WWW 31st December 2014

Out

on the last day

of the year.

From Two Bridges

and round

up the muddy track

to Beardown.

Down to the redesigned leat take off

some ice around

safelyish across the Dart

then up.

To Higher White

and on to

wonderful Longaford

on a busy, busy day.

Shafts of sunshine lit the way

to Littaford

and back

to a crowded car park.

To the welcoming Fox Tor Cafe

which was so full

some could not fit in.

WWW 24th December 2014

Two new faces joined us this morning for a short walk along the railway and into our early venue for the Christmas Carols for coffee. We then followed the T and A stones up to North Hessary and then down to The Prince of Wales for lunch.

The flowers were near the old quarry chapel! After lunch a quick walk to the Fox Tor cafe to confirm they will be open next Wednesday so we’re all set for another seasonal walk. Look forward to seeing you all next week.

WWW 17th December 2014

There are

many, many

places on the moor

that are

very, very special.

The Old Pine at Doe Tor Farm

is certainly

one of them.

Out from High Down

on a misty, mizzly, windy morning,

perfect Dartmoor weather.

The first set of stepping stones

was awash

so upstream
to the higher set.

Back along the tumbling Lyd

and over the muddy bridge

to the farm.

Onward and upward

to Doe Tor

over the brook

then round to

Wheal Frederick

for a cuppa

(where else).

Into the weather

to Brae Tor

to enjoy the breeze

down, down, down

and across the stepping stones.

Remembering the old times

of tragedy

and the Royal Observer Corps.

A very pleasant walk indeed!

WWW 10th December 2014

Not a drop
Not a single drop
On a bright December day
A day with a bite to it
Very nice
From Norsworthy
To the leat
And along
Out on to the moor
Gloves on
Past the Indian head
The aqueduct
Lovely Black Tor Falls
Up the stone row
To Hart
For a cuppa
Onwards to South Hessary
Where the new cobra's head stood out
In the clear blue sky
To that trig point
And the bog bean pond
Cramber Tor
Always a treat
And round
To Crazy Well
Just about overflowing
And on down
Raddick
Avoiding the cyclists
On the Older Bridge track
And back to the cars
Where
Many had to rush off
To get all those jobs done

WW 3rd December 2014

Well, the consensus finally was that, yes, they had been. Broad shoulders indeed needed to take the flak from the doubters and gainsayers. But, it had to be admitted that something had been done and it was not just cattle scratching their bum.

Out from the Scout Hut on another beautiful, crisp, clear evening. Up Gutter Tor to admire the rock basins and the views. Down to the warren house which needs, and is going to have, a new roof. Exploring the kennels where two collies now reside. Down to the weir to search for salmon - you've got to look haven't you? To the standing stones and Giant's Basin for a cuppa and birthday cake. On to Higher Hartor and across to Eylesbarrow before following the stones back to the cars and on to the Royal Oak.

Good job he wasn't there because sqeezebox man was there, and squeezing.
A jolly fine committee walk.

WW 26th November 2014

Another glorious starlit evening. The mellow crescent moon popped out for a short visit. Out from Four Winds where the mouse scurried away. Up to West Mead Quarry - full of water. Past Hollow with the mast gleaming behind, to North Hessary. Down to find the railway track and round by Foggintor for a cuppa under the heavens. The short cut past Swell Tor and round to the works taking place on the bridge; all part of the new Peek Hill Bridge development I guess. Then round the track to find the tree that marks the track to the wall corner. Jump across Long Ash Brook and back to the cars.

To the Whitty where the talk was of corkage - what a cheek!

WW 19th November 2014

The vintner cried off from the walk so Raz did the honours. Just three of us off to Grimspound and then back via the Monkey puzzle tree.

In the Warren House we were met by our erstwhile leader with the promised bottle of Nouveau to try, and very good it was too, just a pity there weren't more of us to try it!

WWW 19th November 2014

And, of course, the predicted rain started just as we got back to the cars. A nice autumnal jaunt out from Postbridge. Through what is left of the forest and down to the village. Then round and up to Laughter for a cuppa in the Loughter Tor Pound. Up to Bellever Tor which never disappoints. The Lych Way way and the muddy track back to the cars.

WW 12th November 2014

So, out they set on a starry, starry evening. From the Fox and Hounds to the open moor. Quite dark so the new, super powerful torch came in handy. Along, along King Wall past Lake. And, on to Sourton Tors. Then back along the tramway past Great Nodden which was a pity. As, the late one was on the other side of the hill. Still all met up at the Fox where the barman was ready to go home. So ready he forgot to charge for the beers - but of course he was reminded.

WW 5th November 2014

After a perfect sunlit morning a perfect moonlit evening. 

Just as well we were at Whiteworks where a smooth mist glistened over the mire. Across that wonderful mire to Goldsmith's, contouring round to find that most perfect cist. And, on to Childe's Tomb with such a bright moon overhead. Not a breath of wind so the cuppa saved for Fox Tor. Along the ridge to Little Fox Tor where the logan stone did and still does. The ancient track to find Whealham Bottom incised cross before heading up Hand Hill. And there, sadness, the cross has gone. Now two of the smallest crosses have disappeared. So, to Nun's Cross and Siward's before finding the leat, the diggers and the cars. To the Plume which was almost riotous.

What a nice end to the day.

WWW 5th November 2014

Another beautiful, mild autumn morning. Lowell Dam - just the place to set off. The tide was fully out so the mud was in all its glory. Up through the woods where the new pheasant fencing is complete, and very technical too. Over the top past Pound for wonderful views over the Tavy. Dropping down to Blaxton Quay for a cuppa in the warm sunshine. Over the creek and round the woods. To the dam again and time and tide had waited; enough for a crossing. An exploration of Wheal Maristow and the Ferryman's Cottage then back to the cars and on to the Drake Manor for a fine lunch.

What a nice start to the day.

WW 29th October 2014

A goodly gathering on the first dark evening of the year. All the mist of previous days had disappeared. Even the crescent moon popped out. From Lane End and up to the very full leat. Along and out round White Hill to Doe Tor. Traditionally to Foxholes for a cuppa and up to Sharp. Along the scarp to Hare then down to Ger and the cars. On to a quiet Mary Tavy.

WW 22nd October 2014

A Great walk
On a mild evening
Just a hint
Of gentle mizzle
Round the tors
First it was Over
Little Mis
And, Great Mis
To the Walkham
For a cuppa
Over the leat
To the col
To Great Staple
Down
To Middle Staple
Down
To Little Staple
And round
Back to the cars
To head on
To a very quiet
Whitty

WWW 22nd October 2014

The Bere Peninsula, a very special, calm place. From Bere Ferrers in a timely fashion by Liphill Quay. Up and over the hill and past all the farms. Lots of development taking place. From the Tamar over the top towards the Tavy. Back down through Hole Woods and to the Plough.

The Spindle Trees were in fruit. In ancient times this wood was used to make jewellery. To see possibly the earliest example of turned wood in Europe go here.

WW 15th October 2015

Out from the car park and up. Past Sharpitor and Lether and a brief explore of the woods. Along the leat then to the beautiful bridge and out to the Older Bridge track. Cutting up to Crazy Well to pause for a cuppa. Round and on to Black Tor where, as promised, that rain gently appeared. So, back to the cars and the very quiet Burrator for a few pints and a yarn.

WW 8th October 2014

Thunder and lightning, rain lashing at the windows, 7 p.m. Wednesday; O-U-T. Out to Baggator as the light disappeared and the rain stopped. In fact not a drop for the whole walk.
Along the track to the open moor under a huge moon to be welcomed by a huge red flag. The lightning still over the moor and Bodmin Moor - very nice. Plan B; back and down the ancient trackways pausing to watch the Space Station pass overhead. Down to the Tavy but the stepping stones were well awash. So on to Standon Steps to cross and out to the road. Back to Hill Bridge where the bats were busy having their tea before cutting back up to Baggator and, of course, an ascent.

WWW 8th October 2014

And it definitely is post Emmet's Post. There it was, and the tumulus, completely and utterly gone. Totally obliterated. Still at least we were there to see where it isn't any more. Not a trace and the bridle path to go soon as well. Out we strode on a fine autumn's morning to Luxton Tor and Saddleborough. Across to Hawks Tor and Huxton Stone. Round the bracken to Collard Tor and then to explore the old workings. We did not dig but we did enter and ascend the cones. A less than optimal route took us down to Wotter. On to RAF Hawks Tor for a cuppa as the rain headed in across the Sound. We found Beatland Corner cross socket and lots of enclosures and hut circles as we wend our way back to the cars. A jolly fine walk across a most interesting tiny triangle of the moor.

WW 1st October 2014

Apparently a significant group left Holming Beam crossed the West Dart and headed for Beardown Tors.  Then on up the valley to Beardown Man before turning the corner and returning via Conies Down.

WW 24th September 2014

Once again a highly select team set out to Kestor this time from Fernworthy.
These evening walks are just the thing for quiet contemplation.

WWW 24th September 2014

It really was, absolutely tipping it down at the Fox and Hounds at 09:55, but predictably at 09:59:59 it stopped and the sunshine steadily crept in. A very pleasant breeze provided perfect conditions to head up Brat. On to the Foxholes lintel for an early cuppa. The building is slowly crumbling and the fire breast will no doubt fall in a few years. Up the ever interesting workings to Dick's Well and on to Great Links to see the north and south coasts. Little Links needed a visit as well as that other tor - Little Arms, Lydford ... - I don't know. Back to the Fox and Hounds for a leisurely lunch.

WW 17th September 2014

The long, long trek out to Scorhill; more than compensated for by the excellent company on the walk. The light is fading fast now on these warm evenings. Out and down to the Tolmen; through both ways just to make sure. On to the two wonderful clapper bridges then round the woods to the wonderful Kestor. Middle Tor just beckoned through the dark and a good place for a cuppa. On to Frenchbeer then back up to find the Long Stone. Three Boys, so near, demanded a look then back to the Long Stone to follow the amazing stone rows back. A quick pop to Scorhill Circle and off the moor yet again.

WW 10th September 2014

And the huge moon did rise. Setting out from Pork Hill on a warm summer's evening. Round Barn Hill to the amazing canyon. Over Pew as the sun set and on to the tare. No sign of the goldfish in the murky pool. To Vixen Tor (well not quite) as the moon rose by the mast. To Middle Staple for a quick cuppa hoping for a sight of Iridium 65 then on to Cox before heading to the quiet Whitty.

WWW 10th September 2014

Just four of us at the start for the walk out from Norworthy Bridge to visit three of the farms abandoned when the reservoir was built.  A warm, hazy day but with a cooling breeze. First up to Leather Tor bridge and Leather Tor farm.  Out along the leat to the aqueduct which hardly has any water tumbling down at this time. Then over  to Crazy Well Pool which is looking very pretty in the sunshine with all the gorse out on the banks. On to the Devon Tors at Yelverton for lunch - this was excellent value and excellent quality.  Keith ordered a trio of sausages and got four! We were joined by Bill who had been late for the start and did his own thing. Subsequently read in the Tavistock Times that the landlord of the Devon Tors has pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice and has been sent away for eight months - will the pub survive?

WW 3rd September 2014

The sheep chicane was well established by the time we left the hot Warren House Inn. Out on a very warm evening as the sun had just set. To Birch Tor to catch the last of it then on to Hookney. Grimspound as interesting as ever. The two Monkey Puzzle trees were safe in what looks like an empty Headland Warren. Through Vitifer to the Warren House where, rather oddly, they had decided to light a fire. Swift pints then the weavy way home.

WW 27th August 2014

Walking on Camomile lawns, now that is nice. Lots of new, interesting places to visit. Out past Tolchmoor Gate and down the lovely lane over Ridding Down, the views proving somewhat elusive. Broomage Farm which must have been quite a place in its heyday. Headon China Clay Works were in full swing and was quite attractive with the lights shining and conveyors whirring. Round to Gibhill Cottages for a cuppa on the bench and on to the suitable memorial stone. Quick Bridge and the soggy track with toads and a frog. Ridding Down cross with a mullion? To the Royal Oak which was very quiet. But the scent of the camomile was the most memorable.

WWW 27th August 2014

Proper soft weather to head out from Princetown on a quest. And, we found them all, all thirteen. The old packhorse track from Ashburton to Tavistock. The full set. Down, down, down, we trod over Long Ash Hill past Yellowmead and the Merrivale stones, right down to the last stone for a cuppa. Then up, up, up, past West Mead Quarry and its powder store, to explore the site of Red Cottages. To Hill 60 quarry and Hollow Tor, the prison bounds, North Hessary and back to the PoW.

WW 20th August 2014

First, jump start the icecream van at Cadover Bridge (the stuff that ex-Marine has in his rucksack!) then off we set due west into a brilliant low sun. Over Wigford Down to Urgles Cross (is it old or new?). Down, down, the very steep hill to Goodameavy - the descent interrupted by road rage! The nasty cyclist has got the Range Rover lady's number. Through the dark railway tunnel for a coffee stop at the new cyclists' bench, thank you Mr Murray Mint and Mr Pierce Brosnam. Into the woods for the secret shortcut known only to our leader Dr Tom and on to Shaugh Bridge. Back along the cracked old pipe track in the chilly dark with the bats to Cadover where not very interesting people were looking for very interesting moths in the dark. To the Royal Oak for beer and crisps - but please don't mess up the cutlery!

WW 13th August 2014

Planning, planning, planning, and of course, planning. You just have to put in the work and the rewards will come and this evening we left it all on the Moor. Years of sheer graft to synchronise events to produce such a display. Out from Blackaton and Emmett's on a cool evening. To Great Trolsworthy to admire the view. The pull up to Shell Top before sheltering at Penn Beacon for a cuppa. Patience, patience, patience, and of course, patience. And there it was sailing overhead right on time. That would have been enough in itself. A wait, the gentle descent and there they were lighting up the sky, ooh and aah. A full set always has three so the huge moon had to rise. A rush back to the cars, far too late to the Oak but collective pathos ensured a pint.

Oh, and that thing we are not talking about; we are not talking about it.

WWW 13th August 2014

And, breathe out, relax, all is back to normal, lots of lovely showers dashing across the moors, waterproofs on and off, all a lot, lot better. Out from Manaton round the church and up to the Rocks for the views. Down and round the green lanes to Foxworthy then the climb up to Hunter's for a cuppa. Along the ridge before the dive down and over Clam Bridge. Steeply up and then round an ancient trackway to view the amazing eco-house. Soon to the cars and on to the inn for lunch.

WW 6th August 2014

A la ruche et la chute d'eau - where else on a very fine evening out from Postbridge. There is always, always, something new. And the new this time was in the old and familiar explaining the old and familiar to the young and new. Language was a very small barrier and the magic book was very useful at times. Just enough water to make the Dart sing as we wend our way over Hartland. Up and round to take tea at the cascade as the gloaming gently gloamed. An escort back to the PoW and everyone safely to a nice, comfortable bed.

WWW 30th July 2014

Now that really was amazing. Really, really amazing. I reckon everybody's Christmas list will have one. Out for our picnic walk. The sun had eased and a nice, gentle breeze had arrived. Out from Lane End with the red flags fluttering and gentle gunfire. So down we went to the wall corner, over the Tavy before heading round Standon keeping outside the flags until Fur Tor came into view. On we went, quite near the Meads, very brave, before the pull up to the wonderful tor and a perfect picnic spot. And then he assembled it and off it went, up and away like a busy wasp. So, we had to have a team photo like none before. Time to go so we headed out to find the ancient peat track that goes down to Baggator. At the head of the track a post - very nice. We carefully windled our way down the track before heading off for Standon Hill and a snack. Back and across the Tavy to the cars. Perfect weather for a walk.

WW 23rd July 2014

Now that was rather an odd evening, some might even say weird. Just what is going on? 23°C at 7.30 in the evening to set off over Yar Tor. And down to explore Rogue's Roost from where the sheep rustlers roamed. Along the lane over a Walla Brook to ancient Babeny and back out onto the open moor in the full sun. Over the ancient stepping stones for a very brief cuppa. Not a breath of wind, really not a breath, not a leaf stirred. Our esteemed leader being uniquely bothered by flying ants hastened on. Along the ridge of Corndon Down to the giant stone cairn and on to Corndon Tor. Past the monument, to the cars, and the PoW, and it still was 18°C, how weird is that?

WW 16th July 2014

Now that was jolly warm, even hot and very, very humid - we do not use the word 'sweaty'! Out from Manaton round the funny church and up to Manaton Rocks for the view. Strimmer person had been busy so not too prickly down to the road. Then steeply, steeply before the track to Foxworthy. Up the ancient trackway and on to Peck Farm. The Longhorn lady went past but no sign of the beasts. To Hunter's Tor for a cuppa looking over the cleave and out to Bowerman's, Hound and Hay. Along the ridge eventually to Nut Crackers then the swift plunge down to Clam Bridge. The very steep hill was rather warm but we safely made it straight to the Kestor Inn with its little shop before walking back to the cars. On the way back the traditional array of sheep sleeping on the road and then the rain came.

WWW 16th July 2014

A most pleasant morning for an atmospheric walk on the moor. What to wear seemed to be the biggest problem as well as deciding whether or not it was actually raining. Out from Peat Cott and over to Eylesbarrow then roundly to Plym Ford and on to Hand Hill Cross. Down to Whealham Bottom and back past Nun's Cross before making our way to the PoW.

WW 9th July 2014

Just three of us for the walk up Cosdon Hill. A cool breeze and a little hazy in the distance but some brilliant views from up there.  We took the green lanes up from South Zeal to Cosdon, down to the stone circle and then turned left to take the path back on the East side of Cosdon Hill.  Back to the green lanes. Excellent value in the Taw River Inn where many were watching the football. Good to see Nigel again. 

WW 2nd July 2014

Golden evenings. Out from Lydford and along the ancient lanes. Out onto the moor and past Frank's place. And, there he was, walking his dog. A real treat, he showed us the sun stone - never seen that before. Just what could it be? Onward past Nodden Gate to the Fox where we actually stopped for a drink. Yes, we actually stopped for a drink in the middle of a walk. Can you believe it, we stopped for a drink in the middle of a walk. The midges drove us on and down, to the lovely new cycle track and across Fernworthy Down as the sun set. And nicely back along the byways, past the well, to Lydford.

WWW 2nd July 2014

Well, last time
It absolutely chucked it down
So we had to go back
To see if we could cross the Mardle
And, yes we could
After watching the red deer in the park
Out from Scorriton
On a hot summer's day
The thistles and fox gloves glorious
Over the brook
Up the hill
To the ancient homestead
And on
Up to the leat
Lud Gate
Strole
Down the old drovers' track
Past the beautiful Combes
To the Tradesman's
For a cooling drink
And a snack
Very nice

WW 25th June 2014

Well that's it I suppose, nights are drawing in, time to fish out the thermals and trim your wick. Lots of things out there. To the Watchet Hill tumulus before heading to the Nine Maidens. Down to Cullever Cairn and cist underneath Irishman's Wall. Past Winter Tor to the cairn then out to the portal at Oak. Time for a nice cuppa sheltered from a keen breeze. Then back along the ridge hoping for the classic Belstone sunset. The sun appeared to be setting all over the place. Straight to a very quiet Tors where we put the world to rights with the barmaid over the World Cup.

WWW 18th June 2014

Beetles, leeches, tadpoles, newts, orchids, children, artists, climbers, burgers. There surely was a lot to see and do on our walk round Hound Tor. The van was not there when we left on quite a cool morning. But we were full of hope. Out round Hound to the mediaeval village and past Greator to go down the lane and over the bridge. Up and past the huge Black Hill cairns then on to the quarry. Which was busy, busy, busy. Up and on to Haytor before windling down to seek the ford and up through Holwell Lawn. The bluebells were resting in the bracken. Back over and the van was waiting for a very welcome cuppa and lunch.

WW 18th June 2014

I will not be joining you all this fine, summer's evening.
Send on words and a pic if possible.
Have a nice walk.
Jon

WW 11th June 2014

Dinner time on Lake Down. Out in the interminable heat from Sourton. The church looks wonderful after all the work repointing. Under the tor and round the huge corrie where the sundews were having their evening meal. And, up steeply to that little tor before the full ascent of Branscombe's. Then on to watch the evening sun light up the West Okement. Steeply down Slipperstones to walk up to Shelstone, and it still does wobble. Before walking back under the most wonderful full moon as the stars started popping out and on to the Fox and Hounds.

WW 4th June 2014

And the promise was for a fine clear evening so mighty relief as, in a strong wind, full waterproofs and gloves were donned at Combestone. And out we trudged to explore the Henroost and Hooten Wheels. So much activity there, the mine near Horse Ford closing as recently as 1920. Up to Horse Ford Cross but they could not be found. This area is the Bermuda Triangle of the moor as my whistle went near there as well. Then on to Skir Ford Cross before turning south where a Skylark rose to reveal its nest. Then to Wellaby Gulf boundary rock which is well hard to find - without a thingy. Back down as the light left, past Horn's Ford Cross, the cars and the PoW again.

WWW 4th June 2014

What a lovely day for a walk. The May blossom in all its glory. Down the ancient lane past Longash to Daveytown. Up by Criptor to shelter from a brief shower for a cuppa. On to Ingra then back along the tracks to Merrivale. Marvellous clouds but the May blossom stole to show. Then on to the PoW which seems to have become an office for young wheeler dealers.

WWW 21st May 2014

Open skies with not a hint of rain,  warm breeze, puffy clouds and gin-clear visibility – a fitting ‘Welcome Back’ to Mike L on his first long haul uphill to mark the end of stoic adventures in Derriford.  Good also to see Stella back on the hoof, nimbling along like a  good ‘un ! So – Fox & Hounds, ‘The Points’ and a pause to admire a stunning view westwards. Then up to Great Links for  coffee, some distant coastal shipping watching on the north Cornish coast  and then down to the gully and Dick’s Well. Back via Arms and a nimble, steep scramble downhill to the ford and home to the F & H for a restorative pint and something tasty between two slabs of bread.’ Triffik !

WW 14th May 2014

This was a walk with a curve. Norsworthy to Cuckoo Rock, up to Combeshead then curving left over to the stonerow. Downhill all the way across the Newlycombe valley and curving down to.. Norsworthy and further curves by car to...well yes....the Royal Oak. Quite early... did we walk fast ? Not really. Too many curves !!

WW 7th May 2014

And there they were, just like magic, so beautiful, carpeting the woods.
The annual bluebell woods walk out from Meavy Green. Past Marchant's Cross and round Yeo Farm with glimpses of blue in the fields ahead. Then over the stile and there they all were, just as they should be, like magic. And the yellow dotted path winding through. Out and on to Sheepstor village before Maiden Tor and the ascent. The summit provided suitable shelter from the breeze for a cuppa. Then down and over the dams to the Royal Oak. They were leaving so a peaceful evening ensued.

WWW 7th May 2014

A very pleasant, showery day for a walk. Out from Leigh and down to the Dart. Everyone we met had a towel - what is going on? To New Bridge and past the lovely lily pond. Along and then steeply up to Dr. Blackall's drive from the 1880's apparently. Out to Mel Tor with magnificent views over the Dart. Then 180⁰ and back along the drive to Aish Tor whose summit, of course, was attained. To the cars and the Tavistock Inn where the cat was waiting.

WW 30th April 2014

Boots on
Gaiters on
Torches checked
Flask filled
Fog lights on
Must be Wednesday
Over the grey moor
To Whiteworks
And across the mire
Nice and shaky
To Goldsmith's
And on to the perfect cist
To Childe's
And up to Fox Tor
Through the workings
Mount Misery
And down the long, long wall
Along the leat
To Fox Tor Ford
And back
To an empty Plume

WWW 30th April 2014

Now that was nice, very, very nice. On a beautiful spring morning out from Lopwell Dam. So many, many flowers and all the trees in their fresh foliage. Down by the Tavy as the tide ebbed and on to Blaxton Quay for a cup of tea. Back through Maristow land where a deer fence is being erected. To the cafe which provided a suitably educative lesson in patience.

WW 23rd April 2014

So, now the petals of the Dartmoor daisy are complete - only the stalk to do. Our intrepid hero set out from Venford to explore the workings before heading for Snowdon and on to Ryder's. Good job someone is keeping up
all the good work. 

WWW 23rd April 2014

Not a single one to be heard, and, like, they are always there. Someone thought they might have seen one and the lady at the Basket Meals said her neighbour had heard one. But nothing, nothing at all, how odd.
Out we set in the thickest of mist and rain, but once past Princetown, sun, sun, sun. Smartly off to Bonehill Rocks and on to Bell. Then Chinkwell to find Slade's Well, to Honeybags before turning south and to Holwell Lawn. The bluebells were very shy. Round to Greator Rocks for the traditional ascent before the settlement and round Hound to the basket meals for lunch sitting in the sunshine - very nice. Then back over Hound Tor to the cars and home. No pub because we took lunch on the way - very nice.

WW 16th April 2014

Down Dr Blackall's drive. Who was he ? Red sun over Bench Tor. Birds singing. Through twisty roots on twisty path to river valley and lodge houses. Past Spitchwick , woods, tracks and fields before road back to Beltor. Then down to Tavistock Inn and a red moon."

WW 9th April 2014

spot the dog

WWW 9th April 2014

An early hint of spring this still, dry Wednesday morning: tendrils of cotton-wool mist swathe the approach to Bere Ferrers and white-coated avocets peck breakfast from the tide-line as we half dozen head west under the railway line and down steep fields to Liphill at low water. Then, in panting silence, its that long uphill across the hunched shoulder of the peninsula to  Well Farm, then gently down to the wooded valley of Hole Wood beyond. En route there are explosions of white blackthorn in the hedgerows, a riot of differing species of daffodil, a wheeling buzzard or two and even new lambs playing pontoon in sunlit fields now spring-rich with new grass as we pick our way back towards lunch and a carefully-drawn pint at the Olde Plough Inn. Lucky ?  We all think so. Just a bit.