WW 21st December 2016
A gentle walk in the woods around Morewellham. Firstly up through Morwell Wood and round to the sluice gate on the canal just below the point where the canal emerges from the tunnel. Across to Maddacleave Wood before going down to the ruins at Newquay where we had good look around the old quay - once a hive of activity. Mike showed us the bread oven built into the side of the lime kiln. Then back through the woods to Mike and Stella's for mulled wine and some nibbles. Very nice.
TWW 20th December 2016
And a pig, a great big, friendly pig. Out from the Whitty on a cooler morning. Across to Middlemoor and over Shorts Down, Plaster Down and the site for the air crash memorial by the leat. Towards Pew Tor to check for the goldfish - no sign again. The summit provided a fine venue for a cuppa and mince pies - thanks! Sunlight could be seen at times in the distance, although a cool easterly encouraged us down. By Oakley Cottage and to the fields and stiles. Venn, Caseytown and the somewhat dishevelled Holwell took us back to the Whitty. Where there was plenty of room for lunch.
TWW 13th December 2016
Now that really was very nice indeed - some proper Dartmoor weather and some decent rain. The skies were trying their hardest to clear as we left Two Bridges. It all looked very promising as we headed for Littaford and Little Bee Tors. And the promise came true; nice, soft gentle mist slowly turning into even softer rain. Down to the weir for some excitement and a nice cuppa. Beardown called and then the steady trek along the ridgish to catch up with all the cattle enjoying a hearty lunch. Down, down by the Cowsic and back to the cars.
WW 7th December 2016
Pixies, those pesky pixies at it again.
Leading even the most wise astray.
It is impossible to get lost there.
Unless, those pesky pixies are about.
And about they were.
To lead them hither and thither and thither and hither.
Wonder they got to the pub at all!
Leading even the most wise astray.
It is impossible to get lost there.
Unless, those pesky pixies are about.
And about they were.
To lead them hither and thither and thither and hither.
Wonder they got to the pub at all!
TWW 6th December 2016
Gunnislake, such an interesting place for a walk. So, so, so many things to see. It must have been such a busy place when all the mines were working. Out from the car park and up the busy lane by the Dimsons. Where, a local told us, a huge clay pit was dug, used to make Dimson brick. And onwards past the huge, impressive remains of Clitters mine. To find the trackways so carefully installed not so long ago. Now steadily reverting to wilderness. To the Tamar which was quite rushing along for a cuppa by the weirs. And along, along by New Bridge - 1520, so not all that new! Past all the 'No Canoeing' notices then up, up to the cars and the Rifleman Volunteer, called after the local militia apparently.
WW 30th November 2016
Another wonderful clear evening with views of the Milky Way. Out to the reservoir and then following the leat to the hairpin for coffee and back via the ranges to the cars.
As usual a warm welcome at the Mary Tavy Inn.
As usual a warm welcome at the Mary Tavy Inn.
TWW 29th November 2016
Jolly pleased with themselves, and quite right too as they are pet geese, so no worries about Christmas. Cold in Princetown without a cloud in the sky. Just vapour trails of people rushing about all over the world. When they could have stayed down here in the sunshine with a cool easterly; perfect walking weather. The bus was right on time so we piled in managing to find a seat for the short run down to Merrivale. Where the geese were very pleased to see us and us to see them. Down the track over Little Wonder to the staddle stones at the old farm. Round and up to the true summit of Hucken where the stone basins show what used to be. Over the stile to Little King's then onward to the superb little logan stone. The tramway took us past the corbels to shelter in the lee for a cup of tea. And it really was very warm, so warm there was the risk of a snooze. But no, hectored to proceed to Foggintor in search of the icicles - not a one. The old, old trackway taking us back to a very welcoming and very busy Plume - though they thought we were seven hours early.
WW 23rd November 2016
Very, very windy
50+ mph apparently
Hard to keep your footing
On top of Cox
It felt breezy at Pork Hill
The wind easterly
So nippily down to the leat
And easily round to the quarry
Where the wind was starting to roar
Gently up to Roos
Where the flag snapped at the mast
And shelter for a cuppa
To the Dew Pond
And up to Cox
Where it really was quite something
Luckily there is a trig point to hang on to
Down, down but the wind did not ease
To the cars
And the Whitty
Another exciting evening
TWW 22nd November 2016
BY PERMISSION OF
HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES
WENTWORTH BULLER
ON SEPT 16th 1868 CUT DOWN A TREE NEAR THIS SPOT
IT MEASURED 9IN IN DIAMETER
AND APPEARED TO BE ABOUT
163 YEARS OLD
So there we were on what turned out to be a most atmospheric morning for a walk over our moor. Out from Two Bridges where the car park has been refurbished with some spiky rocks. By the Cowsic, past the farm and out onto the moor. All three Beardown Tors were summitted and the drift of smoke from the coal fire reminded us they were firing. Down to the leat not expecting to be able to cross. But with derring and do all successfully battled the roaring Dart. Onwards to the fantastic Wistman's to admire the inscribed stone before heading back to the Two Bridges. Where a very warm welcome awaited us as the chairs were moved for a gentle snooze in front of the fire.
All very nice indeed, you really do need to get out there ...
WW 16th November 2016
Peat Cot where the mist was almost touching the ground. Down to Older bridge and round the leat. To pick up the drift down to the t-girt. Newleycombe crossed and into the tussocks. Steadily up and along as Eylesbarrow reluctantly appeared in the soft moonlight. The cobra's head accompanied by a red light stick. A sharp westerly encourage a descent to find a nice, comfortable ditch for a cuppa. Work has started to rebuild the cycle track to Nun's Cross. It will take a huge amount of material to fill all that in. Just where will it all come from? Seward's was a adorned with a traffic cone; a novel touch. Back to the cars and the reliable PoW. The Christmas decorations will be up next week we were told. A very nice walk on a cooling evening with the moon making its presence felt once again.
TWW 15th November 2016
Out from Lydford on a somewhat gloopy morning.
To trace the track-ways out to the open moor.
High Down and the stepping stones over the Lyd.
Up, up and up again to the summit of Brat.
Few views but a fine location for a cuppa.
Down to cross Doe Tor brook then to find the stile.
To Doe Tor Farm where in the far west some light could be seen.
Round the wall, across the road and down the lane.
To trace our way back past a beautiful windlass.
To Lydford.
WW 9th November 2016
Lane End
On a cool evening
For the committee
To decide
For a change
Up the Cleave
With the Tavy roaring
Always interesting
And somewhat
Challenging
To the Rattlebrook junction
For a warming cuppa
Steeply up
In the moonlight
To find the track
To Tavy Cleave Tor
And on to
Ger
Down, down
To the cars
Past the Nest
Straight to the
Mary Tavy Inn
As warm and welcoming
As usual
Most pleasant
TWW 8th November 2016
A cool, dry autumnal morning to head out from Hemsworthy Gate.
To Top Tor and onwards to Hollow and Pil.
Blackslade Lane and ford beckoned.
And along past the enigmatic Lucy stone spiral.
Smartly east at Buckland Common.
And out to the fantastic butts for a cuppa.
Views all the way over Teignmouth to Dorset on the horizon.
By Cold East Cross and the Nut Crackers to Rippon.
Timely down to the cars and on.
To the New Old Inn for lunch by the huge wood burner.
Only then did the gentle rain arrive.
WW 2nd November 2016
0.5°C, that's what it read. So autumn is really here and a gentle frost appeared. As we left the Hairy Hand out past the clock and up the bluffs to the trig point. Stars in abundance and lighthouses in the distance. Down to check on the trough where a solitary water beetle slowly ambled. Up to Laughter for a cuppa to admire the clear sky. Through the woods and back along along. Nicely in time to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Two Bridges where the Dragon's Breath did the trick.
TWW 1st November 2016
A lovely sunny morning and a chance to visit the revealed stone circles and bridges at the reservoir - a place for obvious reasons which is getting a lot of visitors at the moment. A team photo on the old clapper bridge and then up into the forest to find the Froggymead stone circle. Out to Thornworthy Tor for the coffee break and then back around and under the dam. Lunch at the Warren House Inn.
WW 26th October 2016
From Black Tor car park to Black Tor then over the aqueduct, Raddick Hill and up to Cramber Tor. Across to the trig point through the squelchy moor and on to South Hessary. Back past Hart Tor, the stone row, ford and back to the cars. The Burrator Inn was closed but The Rock was open.
TWW 25th October 2016
A lovely misty morning as we headed out through the woods at Bellever to the Tor. On Bellever Tor we met a German family out walking for the day with nothing more than a guide book and also a lady from Denmark walking back to Princetown without map or a book. We gave them the best directions we could but were just relieved that the forecast was good for the rest of the day. We headed across to Laughter Tor, the down to the track which runs back to Bellever and then back to Postbridge. As usual the PoW was all decked out for Halloween.
TWW 18th October 2016
A fine fresh and clear autumnal morning. We took the direct and steeper route up to Yar Tor - now what would she have said if someone else had led us up there? Over to Corndon Tor past the stone row and memorial to Lieutenant Penny. Along the ridge, past Cathanger Rock and down to Sherwell. Over the clapper bridge to follow the East Dart back to Dartmeet. BBC Spotlight were at Dartmeet where they were doing an item on BT's decision to remove many of the phone boxes from Dartmoor. They asked for an interview - Jane and Charlie volunteered. It was broadcast during the evening programme and very well they both did too. Lunch at Badgers Holt.
WW 12th October 2016
A silvery moon and a cool breeze. From Leeden Tor car park and across below Leather Tor to enter the woods. Along the leat, down to the River Meavy then up to Cramber Tor. On to Hart Tor for a coffee break. Back to Black Tor falls, Black Tor and Leedon Tor. The Rock was open and busy and doesn't normally close until 11.00p.m.
TWW 11th October 2016
Inland and through the village initially before taking the long and winding bridal path out to the coast. Following the Revelstoke Carriage Drive back to Noss Mayo. Through the holiday village at Stoke to see the remains of the Church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman. Partly roofed and partly exposed to the elements. Returning to Noss Mayo on the Carriage Drive. Lunch at The Ship.
WW 5th October 2016
A real treat, two of the largest beetles the Devil's Coach Horse and the Violet Ground Beetle out hunting in the evening. Perfect time of year to see them. Lots out and about heading up Brat Tor in a gale just like us. Onwards to the shelter of the gert to Dick's Well. And up to enjoy Great Links where some shelter could be found for a cuppa with all the stars shining out. Down, down to Arms and back over the stepping stones. To the Mary Tavy Inn which was delightfully open and hospitable.
TWW 4th October 2016
Forty six years, that's quite a long time, forty six years, that's how long Frank has been at the Fox and Hounds. And there he was, in person, himself to serve us beer and food.
After for the first time ever we had caught a bus, a bus from Sourton to The Dartmoor Inn. And very jolly it was bowling along sat together at the back of the bus. Up the lane to High Down and out to see the Sun Stone. Down to remember Captain Hunter. MC and bar by the age of 23. Back along to cross the Lyd and uppety up to Arms Tor where quite a wind was blowing. Shelter was found for a cuppa then we were blown up the valley by Little Arms and Little Links to catch the Rattlebrook track. Round by the ice works and back to the cars.
To the Fox and Hounds for an excellent welcome and excellent service from Frank himself.
Forty six years you know.
TWW 27th September 2016
To the seaside, we're going to the seaside.
Far, far, far away, nearly three quarters of an hour.
Far, far, far away to Noss Mayo.
To climb the hill past the cyclamen.
To pop out on the cliff.
Round along Revelstroke Drive.
(Reminiscent of Dr. Blackall's from last Wednesday)
Views out over Wembury and the Mew Stone.
Down to Cellar beach to find the sea glass.
Along the lane where the Sweet Chestnut are fruiting.
By the ferry and round to the Ship.
For a sumptuous luncheon.
Nice at the seaside.
WW 21st September 2016
Bel Tor a great place for an evening walk. A gentle cooling breeze as we set off down the road. To find the hidden track out to Spitchwick Manor. The new house being roofed in beautiful cedar shingles with solid oak window frames provided a lot of interest. Well worth returning to in a few months. Down the track through Great Wood to pop out by the Dart. A steady pull up to Leigh Tor to enjoy a cuppa by the rocks. Onward to the quarry and the prickly track to Dr. Blackall's. By Mel Tor and on to the Tavistock Inn for a super warm, traditional Dartmoor pub welcome. A most pleasant, straightforward walk - down then up.
TWW 20th September 2016
And on and on and on
And on
What a summer!
Out from the Scout Hut
Up to Gutter Tor
To admire the Devil's Frying Pan
The reclining cross
The apple crusher
And vermin trap
Over to Whitttenknowle
Ancient settlement
Hut circles
Windstrew
To Drizzlecombe
To admire the menhir
Have a cuppa
In Giant's basin
Up to Higher Hartor
Eyelsbarrow
To follow the flatrod stones
To the huge wheel pit
By the recently stabilised PCWW stones
And back
And on to sit outside
The Royal Oak
Very welcoming
At midday
WW 14th September 2016
A true committee walk with lots and lots of interesting things to find. Out from Bennett's Cross as the sun set to admire the wonderful Highland Cattle that grace this part of our moor. Onwards to explore King's Oven, its name derived from the 1240 perambulation, and the truly enigmatic V-stones. Just what can they be: something to do with the warren, a method for getting trucks on the tramway - who knows? Water Hill beckoned then swiftly back by the pub we will not name. Then out, out to explore Soussons Ridge, the amazing gerts and old building. Down the girt variously with huge holes, giant crags and tricky trails. To pop out by Vitifer Mine bridge for a cuppa in the moonlight. Chaw Gully deserved attention as did Challacombe stone row. Swiftly over to Birch and back to the cars as a gentle mist came in. A toot to show our disappointment and on to the always welcoming Prince of Wales. Such an interesting evening with so much to find and see.
TWW 13th September 2016
To the Fair! They said it was going to be humid and it certainly was: some might even say dampish. Out from Grimspound, up and over and round Hameldown. There certainly is a track marked on the map, most likely a track on the ground but six feet of bracken made for fun. Down the steep track to the sounds of the fair significantly delayed by the delicious blackberries. The fair was in full swing with all sorts of delights especially the lightning, clap of thunder and downpour. Uncle Tom Cobley was there, ferret racing, sheep, cattle, tractors, old cars, duck gathering, dog show, the hunt ... but best of all the wonderful west country voices of the announcers.
Always a delight to go to Widecombe Fair.
WW 7th September 2016
Autumn signs all around but still t-shirt weather. With a gentle warm wind to welcome us to Whiteworks, which had just emerged from a day of gloop in time to miss the sunset. Out and down to cross our wonderful mire that never disappoints. Luckily no one paused as we bounced over the deep. And round to the cist. On on to Childe's which, as usual, reluctantly emerged from the fading light. Swiftly up to Fox Tor for a nice cuppa and to see Iridium 10 burn across the sky. The old trackway dutifully took us easily across to Whealham's Bottom down to Nun's Cross. There the pixies did try but the compass bent us back on course. To the leat, back to the reliable, welcoming PoW. Which, we realise, has to stay open to welcome Bill to read. For once tele an asset in a pub as we admired the swirling colours of the opening ceremony.
TWW 6th September 2016
A nice warm morning with gentle mist around the tops. Perfect weather to set out from Pork Hill up Cox and on to Great Staple. Down the old trackway to the quarry and across the road. By the tor we do not talk about and time for a cuppa. Over to Pew with views afar and letter boxes aplenty. On to Feather where the logan stone still does. The bullstone and Barn Hill then on to the Whitty. Which was very quiet - as everywhere is nowadays.
WW 31st August 2016
Another warm evening heading out from High Down. Over the stepping stones and up to Brat. The clouds were forming over Cornwall as we headed to Dick's Well. Great Links beckoned and soon we were in the cloud. A fine place for a cuppa then down to Little Links. Steadily down to the Lyd and past campers. Over the stepping stones and back to the cars in good time. But then the problem we are starting to face more often. Pubs shut, so by a mystical process into Tavi to the 'guaranteed to be open' pub. Which even serves cake at 11 p.m.
TWW 30th August 2016
Sun, sun, sun
Hot, hot, hot
Nice, nice, nice
Out from Sourton
And round the wall
To the wonderful cwm at Lake
To the points
And on to the main trackway
Past Great Links
To the peatworks
For a cuppa
In the distance
An unmistakable figure
Brian pounding across the moor
Onward and upwards to Kitty
Down, down to Sandy Ford
For a very fine picnic
A gentle breeze
Down the West Okement
Took the heat off
By the river
By the copse
The wee reservoir
And over the bridge
Then the inevitable
Pull up
To round by the iceworks
Back to the cars
Such a huge sky
Views out to Bude and beyond
Lots of people out and about
Enjoying wonderful Dartmoor
Just like us.
WW 24th August 2016
Two walkers and a dog thought the better of the gorse and walked from Shaugh Bridge, up to the Dewerstone Rock and across to Cadover Bridge.
A dry sunny evening with great views and a deep red sunset. The lower pond at Cadaver had been re-shaped for fishing with a flat path almost all the way round.
A descent along the pipeline track in the falling light brought us happily back to the cars, where a second dog was no-where to be found!
TWW 23rd August 2016
A warm sunny morning with a cooling breeze as we followed the track out through the firing range at Willsworthy. Over White Hill to take the track up between Sharp Tor and Hare Tor. The Farmers were bringing down the sheep on the same track as we were going out so a slight detour to let them pass. On to Hare Tor for the coffee Break. Down to Ger Tor and then the leat which we followed back to the firing range. Lunch in the sunshine at the Mary Tavy Inn.
WW 17th August 2016
And the guarantee continues, still no pay-out on the policy. Although some did appear to doubteth - have patience, feel the moment, all comes to those who wait.
Somewhat gloopy at Blackaton Cross as we set out to admire the china clay workings. Steadily up as the heat built to ascend Great Trowlesworthy. Shell Top could just be seen in the far, far distance. So onward in the heat, no moisture coming down but plenty coming out. Up to the logan stone (which still does) for a cuppa. On to Penn Beacon as Plymouth rocked to the sound of mortars. The sheep had thoughtfully provided a set of nice tracks to take us down to the huge leat. Then, there they were, a truly amazing sight bursting over the horizon. Much appreciated by the throng. Round and down past the hoards of frogs and by Big Pond to the cars. Plenty of time for a late pint.
Then the one tiny, tiny, barely significant flaw - all the pubs were shut.
Oh bother.
TWW 16th August 2016
Now there was a real shock. I mean a real shock. All warm and sunny at home. But at Cumsden the clouds were low and a cold east wind blew. Luckily all had top coats. Soon the skies cleared and a perfect day for walking ensued - warm and sunny with a nice cool breeze.
A most intriguing walk with lots and lots to see, lots and lots to step over and a few to fall into. Down to start to find Week Ford then round to the fantastic Beara House and hut circle. To Saddle Bridge to explore where the generator once stood. On to the very picturesque O-Brook by Horse Ford to Dry Lake and on to Hooten Wheals. The consensus was we just had to explore Hensroost Mine with its amazing wheel pit and a goodly place for luncheon. Back to the plan to the upper Hensroost gully and along by Skir Gut - for a change. Popping out onto the open, open moor gave a somewhat tussocky trail to Sandy Way and the odd H boulders. Down to the unamazing Wellaby Gulf and back to the cars by Horn's Cross.
A goodly day out.
WW 10th August 2016
A very rare treat, the fairy in the setting sun.
Rather mizzly at Hexworthy but, predictably, soon clearing out for a lovely evening.
To admire Dolly Trebble's before dropping down.
To Fairy Bridge where the fairy has miraculously decided to reappear.
Very, very rare to see a fairy in the sunshine - such shy things.
Then up and up, somewhat tussocky, to Ter Hill crosses.
Round to the head of Skir Gut for a nice sheltered cuppa.
(Still no sign of my whistle.)
Down the track and round round.
By Hooten Wheals and along past Horse Ford Cross.
To the naughty track that was and back to the cars.
On to the Two Bridges for the usual warm welcome.
TWW 9th August 2016
Another beautiful day in paradise. Out from the quarry car park by the lovely new track onto Yennadon. And round to pop out for the steep pull up Peek Hill. Views all around to enjoy. Down, down to Cross Gate and along the fishy walk. Onward, steadily onward to Standon for a well earned cuppa. Down to the metal planks to cross the Meavy and along the newly scraped path to Lether Tor Bridge. Burrator beckoned as we wend our way through the complications of gates, deer fences and trails. Progress was considerably delayed by the time needed to read all the notices that have sprung up. Apparently there is a gate that you need a dog to open. Goodness only knows what other developments are planned for what used to be such a tranquil place. There are even signs telling us to enjoy oursleves - the very cheek. Back to the Royal Oak. Some said the leaves were starting to fall but I could not comment.
WW 3rd August 2016
Just two of us for the evening walk. This had been designated a committee walk and both of us had a different route planned. We took the track down from Ringmoor Cottage, where a deer briefly came into view before disappearing again. Then turned up past Yeo Farm before going into the Bluebell Woods. Neither of us had been in the woods before when the Bluebells were not out and most disappointing it was too. Definitely a place to visit only when the bluebells are out. Up through Sheepstor and on to the open moor south of Pixies House. The plan had been to follow the wall around on the open moor but we found a track just north of Yellowmead. This is not marked as a footpath but we decided to give it a go. It was much overgrown in places and unlikely we will return. Around the boggy corner by the car park then up to Gutter Tor, past the trig point and back to the cars. We didn't stop much and completed the walk by 9:30p.m. He had to get back to put someone's chickens away so we didn't even make it to the pub!
TWW 2nd August 2016
Now that really is nice, back to real, proper Dartymoor. Amazing how just one day's rain can fill all the brooks and streams and get it all back to normal. Out from Lane End heading for Fur Tor but the roar of the Tavy indicated a change in plan may be needed. Up to Ger into the gloop. The occasional glimpse down into the roaring Cleave. On to Tavy Cleave Tor then to the Rattlebrook crossing point used so many times over the years. A good place for a cuppa but not a place to cross today. Round by the old workings and up the poles to find Chat in the mist. On to Sharp and Hare where cover was taken for a somewhat soggy lunch. Back to Ger and the cars. Some relief as the mist did not clear!
WW 27th July 2016
Another warm evening to set out from Four Winds. And the track past Little to Great Mis Tor with views all round. Was that the sea we could see to the north west? Down across the now open enclosed land to the Walkham before heading to enjoy Little Roos. Big Roos beckoned and we arrived just in time for a glorious sunset, a nice cuppa and a gentle rock. Oh dear time to go, so swiftly down past the quarry and back by the stone rows to the cars. On to the Whitty which was very, very quiet. We see little of the boys nowadays.
TWW 26th July 2016
Well we certainly 'ad the best of the day.
Out from Belstone Green and down.
Across the Taw and gently round Cosdon.
Then nicely finding the path to the summit.
For a cuppa and a surprise with the compass.
Past the stone circle and on to the other Hound Tor.
Across the brook and up to Steeperton.
For our picnic.
Down the ridge to the ford at the end of the gorge.
Up to Higher Tor and on to Belstone Tor.
Winding our way back past the tractors.
Did it rain - well a little.
Did it blow - perhaps a bit.
Did the sun shine - some of the time.
Was it nice - yes very nice.
WW 20th July 2016
Phew!
Goodness me!
Now, that's a lot better!
How lovely - cold hands!
And a drift of mist!
And a little mizzle!
What better weather can there be?
None at all!
Out from Meldon
Round and into Red-a-Ven
And up to Pixie's Pool
Where the orchids still bloom
And on up to Yes
Where trouser bottoms and lovely new jackets were donned
To find shelter from the cooling breeze
For a cuppa
Then down, down
Rather neatly
To Frank's
For a wee pint
Very nice
TWW 19th July 2016
Well it certainly could have been, after all they should be heading back to Africa now. But, on looking into it almost certainly a buzzard, apparently white buzzards are not uncommon. Far more common than an osprey or goshawk.
29C, twenty nine degrees centigrade or as it soon to be known XXIX, I mean it is just getting a bit silly. So for the first time ever, ever, ever a full team in shorts set out from Harford Moor Gate. In the glaring sun but soon to find shelter in the fantastic Piles Copse. With its wonderful oak trees and little mires where the bog pimpernel (according to a far higher authority) is in full bloom. But out we had to go, out into the sheer hell of a Dartmoor sunny day. Will we ever see that lovely rain again? To the weir where a weird bubbler seems to lie. A tree was found to shelter from the burning interminable sun for a restful hot cuppa and picnic. Then uppety up to the ridge where a pleasant breeze eased the glow.
How lovely is our moor.
WW 13th July 2016
TWW 12th July 2016
We started on Roborough down, not far from the Dartmoor Diner and took the permissive path through the Maristow Estates gates down to Lopwell Dam. Then along the river to the lookout position near Blaxton Quay where we had a picnic. Through the woods, alongside Blaxton Creek before taking the much deeper path up to Pound to then rejoin the original path we are taken on the way out.
WW 6th July 2016
A gentle amble on a fine evening for a walk through Bellever Forest taking in Laughter Tor and Bellever Tor. Eventually we arrived at the usual place as the darkness was falling and waited for the Night Jars. We heard several of them singing in the woods, one landed on the track just in front of us and two more provided a flying display. The midges were out in abundance and very irritating they were too.
TWW 5th,July 2016
We set off from Two Bridges and took the track up to Crockern Tor. Then down to the main road and along to Powdermills. An impressive place and an opportunity to explore it in more detail. A place where gunpowder was made to supply the mines and quarries on Dartmoor. Then it was up on the footpath through the boggy bit to Longaford Tor (fortunately we managed to stay on the track). Back along the ridge to the Two Bridges Hotel where we had lunch in the sunshine.
WW 29th June 2016
Just what is going on? How can it possibly be? Has something happened? Whatever next ...
Moorland pubs that close at 10 p.m. Moorland inns that stop serving when damp thirsty people are there. Thank goodness for a bit of reliability, a steady hand, a place which knows what is what. Thank goodness for the dear PoW.
After a most pleasant wander round . Out from the Warren House and over to Birch on a proper summer's evening. Along to Hookney and down to Grimspound for a welcome cuppa. The monkey puzzles beckoned but the alpacas have departed. Past the rabbit proof wall and to the fairy houses. Curly sheep caused a lot of interest before rounding the corner to Golden Dagger. The ever wet track took us to Vitifer where the twisted Elder stood out as the skies darkened. On to the Warren House, all ready for another draught of Summer Ale. But NO, we were turfed out before we had got in. Back up plan obvious. Speed to the Two Bridges where residents would ensure a jar or more. But no, they too spurned our company. Only one place, the PoW which welcomed us with open arms and provided more than one drink for some.
TWW 28th June 2016
Really fantastic
Hidden away
On Roughtor plantation
A real chasm
A crevasse no less
It looks natural
Very odd for granite
What a superb place
Probably best kept a secret
Out from a very, very busy scout hut
To Yellowmead stone circles
And onward
To Roughtor
Where we found
The higher and lower tors
Then down
By the recently created tracks
To the chasm
With its rock bridge
Who knows what it was
Then on to find a clearing for a cuppa
Popping out onto the moor
When the rain gently appeared at 1200
Then winding on to Whittenknowle
The threshing floor
Hut circles
And, possibly, longhouses
Round to the main track
Back to the cars as the rain steadied
To the Royal Oak
Which was quite quiet
For a most pleasant lunch
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