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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
You really do have to be there ...
