No sign at all of that lamb, still plenty of lion about.
Out from Top Tor and it certainly did not feel like 10°C. The cooling southerly with a hint of rain encouraged the donning of waterproofs pdq. So, out across all the lovely tors; Bonehill, Bell, Chinkwell and Honeybag. The bells were ringing out from Widecombe so we knew the Rugglestone would not be closing early. All along and then a sheltered place for a cuppa as the light softly left us. Down, down to pick the track and round where, in the lee, it did feel quite warm. And back to find a busy and welcoming Rugglestone.
That lamb must turn up soon ...
Now who can possibly explain that? I mean how is it possible that we knew all the words of all the songs when they were from so long ago? We were even serenaded out by 'The Leader of the Pack'. Must be a song our grandparents sang to us!
Out from Postbridge on quite a nice day, certainly a very nice day to be out on our moor. Up the track and over the wall. And along to Samuel Tor, Rowtor and Braddon Tor. Brown's House called so we trotted over for a nice cuppa. Over to Lower White then down into the lee where it was quite warm. And round past the amazing cairn and cist to Archerton where lots of tree work has been taking place. Still swaling out by Fernworthy. And back to the cars with ne'er a drop of rain. To the PoW, quite quiet today and no snow at all.
A beautiful starlit evening, just perfect to set out from the quarry car park. Up the stony track and out and along to Stephen's Grave. The trackway took us gently up to the neolithic settlement on White Tor. A moonless evening so every star that could be was out to greet us. Down through the wonderful Thufurs (Ed. with thanks to the Wise One) to pick up the standing stone. The hidden stone row and the Pole Star guided us north all the way out to Hare Tor for a nice cuppa. Back along and round by the wall to the Wedlake track through the newtake and up to Wedlake Tor itself. The full set of Setters Tors was traversed and on to Furze Tor back to the cars. With scant hope we headed to the PT Inn to find an empty pub and a very warm welcome. Nice.
What a lovely lot of weather
Combestone was quite chilly
Sun shining and a keen westerly
Soon dropping down
Towards the Dart
It warmed up
Over the Aller Brook
And round
To the leat
And up to Venford
As the dark approached
Waterproofs on
Just a wintry squall
Down the track
To the secret waterfalls
For a cuppa
Boldly up to Bench
Over the dam
Up along
To Horn's Cross
As the wind blew
The hail hailed
And the snow snowed
To the cars
A slippy journey
The PoW was rammed
So onto the Plume
For lunch
All jolly exciting
Well, there you go, mocketh not the Pixies, especially on a misty, gloopy evening. They lure you into complacency and then, very softly, just switch a few things round, just move a few walls, just slide a few confusing lights into view.
Out from Tor Royal down what might not be a track and popping out to walk Conchies Road before heading out to find the huge Blakey Tor. The elephant grass provided amusement as we headed down to the West Dart for a cuppa. Rounding Moorlands Farm and all is well - then, just what did happen, a subtle lure taking us down by Little Sherberton and, somehow, by walls that do not exist on the map or on the ground, out above Sherberton itself. Conchies steadily steered us back to the cars and in something of a rush to the ever reliable PoW.
Those pesky pixies strike again!
Starting from Sticklepath where Lapenotiere had changed horses to speed the news of Trafalgar and Nelson's death. Off on the bus again, a double-decker so we could ride high. To Okehampton where we had to drag ourselves away from all the little shops. Symonds Park provided a grand start to the walk with hellebores and sweeps of crocii, and all the amazing wooden concrete bridges. Pig Bridge took us over the East Okement and up to the tramline to pass under the rail and noisy road bridge. Very soon all was quiet, just the lovely burbling East Okement. Chapel Ford provided a good location for a cuppa as the sun started to shine. Past Watchet Hill Cottage to admire the fireplaces and roll top bath, past Terry's tractors and down the Green. On to the wonderful Taw Gorge by Ivy Tor Copper Mine and Ivy Tor itself. Nipping across the Taw and back again over Williamson's Bridge with its wonderful words. We also had greatly enjoyed the "waterfalls and rillets". Quite soon through Finch Foundry to the Taw River Inn where we had a sumptuous luncheon.
All jolly nice.
7:30 came and went, still no one else there. Sat in my little white van listening to the Liverpool poets on the radio, while a heavy shower passed. It's Wednesday walk time. Out of the quarry and up the hill to the top to find part of Boulters Tor. Then, carefully looking for each section in the thick mist, down to the last one at the Peter Tavy end. 180° turn and back - it's like a Stegosaurus' back each lump getting bigger as you go along, then follow the wall back to the van. A short adventure, but at least I was there!
Paul came all the way from London, just to open the lovely St. Petroc's - so kind. Only to find soggy walkers already inside having a nice cuppa. The bells are 600 years old and the brass memorial is to the Speaker of the House of Commons from Elizabeth I, how amazing is that!
Out from Ivybridge on a coolish and somewhat moist morning. Slight mud took us onto Henlake Down to the trig point and onward. Hanger Down Clump stood out as we made our way to Hall Cross. A bit of road and we crossed the Erme to the church - really fantastic. Our dutiful guide had even made arrangements for it to be unlocked. Most walked back along the road but the special one was granted special access to a special track to avoid the tarmac. For the rest, non-specials, down what must be an ancient lane to wend to the Erme to admire the BS and stone with a cup. And back to the cars and on.
To the Trehill Arms (previously The Bridge Inn ) which did not disappoint. Smartly rustic with stone walls and cosy fires. Pies, pints and doorstop sandwiches consumed with pleasure. And everyone had a mug of chips...even Amber !
An asset to Ivybridge and a lure for more walks !!
'In like a lion' so they say. And it certainly was as we left the quarry car park. The plan was over Beardown but with the lion roaring we snuck around the leat. To take tea at our usual spot. A goodly place to wash boots to ensure they are nice and clean for our posh pub. Uppety up to the ridge to get the benefit and along. Down and back to sink into the sofas. And, as we left it was sleeting - proper lion weather. Now where is that lamb?
You really do have to be there ...
