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