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.