TWW 31st May 2016

I will not be joining you for this walk.
Send on words and a pic if you can.
All the best, Jon

WW 25th May 2016

I was accompanied by 2 ladies on another wonderful Dartmoor evening down the lane to the brook and then on through the fields below Standon Hill which were awash with bluebells as good as any round HayTor. Then up the hill where in the distance the red flags were flying which meant a change to our proposed route,although I had checked previously. We descended to Baggator Farm, where renovation work is in full swing, and then up through the fields to climb Bagga Tor and back to the cars. Then to the welcoming arms of the Peter Tavy Inn where we encountered a man in an Amber coat with his appropriately named wife (Tuesday Walkers will know who I mean).

TWW 24th May 2016

I will not be joining you all for this wonderful spring walk.
Send on words and a picture for our blog if you can.
Have a nice time
Jon

WW 18th May 2016

A truly perfect evening to go out to Minions. A cooling breeze and clear skies full of promise.
A different route out this year. To the Hurlers and along by the Withey Brook. Past the quarries and abandoned farm to find the tramway. Red flags flying from Trewalla where one of the round houses still stands. Then, very neatly across the brook and up towards Twelve Men. With the sun high in the north west we easily reached the ridge to enjoy the sights. We did find a fleur de lis as we took the path round the back. With a cuppa under the ridge with the moon shining. over High Tor. Across to Bearah to admire the quarry with its wonderful crane and carvings. Lots to see there but time was pressing and the pub was calling. Across to Sharp and the track round by Wardbrook. A grasshopper warbler was heard as we contoured Cheesewring to find the cars and the ever welcoming pub.
Always worth going out to Bodmin Moor.

TWW 17th May 2016

The Outer Limits. On a grey, misty morning out to find the Staple Tors. On to Roos to enjoy the logan. And down by Wedlake to cross the newtakes to pop out under Wedlake Tor. As the mist gently rolled back. A cuppa at Stephen's Grave and on. To explore the magical Cudlipptown Down. The modern map makers found little of interest - I wonder if they actually went there. The 1888 six inch map does mark some buildings and spoil heaps. The big Hemery makes no mention at all. But there it all was, evidence of buildings, adits, spoil heaps and leats. Lots and lots to see and explore. Round by the leat and then the steady climb to the red flag on Whit. A most interesting part of the moor.

So, if you know what it us, let us know - Ta.

WW 11th May 2016

How many times have we walked the round to Holwell Lawn to see the beautiful bluebells? Lots and lots and lots more. But now there is a wonderful new path complete with bridges and walkways. A new way to pass Emsworthy with the cuckoos calling in the distance. Down through the mire with marsh marigold and bogbean to the Becka Brook. Over the new bridge and along the ancient trackway below Holwell Farm. Then, due to a most fortunate lack of navigation, a brand new tor. Nestling in the corner of a field encompassed by a huge beech. A wonderful tor which to date has no name, so we will go with Houndtor Combe Tor for now because that is where it is. Then round to pick up the familiar track by the clapper. And up, up with the bluebells and gorse in full bloom, really fantastic. To Greator for a cuppa as the mist rolled in. Down, steeply down to the Becka again before the steady pull up to Smallacombe. Compass definitely needed to gain the granite tramway and on to Haytor which took a long, long time to emerge from the gloop. Back to the car and on to the ever open Rugglestone.
Always, always something new.

TWW 10th May 2016

Busy, busy busy. Out from Lane End on a very warm and rather humid morning. Red flags flying and gunfire crackling so round the range we had to go. The gorse scent was pungent and the bees were busy, busy. We traced our way round long abandoned Yellowmead as the cuckoos called. Then a real treat, it appears the female cuckoo makes a burbling noise and there it was as the two chased over the fields. Up to the so circular pond and down across to Wheal Betsy for a cuppa in the warm. Taking the tracks brought us to Wheal Jewell and heading back by Yellowmead the cuckoos were still calling. Then another treat. The pair of cuckoos being chased off by a tiny skylark. To the cars and on to the Elephant's Nest for a slow lunch as raindrops started.

WW 4th May 2016

And if ever evidence were needed of the value of physical exercise there it was. As clear as clear. I mean it is obviously absolutely ridiculous; £170. So, how to solve this problem? Only one way comes to mind. Out to Meldon on a crystal clear evening marvelling at the close encounters in the sky above. Gently round Longstone as the sun slowly crept to the horizon behind us. And gently, gently up towards the ridge, pausing every few minutes to marvel at the sight in the West. Onwards and upwards towards the crest as the sun split into segments and lit the sky a bright, bright orange. To the summit now always graced by the most graceful of cairns. For a cuppa in a cooling breeze. Out along the pathway to Yes then very carefully down, avoiding the clitter, to pick up the track again. Back to the cars and a hustly rush to Frank's where the Rotary left to give us room. So a glass of the amber nectar and on to solving the problems of the world. But, just how could it be achieved? I mean £170 is just plain ridiculous. Best to tackle the problem circuitously. And then, seemingly from nowhere, a most wonderful solution. Perhaps we should all take up triathlons. Well how about £3.49!

TWW 3rd May 2016

The classic of classics

Bluebell Woods

Beautiful and fresh

After the cold and rain

Out from Meavy Green

And along

Past Yeo

And into the woods

Perfect bluebells

Seems like they must always be there

And out

On the muddy track

To Sheepstor Church

Undergoing repairs

To the open moor

For a cuppa

A most pleasant cooling breeze

And to the summit

Down, down to Joey's

Over the dams

Past the geese

Children playing at school

To the Royal Oak

Very nice