for this excellent walk.
Send on words and a pic if you like.
Jon

WW 24th April 2013

Was it a plea? Was it an order? Did we have to go? Was there any choice? Well we decided we better had go, just in case. So we went. And out we went through the Arboretum and on past the batty cave. And out to the workings. Round under Combeshead to the stone row. Then plunging down past hairy stone number two - is an ascent possible? And back to the Royal Oak. They weren't there although there were lots and lots of cars. On a misty evening.

WWW 24th April 2013

Well, it was jolly misty and surprisingly cool. But we were well prepared. So out we went to follow the ancient Tavistock Ashburton packhorse track. Unerringly to all the stones with Yellowmeade looming in the mist. Round over Hollow and Rundlestone to North Hessary then down to the PoW. And, one of them was there, curled up on his chair. And, he really does look like a tiger. What a cat!

WW 17th April 2013

I do recall, some time ago, a very experienced explorer, being asked, what was the one essential piece of kit to take on every trip. The reply "Experience". And so it was that we set out from Sourton, on a wild evening, with a gale blowing, out under the tor and round to the points into the howling, on round to the memorial, up to Branscombe's and then for a cuppa sheltering in the lee of the cairn. And, all the time we were promised there was a place where the wind did not blow - trust me! And so, over to Sourton before dropping down to the cars where the wind did roar. To the Bearslake, which was very busy. And it is true, in the lounge bar of the Bearslake, sat on the sofas there was hardly any wind at all. Something to do with the thatched roof apparently.

WW 3rd & 10th April 2013

I will not be joining you on these fine walks.
Send on words and a picture if possible.
Have a nice time, Jon

WW 27th March 2013

We started under a clear sky  past Roundy Park Settlement  up to Broad Down where looking back we were greeted by a wonderful orange moon accompanied by glittering stars. Then down to the waterfall at Sandy Hole for a warm drink. Despite recent weather the ice around the waterfall was not as plentiful as it has been on previous winter visits. It was then back via the Beehive hut, Hartland Tor and via the fields by the runway of lights at Hartyland for a reviving beverage at the East Dart, where they have beer brewed for them specifically which was enjoyed by two of our number.

WWW 27th March 2013

So out from Prewley with a cold east wind blowing hard. Dry underfoot with icy patches to dodge. Round the glaciated cwm and up to Shelstone. On and up Corn Ridge to find the aircraft crash site. Lots of molten aluminium around at this sad place. Heading down to the points we meet other walkers sheltering from the wind. They had just enjoyed one of those rather expensive new magic real coffee drinks and it certainly smelt very nice. After a cuppa in the lee, over to Sourton to explore the odd wall like feature - just what is it? Then skippy down to the cars and to the F&H.