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