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