Well, as far as can be ascertained, and information is in short supply, as only the boldest and bravest ventured forth. West and East Rook Gates proved unattainable and so a diversion was made to New Waste. Where the venture went out to the stone row, Hilson's House and who knows where else. And it appears that they did return from whence they had been.
Yet another bright, sunny day to set out. A large gathering for a splendid walk over Trowlesworthy and to Spanish Lake. Smartly on to Hen Tor, but no rest, no on to Shavercombe. Which was as delightful a place as ever for a cuppa. Then on and back round the leat to Shearaback Tor and back to the cars. On to the Royal Oak.
No room at the Bearslake Inn and it was only 10 o'clock. Turned away we were, not wanting our lucrative business and muddy boots on their sofas. So off to the Fox and Hounds which was just fine.
At Prewley we waited, hoping to catch the ISS but the cloud was too strong. So we went the wrong way round - how's that for excitement? Up to Sourton and to the Points. After a most extensive exploration of Tiger Marsh for some, to the sad memorial. Then up to Branscombe's which emerged for a cuppa. Down, down we plunged to Shelstone where the logan stone did just rock. And back to the cars.
No waterproofs, no rain and all the stars finally did come out - now there's a thing.
To infinity and beyond, that's where we went. On a jolly, warm plodgy evening from Walredon. And the moon popped out. Down the track to Double Waters, where there certainly had been a lot of water, and Big Pool. Up, up, up to Berra Tor which got us rather hot. Then round the muddy tracks and down to our lovely new bridge. Before heading back past Grenofen Bridge. And on to the Halfway House. Where 5-0 seemed to be the focus of attention.
What a surprise. Who would believe it. Really. It was gloopy and misty and windy out on the moor. So we beat the bounds of the walk from Peat Cott just to check it is still all there. Along and up to the famous trig point before finding the marshy pools and on down to Cramber Tor. To the track and Crazy Well Pool for a cuppa in the gert. Then to the cross and the t-girt, which had been carrying a lot of water. Across Newleycombe up to the track and the tunnel entrance. Then the rain started as we headed back to the cars. On to the PoW which was at its quietest.
Pleasantly atmospheric. The struggle at the car park to get on waterproofs as the wind roared and the rain heaved. And then, totally predictably, at 7.29 the rain stopped. So off we trotted to see the water. Down the the leat which was as clean as a clean thing. To Black Tor falls which was relatively subdued. Aqueduct and along the leat with a strong southerly blowing. Crazy Well Pool was well black. And to find shelter in the woods for a nice cuppa. But, someone has been busy chopping down most all the trees. Lovely Lether Tor Bridge and up and back with the odd car to point the way. On to the Burrator Inn which was quiet, welcoming and beery. Something about trousers in there, making sure you wear your own trousers and taking care of their contents.
You really do have to be there ...
