WW 27th December 2017

A perfect evening for a jolly nice swing. It really must be the very best swing in the world. Out from Longash on a crisp evening with half a moon and a full set of stars. To drop down through the little tracks in the bracken to the old railway. Under Skew Bridge and on to Gem - what a gem. Plenty of time to enjoy the swing and windily down to Grenofen. Along the track by the bustling Walkham to Goat Rock for a cuppa as the mist swam over Double Waters. Up the steep track and on round, with the occasional hail storm, back to the cars. All very nice.

TWW 19th December 2017

A very fine frosty morning to set out from Whitchurch. Over the hill to Middlemoor and up the hollow way to Shorts Down. Round the down to pop out on Plasterdown. To admire the multitude of boundary stones and the very suiting memorial to the plane crash. Up by the leat to find a comfy spot for a cuppa. Along the leat by the 12 mile stone and on to Warren's Cross. By now it was very nice and warm, time to divest coats and gloves for most. Over and mysteriously down to the stream to see the flora, mining remains and the weir. (A very rich area and worthy of SSSI status with 10 different dragonflies and the Cuckoo Bee identified. A return visit would be of interest.) Neatly up and over to the Whitty for lunch.

WW 13th December 2017

A nice little bit of everything for our walk from Morwellham. A nice little bit of rain, a nice little bit of hail, a nice little bit of wind and a nice little bit of calm. Out along the railway to New Quay to admire the windlass made in one of the Tavistock foundries. Up to the Gawton woods by the Gravity Hub no less. Round and about in the wonderful trees to find the canal. Along to the portal and downity, down to Morewellham. For some jolly nice mulled wine, sausage rolls and mince pies.
What could be better?

TWW 12th December 2017

An icy start with pedestrians obviously struggling on the untreated pavements in Tavistock, so gently out to the Fox and Hounds. Up the track to Nodden Gate and along the wall to find King Way Cross with a Greek style cross just visible at the base and only discovered in 2010. Not as cold as expected as some layers came off. Along to the Lyd and up to the higher track. First to Gren Tor and then Hunt Tor for a coffee stop. Across to and along the slippery track to Bleak House where Anne and Stella were waiting (don't ask). Around the track to Dick's Well and Arms and gently down again for lunch. A very busy pub but our food was served promptly.

WW 6th December 2017

And, the storm certainly came in as we left the Two Bridges.
But, as we left Bellever earlier it was a nice, soft gentle evening. 
To head out on the track by Laughter Hole Farm.
To round the corner and head rather muddily up to Laughter.
Down to the wall and to the gate to check on the tank.
Up the track to Bellever where, as ever, the wind was blowing.
To find shelter for a cuppa.
Down and back to the trees with time to explore the cist.
And round by the Youth Hostel to the cars.
With plenty of time to enjoy the Chesterfields.
As the storm came in.

TWW 5th December 2017

Rather a pleasant morning to set out from Lowery Cross. To head round Yennadon to admire the Andy stone. Dropping down to the railway and on to find Lowery Tank and Farm. Along the Fishy Walk, no sign of Sam or Geoff, and up to pop out by Leather. A cool breeze and a fine place to stop for a cuppa and enjoy the views. By Sharpitor to the Dew Pond and down, down and down again to follow the Walkham Valley. Then, surprise surprise, up, up and up again on the ancient trackway to the church. A little bit more downety up to make our ways back to the cars and on to the Burrator. A very nice, mild morning for a walk with views afar. Can Winter really be on its way?

WW 29th November 2017

0⁰C and the newt was not moving very quickly.
From Norsworthy on a perfect evening; signs of frost, sky full of stars and a nice bright moon.
Along the track by the Meavy where the timber choppers have been busy.
Over the slippy bridge and up to the leat.
Along to the aqueduct and up where the icicles should be but weren't.
Along the leat with views far and wide and down to Crazy Well for a cuppa.
To Cockle's Gate and on to Kingsett to cross Newleycombe where the bridge once was.
Smartly up to Down to enjoy the vista and back down by a surprisingly large cliff and Snappers to the cars.
On to the Rock where the Christmas tree was shining.

TWW 28th November 2017

Always nice to go somewhere where no one at all has ever, ever been. 

Out from Bere Alston Station no less with a cooling northerly.

Down, down through the woods to where the Tamar was full.

Round underneath the fantastic viaduct with the sun gleaming on Calstock.

The flood defence embankment provided a super path to round the bend.

Past Cotehele House and Chapel to where the ferry isn't opposite the quay.

Onward to Ward Mine where some kind person had set out the picnic tables for a cuppa.

On and on as the rain gave us a lovely rainbow to go up and then back down again.

Over the duckboards to admire the reeds and up the lane back to the train line.

Another superb rainbow with all its colours shining guided the way.

Along and back to the station, the cars and on to the Olde Ploughe where the service is best described as 'gentle'.

All jolly nice.

WW 22nd November 2017

A true Dartmoor aficionados evening and a perfect opportunity to extend the envelope of all that our wonderful moor has to offer - Yes, it was tipping it down and blowing a gale. Venford the best possible place to start to wend in the lee on the pipe track above the Dart. Under Aller Brook Tor and on to the clapper bridge. Steadily up to get the benefit from the south westerly to Combestone where the benchmark was easily found. A wee bit too exposed for a cuppa so onwards and southwards to Horn's Cross then a turn to place the weather behind to seek out the triple stone row that isn't and down to find the Venford boundary. The stile took us into the shelter and the pathside bench provided a goodly place for a cuppa. Back to the cars and to the Forest Inn which was as busy as usual. (Just who are the people in there?) Back as a badger snuffled about.

TWW 21st November 2017

Always nice to set off on a bus; from Frank's this morning. Out to Prewley on quite a blustery day with the mist gently hiding the tops. To Shelstone to start,  where the logan just did and the elusive rock handle revealed itself. Uppety up to the crest of the scarp and along, via a cuppa stop, to Stenga. The predictable gloop to take us to Kitty where there really was a man in the box. The track took us down to Rattlebrook works and outward and onward to Great Links. To Little then down out of the mist to the next tor; Little Arms, Lower Arms, Tidddly Links ... And back over the Lyd for a nice lunch in a private room.

WW 15th November 2017

Well we certainly got our money's worth this evening. A nice, mild evening to explore Fox Tor Mire and its surrounds. We were absolutely delighted to find that the fairies had been busy and have replaced the truly wonderful small cross. Sitting just as should be on its very special boulder overlooking you know where. However, the pixies had been just as busy building tussocks over Crane Hill as we made our way to Black Lane Post. Recently refurbished and looking jolly fine, it has already acquired some carvings. Fox Tor made a pleasant spot for a late cuppa before bending our way round and down to Goldsmith's and the marvellous mire. Where, once again, the fairies had been very busy replacing the special marker across the mire. All too exciting for us to be in time, even for the Plume.

TWW 14th November 2017

And the full tour is now complete - and jolly fine too. North Hessary was clear as we headed towards Princetown but the blanket came down soon after. Quite a sharp morning to set out and up, up, up. To the North Pole and Herne Hole, all so easy to find in daylight when those pesky pixies are not about. Back and over to Rundlestone which is easier to get up than down. Over to Hollow and on to the Red Cottages that were and West Mead for a warming cuppa. No trouble down to the Pilla Brook with its very colourful feather bed. To King's and on to Swell past some early pixie snot for another full trip. Over to Foggintor for another exciting diversion and back along the high road as the mist and rain started to arrive. The Plume provided a goodly venue for lunch.

WW 8th November 2017

A very fine evening for a walk; good visibility and almost no wind. Out from Yellowmeade with its shiny yellow sign. By Red Cottages to West Mead Quarry to admire the gloopy pool and on to the powder store. Onward by Four Winds to the fantastic stone rows and long stone. Neatly round the enclosure and over the Pilla Brook to make the steady climb to King's. A superb, windless vantage point for a cuppa looking out to the Eddystone. The ridge led us on to make the exciting descent into Swelltor and a nice scramble out. There was plenty of time to enjoy the full tour of Foggintor and then the tramway back to the cars. On to the PoW where only the faintest hint of what is to come was visible.

TWW 7th November 2017

A very fine Dartmoor morning to set out for a walk. The soft rain tumbling down and all around made for a goodly wander. Out from Norsworthy and up to Lower Lether or even Lowery depending on the map. Round Lether and on to Sharpitor. Over the very, very quiet road and on up to Leeden for a sheltered cuppa. Onward and downward to admire Fur and Yes. The trackbed took us by Ingra before topping over the col and diving into the forest that isn't. To the busy leat and gently back to the cars. To a very efficient Royal Oak. So that is a sevener, what next?

WW 1st November 2017

The first proper dark evening this autumn, except it wasn't. 
The 91.4% waxing gibbous saw to that.
It looked quite cold but no wind meant for a most pleasant evening to be out and about. 
The Dartmoor Inn was already closed when we arrived. 
To set out through the enclosure and on up to Great Mis for a cuppa. 
Down to the Walkham and up to Great Staple. 
Views far and wide, to Middle and on to the quarry where a huge digger is busy doing something.
On to meet up at the welcoming Plume.

TWW 31st October 2017

Certainly in need of some tlc and no wonder the way is closed. Wonder when the fixer uppers will get round to it?
The lovely bus took us out to Bellever with the usual proportion of payers. Quite cool and overcast, super walking weather. Up the track and out to Bellever Tor with lots of people out and about. Onward to check on the clock and compass and on to the Lych Way. Across the road and over what remains of the walkways to Powdermills for a cuppa. Longaford Tor deserved the full traverse then the high road back by Little Bee and the Littafords to a very, very busy Two Bridges. Where we just managed to stay warm enough to enjoy our lunch outside with the geese.

WW 25th October 2017

The Carabid certainly was not to go hungry. Fortunately we had our expert with us to identify. It eats slugs and can even give you a nasty nip. It was certainly not going to go hungry this evening.
After a clear, clear day of wall to wall sunshine the mist managed to make its way in before we set off from Cadover. Up the track to the Warren House and round to trace a way to Great Trowlesworthy. Out over Spanish Lake and Hentor Brook to find Hen Tor itself for a cuppa. Another remarkably warm evening to be out and about. OK for most through the clitter to the leat junction. Along and back. Somewhat later than might, so on to the always Rock.

TWW 24th October 2017

Well worth the trek out to Hennock. On a very, very gloopy day to find a new place and some nice, very warm, bright weather. The old drovers road took us out from the pretty village to Chericombe Head. Round and on by Bell Lane to Greatrock Farm. Into the oak and beech woods to find the air shaft and on to the amazing Great Rock itself which was truly Great. A fine place for a cuppa. Down to the trackway to find the launder and adits from the Haematite mine. The tracks still clearly visible where the Haematite was extracted until 1969. Back to admire St. Mary's and on to the Cromwell Arms for lunch where we were pleased to be joined by two of our walking wounded.

WW 18th October 2017

They were supposed to be firing, the flags were flying, no red lights, no one in the observation hut. And, we did not go in the range.
A very warm evening to set out from Cox Tor, flies everywhere - just shows how warm it is. Straight up Cox where the gentle mist provided suitable ambience. Down by the Thufurs to the wall and the track to Wedlake. Through the fields to pop out at the Colly Brook where the fish were enjoying all the flies. Steadily up to breach the Iron Age fort to the famous flagpost. Down to the horsey hut for the second flag and on to the Peter Tavy bound at the wall corner. Careful and very accurate navigation took us on to Roos where yet another flag flew. To the dew pond and back to the cars as the sky cleared and stars appeared. On to the now predictably quiet, but open, Whitty.

TWW 17th October 2017

A remarkably warm autumnal morning to set out from Grenofen Bridge. Over the bridge (no sign of salmon) and round to Westdown Mine to admire the remains and past Raven Rock. Onward by the beautiful falls by Buckator, through Goat Rock and over Double Waters Bridge. Perfect timing to make Big Pool for a cuppa and some skimming. Up the steep track, avoiding the hazardous tunnel, and out to Berra Tor where the holly was full of berries. Round the Iron Age fort and back past the Parasol Mushrooms to Walkham United Mine and the cars. The London Inn provided a fine venue for lunch.

WW 11th October 2017

The weather forecast

promised it clearing

clearing by 6 pm

and - surprise, surprise

it did start to clear

by 6 pm

blue sky

some say

so out to Princetown

which had not heard

the weather forecast

in the gloop

up to North Hessary

and out towards

Herne Hole

neatly down

unerringly

to Hill 60 Quarry

to the Red Cottages

and out by Yellowmeade

to shelter

by Foggintor

for a nice cuppa

time was pressing

but Swelltor insisted

down the shortcut

round by the cabin

and back to the railway

a steady pace

was maintained

to make the PoW

in good time

for a jolly nice pint.

TWW 10th October 2017

The Belted Galloways seem to be impervious to the weather, just gently grazing in the mizzle like giant humbugs. From Postbridge on a Dartmoor morning. To head over the clapper and on up Hartland Tor. The track along the ridge and down took us to the Beehive Hut for a cuppa. Round Winney's Down above the East Dart on the muddy, muddy track to the waterfalls. Soon across and back. It never really rained. and it never really cleared, but it was soggy enough to get quite damp. To the PoW, very subtly and tastefully decorated for Halloween. 

WW 4th October 2017

And everyone won a prize! A cool evening to set out from the Scout Hut. Time for hats, gloves and coats. Up to Gutter Tor with views to the horizons. Down by the part complete cross and apple crusher to Ditsworthy. Pleased to see that the roof has been fixed. Out along the track to the wonderful Drizzlecombe menhirs and stone rows. The track then faithfully guided us to Higher Hartor to find shelter for a cuppa. Eylesbarrow could clearly be seen and made a fine place to enjoy the lights of Plymouth and Saltash. The China Fleet Club guided us to back by the PCWW stones and on to the Royal Oak. Which was really, really busy and full of fellow Europeans.
A fine evening for a walk; but were we followed, were we being tracked, was someone or something trying to grab our ankles? Who knows - be careful out there!

TWW 3rd October 2017

Well they certainly were going at it! Busy, busy, busy chopping down trees, trimming and cutting, sorting and lifting.
In fact just as busy, busy, busy as us as we set off from Norsworthy Bridge on a fine, calm, warm, autumnal morning. Making our way through the arboretum where the red dots may mean more trees to come down. Up and round the track by Roughtor Plantation to find at least two of the many Roughtors. Lots of fungi around as we made our way to the stile by the mine shaft. Out along and then down to cross Narrator Brook and up by the adit to the camp site. The potato cave made a fine place for a cuppa. Round Combeshead and out to the magic stone, which still works its magic. Steadily down to the ancient longhouse then across Newleycombe by the bridge that isn't to Kingsett. Out to the track and by Keaglesborough to Lether Tor Bridge where the lumberjacks and jills were in full swing. Just time to fit in the magnificent Norsworthy Blowing House before retiring for prompt service at the Royal Oak.
Busy, busy, busy.

WW 27th September 2017

Well, the goldfish were hiding and the Devil's Fingers have yet to emerge but the frogs were out - not surprising. A well Dartmoory evening to set out from Oakley Cottage with the mist swirling and the rain raining. To the quarry and on by the feather, where the frogs were jumping, to Pew. The pixies sent us to the leat and then on to Feather Tor for some shelter for a cuppa. On to Windy Post and a time to remember. The beautiful mire provided some amusement to make our way by Vixen. Up the lane and a full search for the elusive fingers. Perhaps a little bit early, certainly worth another search in a week or so. Back over Pew and on to a very quiet Whitty.

TWW 26th September 2017

"What is it that makes the way you see?"

"The way you are makes the way you see."

(Ben Okri, 2017)

The ivy in full bloom, covered in Red Admirals and bees, lovely. On Whitehill Tor, which is easily passed by. To explore the wonderful oak woods round Lee Moor and on to wonder how the Wotter Common china clay waste has been so swiftly recolonised. Past the pond which the geese had just left and round. To find a nice spot for a cuppa as the mist cleared from the Sound to reveal a full fleet. On, all the way to Saddlesborough and Luxton. And then, back by Hawks and Collard before diving down into Higher Lee Wood and round, back to the cars.
The Farmyard Cafe provided a very fine venue for lunch.

WW 20th September 2017

Why? 
A perfectly reasonable question. 
Why, when you need full waterproofs to get to the car?
Why, when you can hardly see going over Black Down?
Why, trail all the way round to Belstone?
Well, because when you get there.
The roads are dry.
It is a nice evening.
To head out from the green.
Dropping down to the footbridge.
To wend round the side of Cosdon.
And pick up the track heading down to the Taw.
By Skaigh Warren the most beautiful, edible Parasol Mushroom.
Down to the busy river for a cuppa.
Along to Henry Williamson's bridge.
To take the gently rising track back to the green.
All very mild with not a drop of rain.
The Tors was well open with a darts match and huge curry.

TWW 19th September 2017

Well, who would have thought it? Certainly we had the very best of it. Sitting out for lunch in warm sunshine. Long may it last.
Out from Bennet's Cross to make our way to Birch Tor to admire the views. Then down as it got warmer and warmer, by the Highland cattle to Headland Warren where the alpacas were well shorn. Along the  very popular Challacombe track to check that the fairies were alright and that the troll was slumbering. All was well, so along to Soussons Farm and round to Vitifer and back.
Glorious weather, with autumn gently on its way. The Warren House Inn provided a great location for lunch with a view.

WW 13th September 2017

They definitely are drawing in. Sun setting as we left he car park to head up to Leeden to catch the best of it. Down to the railway by Fur and Yes to take the shortcut. Round the line to find the track towards Devil's Elbow. Time for a cuppa in the lee and along the rifle range to Hart. Hart Tor Brook guided us in to the pipe take off. Over the aqueduct and by the leat back to the cars. The Burrator Inn had closed an hour ago as no one was around. So on to the welcoming Rock.

TWW 12th September 2017

A fine day to head to the Fair. Out from Grimspound, to Hameldown Tor and along the ridge by the stones. A few showers tried to make their way our way but with little success. After a quick cuppa down the steep track and to the Fair. All was just as it should be, busy, busy, lots of stalls, tractors, sheep, cattle, ponies, dogs and the ferrets. A new way back had been researched and it proved most interesting.

WW 6th September 2017

And there she was, smiling so sweetly, gracing our moor, looking out for us.
From Hexworthy where the sun popped out to say goodnight.
A cool wind blowing to remind us that autumn is nigh.
Back along then out along the old trackway where once we couldn't.
And out to Horse Ford Cross where the perambulation passed nearby long ago. 
Steadily, steadily up to admire the fantastic gert at Henroost.
The long grass took us out to Skir Gut as the orange moon rose behind.
To track our way to Deep Swincombe for shelter for a cuppa.
Down the gert, by the mould stone and old leat to the pipe track.
A quick check to make sure she was just fine.
To the, now expected, very lively Forest Inn.

TWW 5th September 2017

That really nice, soft, gentle weather to head out from Two Bridges.
Along the track, by the farm and up to Crockern.
The full ridge traverse by Littaford, Little Bee, Longaford and Higher White.
The track leading to the end of Longaford as pretty as ever.
Higher White provided ample shelter for a cuppa.
Down, down by the wall to the weir.
Not much water considering the rain that has been.
By Wistmans to study the Buller Stone and back.
To the most comfortable Two Bridges where a table had been laid in the window.
The geese wandered by enjoying the weather, just like us.

WW 30th August 2017

A fine evening, full of promise. To set out from Meldon to take the windy track round Longstone Hill where a very nice man was putting out little orange flags. The track could clearly be seen to take us gently up to Yes Tor. There should have been a beautiful sunset but there was definitely a touch of autumn. A cool spot for a cuppa and then the descent, now just where have those pesky pixies put that track? The moon tried to help but Sourton Services was of more use. Back to the cars and onward, to find a very lively Fox and Hounds.

TWW 29th August 2017

Yet another novel walk where nobody has ever been before.
From Otter Nusrery and out along by Wapplewell and Spriddlestone (Ed. I think these names have just been made up.) and on to Cofflete. Down the peninsula to the old brick works where the sunflowers bloomed. To Mudbank Lake with views to Newton Ferrers for a cuppa. Up along by the Broad Ooze to admire the non-existent viaduct from the other side. The sewage works guided us back to Brixton and the nursery for a mostly efficient lunch.
All very nice and new.

WW 23rd August 2017

All aglow, as the sun set the moor turned golden, quite amazing.
The traditional route was taken from the Hairy Hand. Along the path where the first fly agaric of the season was seen. The snaky track took us out to the open moor to check on the clock. A path has been mown out to Bellever Tor with views all round. Down past the water tank and steadily up to Laughter. Many, many stops to admire the setting sun and accompanying glow. A cuppa then down the wall and onto the forest ride. Torches were needed as we popped back out onto the moor to take the Lych Way back to the cars. The timely walk enabled full enjoyment of the Chesterfields.

TWW 22nd August 2017

And it certainly was. As we left Four Winds and the track took us north. A keen wind from the east and the mist made it very atmospheric. Eventually Little Mis appeared from the mist. To admire the incised cross and inscription to Chris Swanson, 1980. Onward to seek out Great Mis and the Devil's Frying Pan. Heading onward and downward to the Walkham for a nice cuppa by the leat take off. The mist gently eased and the temperature steadily rose as we entered the now accessible enclosed land. To enjoy the settlement, hut circles, pillow mounds and blowing house. Popping across the road the Merrivale stone rows and cist directed us back to the cars. To the Dartmoor Inn - enough said.

WW 16th August 2017

It's all about timing; timing, timing, timing. Just timing, that's all, timing; timing, timing, timing. Timing and location. To catch the perfect weather window. Too early or too late and that's it - missed. So when and where - the only questions. And, so it was decided, it would just have to be 7.30 p.m. at Holming Beam. And, just perfect, the most beautiful combination of Dartmoor wet, wind, mizzle, mist and rain. Down and over the Cowsic to head steadily and gently up to Lydford Tor. Where the whole of the north moor must have been spread in front of us. Onward to Devil's for a nice cuppa and then to Beardown Man. The tussocky elephant grass provided some entertainment before contouring up to Conies Down Tor. The magic black rock proved somewhat elusive as the traverse was made back to the shelter of the trees.
And a really yellow frog.
The PoW was all very jolly and the Minion looked jolly fine.

TWW 15th August 2017

A Grand Tour no less. On a truly perfect walking Dartmoor day. With a pleasant, gentle, cooling breeze. Clouds scudding and views to infinity and beyond. From the Camp and up Rowtor to marvel at the railway. And on to East Mill for a cuppa and by Sammy Arnold's to Dinger. High Willhays called and was wonderful. A wonderful place for lunch. Just loads and loads of people about. Aren't we lucky to live somewhere that so many come to enjoy. Along by Hamster to Yes Tor and on the way the super-observant saw a man-made pool never seen before. Down, down. To Pixies Pool where they definitely were hammering, getting ready for you know what. And, as if that was not enough, a quick romp up West Mill to rock.
There cannot be many better days out on our moor.

WW 9th August 2017

Just what is going on?
They've been give a fair chance.
I am sure with the best of intentions.
Or not!
But I mean.
Just what is going on?
Total, utter rubbish.
We definitely need a new one.
And so we will.
Thankfully a few sensible, well organised, trustworthy, reliable, sound people.
Took matters into their own hands.
And headed out to enjoy.
White Barrow, Lynch and even more.
So that's it.
Out with the old and in with the new.
Couldn't do a worse job.
Or can they ...

TWW 8th August 2017

I won't be joining you all for this lovely sunny walk.
Please email me some words and a picture for our blog.
Have a nice time.
Jon

WW 2nd August 2017

Not overly encouraging after a day of high winds and solid rain. But still, you just have to, so out to High Down where it really was wet and windy. The Lyd was not as high as expected but the trudge up to Brat was well as expected. The cross did eventually decide to emerge from the gloop. So across and down to the fantastic gert where, quite magically, the mist started to roll up the hills, soon to roll back down again. Wheal Frederick provided the traditional tea stop. (Pleased to see the lintels and gable ends are still in place.) Neatly across at least six Doe Tor Brooks as the light shone in right across to Cornwall and beyond. Doe Tor provided a fine vantage point to see the moon emerge. A most civilised route to the farm was found where the lone pine still stands. We did look at the crossing below High Down but it was well beyond us. So along the bank by the rushing river to the now fully submerged stepping stones and back. Perhaps the Dartmoor Inn was open, who knows, certainly the Mary Tavy Inn provided a very warm welcome.

TWW 1st August 2017

Four years in the planning, four long, long years, with numerous failed attempts and near misses. And now, finally the first ever, real, proper ascent of Fur Tor with a swim. On a superb Dartmoor day with scudding clouds and the hint of a shower. The traditional route was taken from Lane End. To Ger to admire the Cleave and the rushing Tavy. On to Tavy Cleave Tor and the Deadlake track to pause for a cuppa and cross the Rattlebrook. The Amicombe Huts brought back memories for the elderly as did C**p Tor then the gentle drop down to the Tavy waterfalls. Sandy Lake caused no problems and then the steady rise to Fur Tor for a picnic. Back, and then the real treat, a swim in the Amicombe swimming hole. Some said it was not too cold others did not believe them. Over the tops and back to the cars as the first proper rain of the day arrived.

WW 26th July 2017

And there, just gently sighing, she was, resting at the Warren House Inn with that wonderful aroma, so reminiscent of ... something. Sold for £114,000 six years ago, 'Royal Chester'. Now resting for the night.
Out from the very last car park to Shapley Common with the fantastic hut circle. By the amazing leaning walls to gaze on a brand new tor which we leave for another day. And round by the glider poles for King's Barrow and Tor. Tucked in the lee from quite a cooling breeze for a cuppa. Back up, over and across to the main track down to the ever interesting Grimspound. The sun was setting as we made our way up to Hookney and weavily back to the cars. To Royal Chester but the Inn still closes at 10 even in July. So on, through a most challenging sheep slalom, to the ever reliable Prince of Wales.

TWW 25th July 2017

Well, finally, after all these years, years and years, and years and years, finally we seem to have got it sorted out. It took some time, years and years, but there you are, at last we have sorted it out and jolly fine it was too.
The bus powered its way up to Princetown to drop us a good two yards from the front door of the Fox Tor Cafe. So there we were in nice time for a nice breakfast. And some total genius had provided Henderson's Yorkshire Relish - how brilliant is that?
So onward and outward to the moor. On a lovely warm sunny summer's day. To head down to Hart with its Hercules and to Black Tor blowing house for a cuppa. Neatly up to Black then over the road to Leeden. To the little known Off Leeden Tor to the top secret track wending its way to Walkhampton Church. Steadily up the lane to the Burrator Inn by which time everyone was absolutely starving. So lunch it was.
Where else would you wish to be ...

WW 19th July 2017

With the rain chasing after us we arrived at Postbridge. The rain soon zoomed through and a very pleasant Dartmoory evening ensued. There is always something new on our moor with more to learn and more that remains unexplained. A track we had not trod took us out to the lane. Close inspection of the letter box provided no clues as did the lane less travelled. And then, in the distance the house appeared. The famous house where, it is said, the Rolling Stones used to practice. Over the beautiful Stannon Brook Bridge to the house. From afar it looked very grand. However, closer inspection showed it was no longer lived in and in quite a poor state of repair. We hope someone comes to look after it soon as it is in a fantastic location. Up the hill behind and finally to the summit of Stannon Tor for a cuppa. As the mists gently rolled in we made our way to the amazing Sheepfold. Could anyone really have planned to grow so many potatoes here that they needed a starch factory? Back and across to Hartland Tor and the eroded lane to the cars. The East Dart was entertaining with its Otter and Newfoundland dog. 
A most interesting evening.

TWW 18th July 2017

Nothing better than a jolly good blow through and we certainly had that.
A surprisingly vigorous Easterly as we left Pork Hill.
A warm wind and the promise of a storm.
Straight up Cox Tor to get the full benefit.
Down and over the first of many sets of thufurs and by Wedlake.
To make the steady ascent to White.
In the strong, warm wind.
With darker and darker clouds appearing over south coast.
Shelter was found for a cuppa then down to the Longstone.
Which definitely has hints of Easter Island.
Neatly bypassing the mire to the stone circle.
And on to Roos, Great and Middle Staples.
To the cars and on to the Dartmoor Inn.
Such a remote place, they have yet to have a bread delivery this week.
All jolly refreshing.

WW 12th July 2017

From Sourton and the usual track up towards the tors. To the right, underneath the tors and then around the end to get to the top. A fine view of the sun shimmering on the sea off Cornwall. Up the steeper bit to Branscombe's Loaf. Much cooler higher up in a stronger breeze. Down to Shelstone Tor and back through the Ice Works. 

TWW 11th July 2017

Well could you? I mean you not me. They look so docile, paying no attention. And they are equipped with the most fantastic pair of handlebars. So could you, very quietly, just creep up to it, and very, very gently, climb aboard? Not sure.
Out from the quarry car park on a day that promised rain, and the promise was fulfilled. Over to Berra Tor overlooking the gorge that was. And on, taking the high track to Burrator Falls, over the brook and through bluebell woods. To pop out at Sheepstor and gently wend our way to the summit. Shelter was found for a cuppa then on to Narra Tor and down. Picking up the WIFF stone amongst the almost disappeared Narrator farm. The arboretum provided a diversion and the Norsworthy car parks were both completely empty. How rare is that? Up the No Cycling track to Cross Gate then down through the wonderful mire which so, so many orchids adorned just a couple of weeks ago. But, the asphodels were just as nice. To the Highland Cattle and into the dog walking enclosure. Back along and up and over to the cars to a quiet and very welcoming Burrator Inn.
Nice to be out in the rain again.

WW 5th July 2017

Crazy, crazy, crazy people. Just what do they think they are doing? I mean it must have been at least 12m high. But there they were, and yes, they did it.
Well they did receive some encouragement, but they still did not have to do it. So nice to see lots of young people out enjoying the summer sunshine. Just chilling, chatting, sunbathing and swimming. But should you really ask them "Can you jump off there?". So of course they did, really brilliant.
Out from Minions on a perfect summer evening. To take the tracks out past the quarry with the deep (I hope) pool. And on to find the gate and ford across the Withey Brook to find the end of Twelve Men's Moor. For the perfect adventure along the ridge as the sun steadily ceased. Kilmar Tor came all too soon so down to the old tramways and across to Bearah and on to Sharp. A race up to the Cheesewring to catch the last of the rays. Swiftly on to the Cheesewring Hotel for a nice, cooling pint of their summer ale.
Always worth the trek out to Bodmin Moor.

TWW 4th July 2017

The test for a jolly fine walk is to find a jolly fine 'fing'. And find it we did. A genuine Ruston Bucyrus Bullgrader gently resting. And not just that but a Harrison McGregor 16R Albion Mower from 1896. How fantastic is that!
After setting out from Moretonhampstead to find the Wray valley trail with the new cycle path. To find a path through the woods and fields for a cuppa at Pepperdon Tor. Then onward for a real exploration to tunnel our way through bracken and briars to pop out on the road that wends its way to Blackingstone Rock. After ascending the stairs the rock basins provided a perfect spot for an early picnic lunch. Down and back with more jungle bashing by the ruins of Lewdowns Cottages to our superb monumental machinery. More down by Wray Barton to cross the main road and pick up the cycle track on the old railway line. Lovely bridges took us back and forth to find our way to the cars.
All very nice indeed.

WW 28th June 2017

Liquid sunshine - that's what it's called.
And it certainly lived up to its name.
A perfect Dartmoor evening to set out from Saddle Tor.
On a long, long evening with so much green.
By Emsworthy and then to find the track, any track.
To Emsworthy Rocks and on to Holwell Tor.
To admire the quarry with its beautiful, gleaming rock faces.
Along the tramway past lots of points.
To Smallacombe for a cuppa.
Fantastic views over the ridges as the sun must have been setting.
Haytor Quarry was a must.
No snakes but lots of lovely water lilies.
By High and Low Man to the cars.
And on to the Rugglestone.

TWW 27th June 2017

Well, we did it, the first successful, complete, scheduled, official Tuesday Wednesday Walkers' swim, and very nice too. From South Zeal on a somewhat close day. Through the trackways and out under Cosdon. To find a most pleasant contouring track round to the stone row for a cuppa with views over South Zeal to admire the amazing burgage. The wonderful Cheriton Combe mire drew us in to carpets of sundews and stands of orchids. To Blackaton Brook by a superb hut circle and onwards and downwards. To Shilley Pool which was really lovely and the perfect spot for a dip and luncheon. Trout were jumping out of the water to enjoy their lunch. We will not mention the totally awful sight we saw, just to say we will never ever see one person in the same light again. Back to the lanes and by Ramsley Mine with its beautiful rebuilt chimney. Time was found to visit the Oxenham Arms and admire the menhir and stone axes. So much to see in South Zeal especially the little church with its fantastic clock. And the rain never came, perhaps it never will?