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