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.

TWW 26th May 2015

A well seasoned party left Leedon Tor car park. 
Dived down to the woods and across the leat.
To Lether Tor farm with its commodious noticeboard.
Over the bridge and up Raddick Lane.
To Crazy Well for a cuppa.
And back across the aqueduct.

WW 20th May 2015

It always is spooky going out there

But, this time the spooky lady really did spook us

Just what was going on?

Good job we had filled the tank

After a most pleasant walk

All rheumatism cured

Full team through the Tolmen

Over the wonderful clappers

Round the North Teign

To the recently restored Manga Rails

Following the amazing wall

Past three or more benchmarks

Up to Watern as the light faded

A cuppa

Then quite a nice track

To follow Gallaven Brook

Up and over to the stone circle

We did find the Northmore Arms

And it is unchanged

Someone even dared to ring the bell

Never again

Then the spooky journey home

TWW 19th May 2015

Forecast: stormy with blustery showers. 
Barely a drop fell for our walk around the top of the moor. Out from the railway station and along the woods before joining the Tarka Trail under the A30. The bluebells were in full bloom as we followed the East Okement up past the waterfalls. Across the bridge at Halstock Ford and north to West Cleave Tor. Along the wall to explore the ruined Watchet Hill Cottage also known as Black House, presumably because once it was rendered and painted black. To the Nine Maidens for a morning cuppa sheltering behind a maiden each. Across Culver Steps to see people grass boarding in the East Okement Farm field. A small defile gave sufficient shelter for us to have our picnic. Onwards to the camp where huge bouncy castle type tents must be the base for training to manage big jobs. And back through the bluebell woods to the cars.
Very nice.

WW 13th May 2015

The Magnificent 2 set out from Sourton WI hall in glorious sunshine starting with a frontal assault on Sourton Tor. It was then on to Branscombe’s Loaf and then across the top to Kitty Tor and back via Hunt Tor and Gren Tor. The talk was of the finished the Munros, The intrepid 2 crossing Scotland and future trips both home and abroad. We then retired to the Fox and Hounds, where mine host will celebrate his 40 years as Landlord in July, for talk about wine whilst consuming beer.

TWW 12th May 2015

Glorious sunshine for a gentle amble through Blanchdown Wood and back through Devon Great Consuls  mine workings. Just for a change a proper picnic table for our coffee break. The mines were named after family members. A fascinating area and difficult to imagine that at one time over 1000 people worked there. 

WW 6th May 2015

Now there is interesting, an Adriance, Platt & Co. sickle bar mower all the way from Poughkeepsie, New York. Just resting there by the abandoned Twyste Farm, a great place for a cuppa. 
From the quarry car park on a breezy evening. Out onto the moor along Twyste Lane to Setters Tor to admire the shafts of sunset over Brentor. To Stephen's Grave and on. The flags were flying so we stopped short of the Longstone. Up to White through the ancient fort and down to Little White. The froggy lane led us to the clapper at Broadmoor Brook then up the lane to Twyste. Rather a forlorn place now, with a full roof as recently as 1984 but now soon to be reabsorbed by the moor. 
Boulters and Little Boulters Tors beckoned and then the amazing traverse of the Smearn Down Tors. The bracken has yet to rise so an easy descent past the spring to the recently sold house. Popping through the gate to enter the combe and along the path past Little Combe Tor. The covering of bluebells made it unacceptable to attempt an ascent. Back round to the cars and on to the Peter Tavy where the woodburner was well on - and it is the 6th May!

TWW 5th May 2015

Well the forecast was for heavy rain and very strong winds. Luckily it was only half right - and the right half. Out from the depths of Fernworthy to explore the Froggymead ancient monuments - lots to explore. The wind was well whistling in the trees as we headed upwards and outwards. No signs of a cuckoo in that! Popping out at Langridge Gate, Teignhead clapper and Farm beckoned. The North Teign was roaring under the clapper and the farm made a most pleasant place for a cuppa where a fire had roared and, who knows, may roar again. Back across the bridge and round the forest to seek out the memorial to RSM Perry. Back into the forest where the Kestor track comes out and back along. Lots of signs of forestry operations and the huge beeches were emerging from their winter sleep. To the cars and onwards to the Plume for lunch.