WW 30th December 2015

Cave Penny Cross

The stars were out
As we left Yar Tor
Up to Cave Penny
And on to Corndon
A nice track
Led down
To the road
And Ponsworthy
Along the Two Moors Way
In the mud
As the West Webburn roared
To pop out at Jordan
Round the fields
To the Shallowfords
And the ancient track
To the moor
For a cuppa in the quarry
Up onto the ridge
And the huge cairns
The cars and on
To the always welcoming
Two Bridges
Which was, very quiet

TWW 22nd and WW 23rd December 2015

I will not be joining you all for these walks.
Send on words and a picture if you can.
Jon

TWW 15th December 2015

So that's it
Is it?
Hardly noticed
But it must be
Shortest winter I can remember
But the daffodils are all out
So this must be spring
Quite warm enough
Out from Mary Tavy Church
To pay our respects
To Crossing
Up and down over the stiles
Wheal Friendship miners' dry
To pop out by the Eles' nest
Up to Wheal Jewell for a cuppa
As the Cholwell cowboys passed
On to magnificent Wheal Betsy
Over Gibbet
And back
To the Mary Tavy Inn
All most pleasant
And mild

WW 9th December 2015

Not too bad at all - in fact rather good; no rain, good visibility and the stars arriving. Out from the Scout Hut to Ditsworthy - when will they get on fixing the roof? To Shavercombe Tor and the wonderful waterfall. Up the brook then the tussocks to find the cairns and cists. Over Langcombe Brook to Grim's Grave to find shelter from the breeze for a cuppa. Down past Deadmans Bottom to Plym Steps which were easily fordable. The old leat guided us to Giant's Basin and the stones. Back to the cars and on to a very quiet Royal oak. They were there but Mr. Squeezebox was having a night off. 

TWW 8th December 2015

It was going to be him, then it was going to be her but it ended up being me. A bit of a splodge of a walk over to Spanish Lake and then on undulations eastwards with rain, strong wind and shafts of winter sunshine illuminating a gin-clear tor-kissed horizon through veils of drifting drizzle. A snipe was started  near the waterfall and a buzzard took lazy wing as we dropped down into the gully. Coffee in shelter, then we trogged up past the sitting hen and so on, picking our way eastwards over clitter and hummocking grass in a sudden burst of hailstones. Happily homeward past the big cheese no one wanted and into the Royal Oak for restoratives where we bumped into Sue and Keith having lunch. How nice.

WW 2nd December 2015

Lane End
Squelch, squelch
Leat
Squelch, squelch
Doe Tor Broook
Squelch, squelch
Doe Tor
Squelch, squelch
Wheal Frederick
Squelch, squelch
Dick's Well
Squelch, squelch
Chat Tor
Squelch, squelch
Sharp Tor
Squelch, squelch
Hare Tor
Squelch, squelch
Cars
Ele Nest

TWW 1st December 2015

Such a busy, busy place but we all managed to squeeze in - just.
And out on another perfectly dry day up the track to the wee col. Down to find the adit below Eylesbarrow Mine. Round under Combeshead to the Reversing Stone on Hingston Hill. Back to the snake's head for a cuppa as the clouds gently lifted and a bit of blue squeezed out. Cuckoo Rock called and on to the potato caves, Deancombe staddle stones and up the eroded track which is receiving some gentle maintenance. And back to the cars and the Royal Oak which was as busy as usual.
All very nice and interesting.

WW 25th November 2015

Not a drop, not a single drop, who says it hasn't stopped raining - well it has!
Out from Oakley Cottage and windily down the narrow roads, speeding up as we left the open moor. Out and round through wonderful Sampford Spiney. For a change through the fields 'overlooking' the Walkham. To pop out by Eastontown to take the ancient track. A cuppa on the beautiful block under Heckwood: by the way it was the 10th October - put it in your diaries. Over the brook by Vixen Tor and up the secure wall to the boundary stone by Saddle Rock. Lower Staple was just visible on the horizon a so we took the main track to the leat. Following on past the aqueduct and to the wheelwright's stone. The bullseye was well swamped at Windy Post as over Pu we went and back to the cars. Our table was free at the Whitty.

TWW 24th November 2015

I will not be joining you this fine morning.
Send on words and a picture if you can.
Have a nice one, Jon

WW 18th November 2015

I will not be joining you all this evening.
Send on words and a picture if you can.
All the best, Jon

TWW 17th November 2015

A mild, breezy and somewhat damp day as Barney rushed by. Out from Prewly and round Greep's Quarry to make our way through the cwm to Shelstone. Finding our way up to Branscombe's proved interesting. Too soon for a cuppa so down past the broken apple crusher to Sourton. Round and down to pick up the railway to make our way back to the cars.
The Highwayman was well up to expectations.

WW 11th November 2015

And, by the time we had left the pub, all the stars had popped out.
A very nice, soft evening for a walk. Out and along, through the clitter to a sett maker's bank. Following the old leat, round Shillapark to the amazing blowing house by the Walkham. Lots to see, the wheel pit and tail race, path of the leat, mortars and the most beautiful mould stone. Up and over past those impressive cairns and down to the wall. Round to find shelter by a frog and a tree for a cuppa. Through Wedlake and up to Roos. Great and Middle beckoned before heading down to the busy road and the cars.
The Dartmoor Inn gave us another fine welcome with a roaring fire and jolly good beer.

TWW 10th November 2015

Can that really be it?
It really just reads 'Ashley'?
Well who knows ...
Out from the Scout Hut on a perfect Dartmoor day.
With the detail
Gently emerging
Up Gutter and along to see the
Apple crusher and part-made cross
Along to Ditsworthy
And out
Across the stream
And along to the wonderful stone rows
Up to Higher
And on to Eylesbarrow mine for a cuppa
To the new cobra's head
And down, down past the recently refurbished PCWW stones
To the cars
On to the Royal Oak
Which was jolly busy
Warm and comfortable
Very nice indeed.

WW 4th November 2015

Not too bad an evening at all, good visibility and some warm gentle rain. The big fox was patrolling Nun's Cross as we headed out from the quarry. Whealham Bottom Cross was located then the ancient pack horse track past Wheal Anne to the Fox Tor workings. The tor providing good shelter for a cuppa. Down to Childe's which emerged from the grey. Round and on to Goldsmith's before crossing the mire, of course. Back to the cars past the super fast frog and on to the Plume which was pleasantly quiet and welcoming. 
These evenings are always fine once you get out there.

TWW 3rd November 2015

Not sure which was the greater surprise; seeing a little ringed plover or the Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale being open. 
Out on a mild November day up to Middle Staple and onwards to Great. Roos Tor beckoned where the Duke of Bedford stones were admired. A polite request for a cuppa was declined as the team headed for the remote cairns on Langstone Moor. On the way a small white bird appeared looking somewhat tired. What could it be? Some thought a snow bunting but dared not speak. Later investigation suggests a Little Ringed Plover - what a treat. Onwards to the magnificent cairns and to the stone circle. A nice house was found in the huge settlement for a cuppa as the rain decided to settle in. Back and along, across the Walkham, without a ducking for most, and back. Where the Dartmoor Inn had a hot fire, a warm welcome and jolly good food. What a nice surprise.

WW 28th October 2015

And our brave hero set our from Brisworthy.
He carefully checked with the military but they said they still needed a bit more of a sleep before heading out.
So, out and round he went and back again.
As you do - well as he did.

WW 21st, and TWW 27th October 2015

I will not be joining you for these super walks.
Kindly send on words and a picture if you can.
I will update our blog on my return.
Have some very nice walks.
Jon

TWW 20th October 2015

So there it was, a Bamfords "Lion" back action Kicker resting in a field. Always lots to see and lots to see it all, someone counted seventeen. No wonder on such a lovely day and such a lovely location. Out from Boulters quarry and along the track before heading past Twyste, still standing if somewhat forlorn. Across Broadmoor Brook and up, up the froggy track. Out onto the moor and up to White for a cuppa. Amazing view all around down to Plymough Sound and out to Fur. Onwards and downwards to Stephen's Grave and across the Wedlake fields. round and back past the Kicker and Tedder to Great and Little Combe Tors. Pausing to admire the swimming pool. And back tot eh cars. Tables were booked at the Mary Tavy Inn for a sumptuous lunch.

WW 14th October 2015

What a truly amazing, crystal clear evening. Satellites gracefully cruising across the sky, shooting stars and the space station clear as clear floating overhead. The Milky Way was a ribbon across the sky. absolutely fantastic. And where better to view it all than a warm shelter on Laughter Tor with a cup of tea.
Out from the Hairy Hand and into the woods. The grader had been busy but a way was found out into the clearing to enjoy the wooden clock. Up, up to Bellever as majestic as ever. And down the track to the water tank and gateway. Perfect timing past the Bill Mudge stone to Laughter where a very leisurely tea break was taken to admire the skies. To Laughter Tor cross nestling in the wall and to the forest. Along the tracks where, between the trees, the sky really shone. And back up to find all those wonderful cairns, cists, circles and stone rows. 
To the cars and the ever welcoming Two Bridges where the wonderful voices of a Commoners meeting reminded us where we were. 
You really did have to be there ...

TWW 13th October 2015

Well, it was a lot cooler than one person thought

As usual lots of amazing things to see

Out from the farthest car park

And along the ridge past the hut circles, cairn and reave

Round the corner to King's Barrow for a warming cup

Down, down to Heathercombe to the "AND THE KINGDOM" fishes

Out along the Mariner's Way from Bideford to Dartmouth

Through the fields past all the lovely cows and calves

To West Combe where the chickens, guinea fowl and running ducks roam

The Ash House was most interesting

Onwards back to the main road where our leader

Had noticed this amazing sign

Just what can it be?

Well I contacted the OS and it is not an OS marker.
It is a cast iron GPO marker showing the distance to an underground cable.
At that time the GPO was a government department.
Most likely Edward VII I guess.
Isn't learning (and ignorance) a wonderful thing?

Cars and the Warren House where it was so cold they had lit the fire!

WW 7th October 2015

Six people and four dogs set off from the Fox and Hounds on a fine dry night. Turning left after the moor gate we ascended Great Nodden where the summit cairn was in need of a finishing touch.  

Dropping North then East we followed a stream, climbing to cross the former railway track and reach  the low silhouette of Gren Tor.

With clearing skies there were great views to the North West and upwards with stars in abundance.  Continuing up a well defined track brought us to Hunt Tor for coffee. Was the angled rock carved by hand, like a leaning gatepost or just a natural mimic?

The usual soggy ground Southwards  to cross the old railway track was followed by the path up Great Links Tor with talk of how to climb the main tor. 

Descent via Arms Tor  to the valley brought us  back to the pub with all the dogs and people accounted for.

TWW 6th October 2015

The Erme Valley trail - how enchanting. The river was well roaring as we headed north soon to be engulfed by the local walking for health group. Did make is wonder why we went out walking - left foot, right foot seemed to be the best answer. Up under the rebuilt viaduct and on to the soldiers' swimming pool. The soft rain arrived so time to shelter under a pine for a cuppa. Onwards and out onto the Harford Moor Gate road and along to Hall Cross where Hangershell could just be seen on the horizon. Hanger Down showed us the way with blue posts and to the enigmatic Hanger Down Clump. To Uppaton past some rather fine houses and across to Sherrell. Excellent late blackberries and watercress rather slowed progress. On to the drovers' road to Henlake and down rather hungrily and swiftly to the cars. To a most pleasant riverside cafe. All very new and very interesting.

WW 30th September 2015

Just in time to catch the edge of the wonderful sunset. Surprisingly cool after a very warm last day of September. Out from Top Tor car park to seek out the ancient reave. Over to Bel Tor and steadily up Chinkwell. Slade's Well took us on up to Honeybags just in time for a cuppa as the red, red waning gibbous rose. Down through the steadily disappearing bracken to the road. Bagpark Alpacas provided some amusement as they roamed their field. Then, as ever, something new, a real treat. The ancient trackway linking to Thornhill Lane. Such huge boulders forming the walls. And a wonderful, perfect pair of slotted gateposts. Back by Bonehill to the cars and on to the Rugglestone for a very nice pint.

TWW 29th September 2015

Not what you expect to see
In late September on the moor
But there it was
In the sunshine
Down by Longash

Out from Merrivale
To the Davytown track
Always lots to see
To explore Grey Dawn Quarry
Over Little Wonder Bridge
Hucken Tor Farm long abandoned
To marvel at the Staddle Stones
Onwards and downwards
Up the muddy Criptor track
To the railway line
To the corbels
And round
Back over the Pila Brook
To the standing stones
And on to the Whitty
All on a warm and sunny day

WW 23rd September 2015

That gentle Dartmoor weather, soft mizzle, like a warm blanket. Out from Dunnabridge with the light fading. And along the track past Brimpts mine to the woods. To be pixie led as we explored strange twists and turns, platforms, and ruts. Slowly wending to pop out by Bellever where the trig point proved quite elusive. For a cuppa and back along the wall. To the always welcoming Two Bridges for an excellent pint.

TWW 22nd September 2015

Just the right blend of weather for the moor. Gentle rain, a brisk wind, sunshine and cloud.
Out from Harford Moor Gate and along the track by Hangershell to Spurrell's Cross - definitely Celtic tones. Out to the distant Ugborough Beacon for a cuppa. Down and round past Creber's Rock - remember him? Over the ford and onto the ridge. Along to Butterdon and past Black Pool. Western Beacon and the quarries beckoned then into the breeze to gently contour back. The Puffing Billy track and Butter Brook guided us to the cars.
Then where? To the Cornwood Inn, closed and up for sale. Moorland at Wotter, shut tight. So on to the DT's for bargain lunches.

WW 16th September 2015

Just in time to catch the last of the sunset at Four Winds. Down along the Merrivale stone rows and cists. To the last (first) TA stone and over the old bridge. The Dartmoor Inn was open! and the Christmas lights already up. Round the quarry and over the leat past the sett makers' bankers to Great Staple as the light drifted away. Over to Roos to find a sheltered corner for a cuppa. Down to find a crossing place over the Walkham and up towards Mis Tor through the huge jumble of tocks. Round to Little Mis and the long track back to the cars. Onwards to the PoW which had absolutely no decorations up at all -  a first.

TWW 15th September 2015

Rather too much excitement for a Tuesday walk ... after such a promising start.
Plenty of signs of autumn: crab apples, sloes, hips and haws, rowan, house martins. Out from Bedford Bridge on a morning that steadily warmed up. Up onto the Down and out along. Past the huge settlement and round by Berra. To Raven's Tor for a cuppa. Down, down heading for Double Waters.
Who could resist the opportunity for a trip through the leat tunnel?
But, unfortunately, the low roof claimed a victim. After a dressing our brave companion carried on as we wend out way back to the cars past the most incredible Robin's Pincushion.
For those remaining a trip to the London Inn, for others a trip to Tavi minor injuries!

WW 9th September 2015

This Indian Summer just goes on and on and on ... From Princetown to rush up North Hessary to catch the last of the sun. Over and down with a quick nip over the wall to Herne Hole Tor. To Rundlestone Tor, onwards to Hollow that gleamed in the sunset. Hill60 quarry before following all the cut stones to the track for a cuppa at the Red Cottages. Family memories there of the times when these cob cottages were lived in and the great tree fell. The dainty track to West Mead Quarry, the last quarry to be worked in this area. Smartly round to the powder store and onwards to Eva's farm: so many buildings. Onto the tip to explore the White Cottage remains. Into Foggintor and out the back where, with luck, the great icicles will grow again this winter. The track to the railway and to the Plume. With fond memories of when James was in charge.

TWW 8th September 2015

Well, what can you say. I was torn between the delights of betting on the ferret racing and first in class for three white potatoes. The ferret racing won, always a sucker for a bet. 
So, out from Grimspound in the cool gloom. Soon to brighten up as we set off over Hameldown to 'The Boys' memorial. Past Natsworthy and steeply up to Chinkwell Tor for a cuppa looking over Widecombe Fair. Down, down past Bell Tor and Bonehill to the hustle and bustle of the fair. 
What a delight, so much going on; wonderful Dartmoor ponies, old vehicles, Uncle Tom Cobley and all. The sun shone and there were lots and lots of people enjoying a traditional day out. 
Back up and over, past the Blue Stone, the tiny cross, all the barrows to Grimspound.

WW 2nd September 2015

A most atmospheric evening for a walk. Out under the wonderful early autumn golden sun. To park just by the Aplite mine; what a super place. Steeply, ever so steeply up the side of Black Down to follow the windling track round the head of Red-a-ven and up to West Mill. The summit logan stone proving a real treat as we managed to make it crash and bang. Then down and along to the most wonderfully tiered Little Tor. A quick nip across the marsh to the metalled track up towards the ridge which gently disappeared into the mist. Along the ridge to seek out Hampster Tor before finding shelter in the lee of High Willhays for a cuppa. Time for torches as we headed back along the ridge to Yes then a very neat way down, down and into Red-a-ven. The old mine track faithfully leading us back to the cars. On to Betty Cottles where we were permitted a swift pint which we enjoyed as we sank into the sofas. All very nice indeed.

TWW 1st September 2015

A glorious September morning to set out from Yennadon. To Peek Hill to admire the views over Burrator. And on to Lether Tor before descending to cross the leat. Out to Stanlake Farm and across the Meavy. A pull up and onward to Roundepark Farm for a cuppa and to enjoy the settlements. Down the lane, Lether Tor Bridge and round to the reservoir. The new fencing is a most impressive addition to the landscape. Back up the lane, to the cars and on to a very, very busy Royal Oak. A most pleasant excursion.

WW 26th August 2015

The annual pilgrimage to Bodmin Moor, and a jolly fine walk indeed. Out to Minions and to the amazing Hurlers on a most pleasant evening. Up to the Cheesewring rocks as the sun set; are they all natural formations? Down, down over Sharp Tor and across the moor to Kilmar Tor on Twelve Men's Moor. Very skiddy conditions provided some entertainment. A nice cuppa as the moon gently rolled across Caradon. To the tramway and round to Sharptor Farm where the 100m impasse was successfully passed. Steadily on back to the cars and the jolly Minions pub.

TWW 25th August 2015

Very nice, a jolly good rinsing, proper Dartmoor weather. It did look as though it would brighten up but the mist rolled back in. 
Out from Brousentor after a tussle with the cattle. On the old peat trackway and up to Lynch. Round to Standon to the horsey hut for a most comfortable cuppa on the armchairs. Down, down trying the avoid the clitter and past the farm. The Tavy was well roaring and the bracken was well high. And back up to the cars.

WW 19th August 2015

They definitely were there and so were we. A perfect evening for a stroll. Out past Big Pond and onwards to Great Trowlesworthy. Round the pond at the head of Spanish lake and the track up to Shell Top. And it does, once again, quite a lot. Down the reave to Penn Beacon to find shelter for a warming cuppa.  Steadily on to the huge leat to find the bridge. And down to the cars past the frogs. Speedily and lately to the Royal Oak for a very warm welcome in an almost deserted pub.
Nice.

TWW 18th August 2015

A warm sunny morning starting on the edge of Gibbet Hill. Around the side of the hill to North Brentor stopping to admire the  little church. Through the fields to South Brentor before heading to the top of Brent Tor. A coffee stop and an opportunity to admire  fine views in all directions. A more direct route back over Wortha Mill Bridge where there were once two railway lines owned by two different railway companies. Lunch was at the Mary Tavy Inn.  The waitress managed to spill vinegar all over him before he in turn attempted to spill diet coke over someone else. A bit of a mixup in the kitchen over the orders but the food was very good when it eventually arrived.

WW 12th August 2015

Well the russet frog seemed to think something was going to happen

And it certainly was jolly black to the south

Was that thunder or the roar of the A38?

But, all that happened was a warm easterly breeze and clearing skies

Slowly to Harford Moor Gate following two particularly intelligent sheep

Where a bright new cattle grid has been installed

Along the old waymarked track to Spurrell's Cross

Which certainly has Celtic overtones

Onwards to Ugborough Beacon

Round past the Longstone to Western Beacon

With its quarries and cairns

Back along the ridge to Butterdon

Hangershell Rock loomed in the gloom

Then the track, for a bit, down to the bog bean

The forest and back to the cars

People waiting to see the meteorites

To the very welcoming, traditional Cornwood Inn

TWW 11th August 2015

"Did you see that?!", "No, it couldn't be!", but it was, just a pair of green wellies on, to get in the recycling. 
It was one of those days. 
A day when Brenda rescued a mouse.
The three reservoirs walk, two start with a 'T' and one a 'K', I think...
A fair way to go but well worth it.
The forecast was for sun, sun, sun and it did gently arrive.
So out and round, past Tottiford and along the reservoir where in 2010 amazing discoveries were made from Mesolithic to the Bronze Age. 
Into the woods where a lot of timber has been cropped,
And round past Clampitt House and down by Beacon Plantation to Hollowpark Rock (where the fairies live).
Onwards to the ancient Quaker burial ground at Clampitt.
By the manicured lawns.
Past the fisherpeople and round the very low reservoir to see the grebes dancing and the fish rising.
Back to the cars and to The Cleave, a most pleasant place for lunch.
What a funny day.

WW 5th August 2015

A full 20 miler - now there's a thing
And, it hardly rained at all
In fact a warm and most pleasant evening
To set out from the Castle Inn
Onto Route 27
Nice tarmac most all the way
Past familiar places for cream teas and beer
Past the scuttling rabbits
Past the platelayers hut
Over the viaducts
Through the twiddly bits
To Okehampton Station
For a nice cuppa
And back
Now that is odd
At night it gets dark
And tarmac, for some unknown reason, is quite dark
Back to nestle in the settles at the pub

TWW 4th August 2015

The annual picnic walk to Fur Tor

No firing this year so straight up Ger Tor. The Tavy looked quite low; the total lack of any rain for the whole summer I suppose. Onward past the fantastic hut circles to Tavy Cleave Tor and across the Rattle Brook Ford. The familiar climb to Amicombe for a cuppa. Gently round to Sandy Lake and up to Fur Tor for lunch. Quite cooling on the summit, in fact all day it oscillated between cool and warm - just nice. Across the tiny Tavy to the isolated flag pole then down the peat track towards Standon. Down to find some lovely ivy-leaved bellflower. Then the steep track by the wall to cross the tiny Tavy again and back to the cars. All jolly nice.

WW 29th July 2015

"I'm glad it was 'im and not us!"
Well, 75% of those in attendance certainly agreed with that!
There he was and then there he wasn't. 
He certainly went in a long, long way. 
Proper wet, wet, wet.
After the relatively trouble free trek out to Shilstone.
On a lovely July evening.
Following the tracks out towards Cosdon.
Then finding a not too wet way to Raybarrow where the tinners worked and ducks rose.
Chasing the sun and grouse up to the crest as the full moon appeared behind.
To the White Moor stone and gently down by the boundary stones under Kennon.
The peat track was most impressive as we windled our way round Kennon.
A remarkably dry journey for most all.
To Shilstone and somehow to the Northmore Arms.
Which was as totally brilliant as ever.
Then the pixies took over as we made our way through Chagford and found Adley Lane.
Is it a road? Is it a track? Is it really there?

TWW 28th July 2015

To the fairy houses, where else.
Out from Bennett's on a perfect autumnal morning. Down, down to explore Golden Dagger before heading round to Challacombe. Over the troll bridge and up onto Hameldown sustained by man, many, too many whortleberries. For a cuppa by Single Burrow. Along the ridge as the sun came and went into a most pleasant breeze. Off Hameldown to Grimspound to Hookney and back along the Two Moors Way.
Most pleasant.

WW 22nd July 2015

A coolish breeze as five strode off west from Bellever carpark along a little used path. Through the bogbeans ("keep going !") and up on to firmer slopes as a hare loped away ahead of us. Down through the Powdermills enclosure and its roofless for a reason buildings, one tar drizzled from a past fire. A barn owl turned its pale dish face our way as it hunted down through the valley. Across a dry Cherrybrook mire and up the long slope to the shelter of Higher White Tor. Past the kist and following the course of the wall to cross froggy meadows of bog asphodel. The logan stone at Arch Tor awaited and its rocking rhythm soon beat over the marshes ! Darkness was falling and footsteps hurried whilst nightjars sang their whirring song and another owl swooped low. A much enjoyed walk and many sights to discuss from the deep leather settees at Two Bridges.

WW 15th July 2015

Dark skies hovered mysteriously as we set off onwards and up to Top Tor . Green views all around touched with soft gold where the clouds had parted. Even glints of light beyond to the Teign and Shaldon. Ripon Tor next and a brisk pace (nothing to do with a black bull !) rewarded by an extra loop to Buckland Beacon. Clouds turned from sulphurous yellow to bronzed pinks. Biblical skies by the Ten Commandments stones . Down through the grassy pine woods and along the cobbled road past Williams Well . Sheep watching us from their high night assembly on Piltor as we left for more gold at the Rugglestone.

TWW 7th July 2015

Nine set out on 7/7 from Lopwell Dam on a cool, close, humid morn. There was a respectful minute's silence after coffee at the river-side for the events of 10 years ago. But a more cheerful finish thanks to our leader who arranged a delightful insider-visit to the lost gardens of Maristow House where a steadfast and determined lady tenant is, with the help of volunteers, restoring the old walled kitchen gardens and hot-houses of a glorious bygone age when 'his nobs' the third Baronet still had a large enough fortune to grow his own peaches, pineapples and potatoes of every colour. A modern-day task for Sisyphus ..... never to be completed? Lunch enjoyed by all at the Drake Manor Inn at Buckland Monochorum.

WW 1st July 2015

A most interesting evening - was it sunny, was it dry, was it cloudy, did it rain, did it get dark ... Who knows? So out from High Down, always a good place to start. And to find Frank's Sun Stone - just what can it be? And on to the Lyd and across the stepping stones. Unusually dry progress was made to Lydford Tor and onwards to Little Links. Great Links beckoned and a clear demonstration of erosion at work. To the Dunna Goats and round the track past the jolly campers. At Dick's Well a most unusual sight - a calf crèche, most intrigued by our tea break. Down the familiar track past Arms to the cars as the sun set and the moon rose. A timely arrival at the Dartmoor Inn was to no avail so onwards to the ever reliable Mary Tavy. A most interesting walk in most interesting weather.

TWW 30th June 2015

Out from North Bovey for the birthday girl. To explore all the lanes and byways. Out along the river and into Bovey Castle golf course of course. And there, hiding on the map was a tor. So we had to - but what is its name? And onwards to Langdon Lane where the flowers were in full bloom. And out, onto the flanks of Easdon. Did we go straight up, of course not we had to find the boundary stones which we just about managed to follow through the bracken and fuzz to emerge on Whooping Rock for a well earned cuppa and birthday cake. Down to find the truly amazing hut circles, then yet another treat. Figgie Daniel standing proud, what a place. Through the foxglove clad woods and across the stepping stones to the Ring O Bells. Most welcoming and suitably posh for our party.

WW 24th June 2015

The longest day for us. From Postbridge and south. The early summer flowers are amazing, the fragrant mock orange a real treat. Around and about to ancient 16th century Pizwell Farm. Along the ancient trackway and across the ford. Down the intriguing long plantation by Cator Common and through the wire. Riddon Ridge called but a tea stop eased the time away. Back through Bellever. Another treat, a barn owl gently looping away from us post to post. And, to the Plume.

TWW 23rd June 2015

A jolly fine walk, on a jolly fine day if I may dare say so. Out from Whiteworks with the sun shining and a gentle westerly. Round the leat to Nun's Cross and onwards to Plym Ford stopping for 11sis on the way. Up to Broad Rock and on to find the elusive Arme Head stone. Then onwards, navigating by cow, to Grant's Pot for a spot of luncheon. Acrosss Blacklane Brook to Philpott's Cave. Then round the old workings to Duck's Pool to admire the ducks in residence and those on the mire. And onwards to the special post. Back via Fox Tor, Childe's Tomb, Goldsmith's and, of course, as a grand finale across the wonderful mire.
What more do you want?

WW 17th June 2015

Another glorious evening on Dartmoor. After a very gloopy day the skies cleared. As ever at Combestone a strong wind blew, but this time it was warm. And a very nice change; down from the tor and round the very picturesque Combestone Farm - a beautifully secluded place to live. Along the ancient lane and out across the Aller Brook. Wonderful views over the Dart out to Vag Hill Tor and the strange depression. Onwards to the leat and down to the pipe track. Out to Bench as the sun set then back right along the very top of the ridge to circuit Venford. Back along the boundary works and the stone row to the cars. By which time the lost was found. To the Two Bridges for a most salubrious pint.

TWW 16th June 2015

Sometimes, it just happens, so there we all were, on the lovely new clapper bridge, over the Becka Brook. So there it is.
Out from Saddle Tor on a truly glorious June day. Impossible to have better weather for an explore. Very quickly we heard the cuckoos and then we saw four of them very clearly. One even flew straight over our heads. Down to the fascinating Emsworthy - what an amazing place and now part of a large nature reserve. Across the top of the mire, being careful not to step on any orchids or sundews - quite hard to achieve. To the wonderful new clapper bridge - some even played on the swings. And then on and up across the lawn, a bit late for the bluebells. On to Greator Rocks for a cuppa. Down to the mediaeval village and then the cycle descent back across the Becka. Up, up, up to Smallacombe, the tramway and to Haytor. Some, of course, just had to go up. To the cars and on to the most pleasant Rugglestone.

WW 10th June 2015

We were unable to do the planned walk to Fur Tor because of firing.  So three of us set out from Postbridge to Sittaford Tor on a perfect evening for walking with fine views in every direction. Out over Hartland Tor and on to Grey Wethers. We looked for the recently discovered stone circle but further research since indicates that this is between Grey Wethers and Fernworthy. On to Sittaford for a short coffee stop and then to Stats House. We came back around the north western end of Sandy Hole Pass before returning to Postbridge. In to the East Dart which remains as dull as ever but at least we got a friendly welcome.

TWW 9th June 2015

Surprisingly cool on such a sunny morning at Sourton. To circumnavigate Meldon past where Forest Mine used to work and the lovely island. To the bridge at the West Okement for a cuppa. The low level path over the bridge is forbidden now - let's hope it opens again soon. Up and up towards Sourton Tors. Here the apple crusher lies as does Sourton stone circle. Then down, down and back to the cars. To the pub? No, onwards to explore the fantastic meadows where the orchids are blooming.

WW 3rd June 2015

That's it, full summer; sun, sun, sun for at least 6 months - Hooray!
A goodly team set out from Pork Hill, round Barn Hill to the amazing Prowtytown Rocks - well off the plenum. Onwards to explore the fantastic gully which just seems to get deeper every time. Up to the three bullstones to Windy Post. Feather beckoned and the logan stone had to be rocked. On to Pew and down past the tare to the goldfish pond. The murk hid the fish but the millions of tadpoles were well in evidence. A languid cuppa as the sun set. Then onwards past Vixen and on to Merrivale Quarry. We could hear the peregrines and see the nest but could not detect any movement. 
And back to a very busy Whitty - quiz night you know.

TWW 2nd June 2015

Such a tiny cross in such a wonderful place.
Out from Firth Bridge on a very atmospheric morning.
To Grimspound and onward.
To contour in the lee around Hamel Down.
The views slowly emerged out to Honeybag and Chinkwell.
To Wooder Goyle Rocks and the well signed track off the moor.
Down to Widecombe to the New Old Inn.
For a warm welcome and sumptuous lunch.
The rain had stopped and the skies cleared as we headed up Church Lane.
Onto the open moor and past the D stone and Blue stone.
Aaron's knock was fine but the real treat ...
The tiny cross by Stoneslade Tor.
Over the barrows and a detour to the B24 crash site.
Little to see, just fused aluminium.
Nice to see someone goes there and puts a remembrance cross.
Along the ridge and a detour to see the fantastic bluebells.
Pouring down the lychets on Challacombe.
And back, after a super walk in most interesting weather.

WW 27th May 2015

They were there, just hiding under the bracken. Out from Meavy Green, the promise of rain but only a few drips. Across the ford, past Yeo and up to the woods. The bluebells were definitely there as beautiful as ever. The muddy track was dry as a calf was rescued and we made for Sheepstor. Along Joey's Lane and to Maiden for a cuppa. A few headed on to Sheepstor and Narra before joining the track round Sheepstor dam. The geese were there of course. And down and back to a very busy Royal Oak. A CAMRA winner allegedly.