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