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!