WW 19th December 2018

And, predictably, as we left the pub it was pouring down.
And, predictably, as we left the Scout Hut the Cold Moon was shining brightly on a beautiful evening. All was quiet to head up to Gutter and back down to the track. Ditsworthy Warren soon appeared and then out to the fantastic stone rows. The track took us to Higher Hartor where shelter was found from the gentle breeze for mince pies and a cuppa. Up and along to Eylesbarrow, with views to the Eddystone, then the stones mostly guided us back to the col and the track to the cars. Onward to the Royal Oak which was tastefully decorated for Christmas.
A fine way to spend an evening on the shortest Wednesday.

TWW 18th December 2018

As the Two Bridges geese made a wise and steady move towards shelter, the Tuesday Eight crossed the rain and windswept road and joined the little footpath alongside a fully flowing Cowsic River. Over stiles and rocks and rivulets. Over and under fallen trunks and branches. In and out of treacherous mud. Over the clapper bridge and then the leat and up into the full force of the storm to Holming Beam and the cheer of mincepies with a cuppa.

Down the black slimey track to the footbridge and a thankful cancellation of Plan A. Beardown Tors to be left for another day, just the tussock grass to conquer and eventually to the track and hopeful faces of the Beardown cattle herd. 

Marching soggily lunchwards and cheerful discussion did we enjoy ourselves ? Yes ! 

And did our waterproofs keep us dry ?

Er, no, not everyone, and if yes, not everywhere !!

WW 12th December 2018

As it turned out a fine evening to set out with a pleasant cooling breeze and good visibility. Up to Middle and then on to Great and Roos Tor. Gently contouring by the 'no take' signs to pick up the track to the dew pond. Through the Thufurs to Cox where, as usual, the wind did rather blow to take some shelter for a cuppa. Down to the big gert and on to cross the road. Another visit to John Wills' aqueduct to pick up the leat to guide is back to the cars. The Dartmoor Inn was well closed; it has a big neon sign saying so. The Plume was welcoming and a big Christmas do was in full swing.
A jolly fine evening to be out on our nice, quiet moor.

TWW 11th December 2018

Better than likely. High Down on a cool morning where the mist was slowly easing. Round under Nodden by the workings and the rock sculpture. Up to the tramway and the old, old track to Gren. Onward to Hunt for a jolly good rocking, to Kitty where the warden was struggling to get his fire to draw. Views afar, looking quite black over Cornwall. Down the track to Green, on the way something going on - peat works study, who knows? Bleak House, what remains of it, gave us shelter for a nice picnic. To Dick's Well and down by Brat and Arms to the stepping stones again and back to the cars. And not a drop fell.

WW 5th December 2018

'Tis not often on a mild, wet, gloopy, muddy, squelchy evening that we find somewhere nice and comfortable to sit at a table to have our snack and cuppa.
From Princetown on a proper Dartmoor evening to set out. By the level crossing gate to head down to Bachelor's and round. By the new sign for Conchies Road onto the open moor. Those Conchies soon gave up and we were in that mud. Luckily we found the bridge over the Strane to head for the generator at Peat Cot. We had some slight hope and so it was to be as the lovely Wesleyan Chapel was open. So there we sat on nice comfy chairs by the scrub table to read all about it. A superb shelter on a moisty evening. All too soon time to leave and head up the now very well maintained track, over the road and on. Back by South Hessary, where 'Mend our Mountains' funding has done a superb job, to the PoW. Henry's photos have gone and it looks like some soft refurb is underway - they are tearing up the old carpet. 

TWW 4th December 2018

Now that was proper posh; drinks in the lounge then into the dining room for luncheon, just as it should be.
Out from Venford in the beautiful sun. And round the reservoir where all was calm, calm, calm. To head out to Bench with fantastic views over the Dart. A perfect spot for a cuppa with not a breath of wind. Back to the dam, round to the pipe walk looking down to Luckey and along by Aller Brook Tor. Taking the ancient trackway brought us to Holne Moor Leat to guide us back to the cars. On for a leisurely lunch at Prince Hall as the skies gently darkened and drops started to fall.

TWW 27th November 2018

A somewhat moist morning to head out to Chagford. Down through the town to pick the track up to Nattadon Tor where the wind blew and the rain poured. Over to Week Down to find the cross and on to seek Shorter Cross, said to be from the 7th Century - the oldest cross on the moor no less. Down the down to Yellam with its longhouse. And on by the ancient lanes to find some shelter for a cuppa. Onward to the roaring Teign, round the Two Moors Way and back to a rather posh Three Crowns for a nice lunch.

WW 21st November 2018

So there it was, rain, rain, rain, cold, cold cold. Pop on full waterproofs at the car to make sure none of it happened.
Out on a beautiful 99.7% waning gibbous to follow the track to Seward's Cross. Over to the leat emergence and rapidly down to Hingston stone row. Finding the gert dropped us to Newleycombe. Of course it just had to be: lovely cool fizz and chocolate cake to celebrate im's BIG birthday to come when he will not be here and will actually be far, far away. Suitably refreshed, up the slope to the T-gert and on to the cross. The leat guided us to Older and back to the cars as the moon shone and shone. The Plume was warm and snug where we got up to our full complement of 50% with new hips.

TWW 20th November 2018

A wonderful day for an 8 mile walk along a stretch of the South Devon coastal path.

On a bright but cold breezy day five us set off from South Milton Sands walking eastwards to the picturesque but quiet Hope Cove (where one of our number had had his honeymoon and threw his wife’s wedding ‘wreath’ off the breakwater, I hope he meant bouquet!)  admiring the harbour views and the “pods” in a hotel garden. On through and up on to Bolt Tail with magnificent views to the West as far as Rame Head and beyond.  Followed the coastal path westwards admiring lovely coves and cliffs as far as Cathole Cliff, where a sheltered spot was found out of the biting wind for a picnic lunch, very pleasant spot, high up on a cliff and warm in the sun. It was decided unanimously that as the weather was affording such lovely views it would be better to retrace our steps rather than take the inland route as planned. As we passed the hotel there were several of the “pods” occupied with people enjoying their lunch, looked idyllic! To the cafe in the car park for a lovely cuppa and a game of Trivial Pursuit!!

WW 14th November 2018

It was an unbelievably mild and dry mid-November evening when we left Plasterdown, the moon coyly hinting at its presence from behind the clouds rather than deigning to make a full appearance. Up Pew Tor we went, the three of us, failing yet again to find goldfish in the quarry - they must be long gone. A real surprise was what appeared to be a levelling point set into a boulder on the tor: a surprise because it bears the stamp of the Hydrographic Branch of the Royal Navy. There is more to determining mean sea level than one imagines! Out, then, towards Merrivale until we met the Grimstone and Sortridge leat, where we sat for a cuppa, admired the night sky and fulminated about Brexit. Onward we went along the leat to inspect the aqueduct dedicated to one John Wills (1958 - 1987), though the grass is now encroaching on his name. A final pause at the cross for a photo opportunity before heading back down to Plasterdown and thence to a quiet Whitty.

TWW 13th November 2018

At least the weather behaved, nice and dry after the wet.  There was some concern by the leader about boginess but generally managed to avoid the worst though someone who will remain nameless ended with a soggy boggy bottom!

Out and along above the river and then the leat,  two successful water crossings. Up and around to Hentor to shelter in the lea for a welcome cuppa.

Back over the waters to the Farmstead that may have housed our summer Australian visitor's ancestors.  

Onwards to admire the large pink granite cheese and wonder why it is still there. Then down past the pillow mounds to the cars. Oh yes I have been told to mention there was some minor 'domestics' but we are still talking to each other honest!

WW 7th November 2018

Still no rain! A warm starlit evening to make a tour. From Lowery Cross and round some of the remaining trees to drop onto the railway line. To check that the sieve is not bunged up and on to the leat which was surprisingly busy. Out along by Cross Gate to Stenlake Farm for a cuppa with the cattle and stars. Round to the col betwixt Sharpitor and Lether and up Peek Hill with views far and wide. The high stile led us back to the cars to an empty Walkhampton Inn.

TWW 6th November 2018

What sort of weather forecast is that - mild and dryish with the proper rain not coming in until after lunch - quite right. So, out from Natural England and into the woods all aglow. Steadily up to pop out at North Lodge and round the road past the birthday spot. A bit more round and the inevitable pull up to Black Hill as the view tried and succeeded in appearing. Over to the cairn to shelter for a cuppa. Onward to find Victoria and then Old Jack; the pony tried to follow us but was effectively shooed away. Back to the road and round back to dive into Yarner Woods again to make our way back. Ullacombe Farm provided a fine venue for lunch as signs of 'that thing' start to appear.

WW 31st October 2018

Now that was some real, proper weather the likes of which we have not seen for a fair while. Absolutely tipping it down with thunder and lightning and it all started so differently.
Out from Grenofen Bridge on a surprisingly mild and calm evening. All the beetles, spiders, slugs and woodlice zooming around. Gently up on to West Down to track the track down to the Tavy which was just gently ambling. Over the bridge to the fishermen's shelter for a nice cuppa. And then it started, definitely time for waterproofs. Up the steep track and out to the sound of large fireworks booming in the distance? But no, slowly the storm emerged and we were treated to thunder and lightning and heavy, heavy rain - really nice. Round and down under Magpie Bridge to follow the now storming Walkham under Gem and back. To a very, very quiet Whitty with the rain still pouring.

TWW 30th October 2018

Truly gorgeous weather to head out on the ocean. To pastures new, to explore a new country. Parking accomplished, the bouncy ferry whooshed us over the briny. To head out and round to explore what must be fuel storage tanks. A nice warmer to take us up to Maker Church preparing for Remembrance Day. A goodly place for a cuppa. Down through the fields with views far across the Sound to The Rising Sun where much crab was consumed. Back along the Coastal Footpath with views all across our moor to a sunny Princetown, Brentor Church and Great Links. Into Mount Edgcumbe Estate where the Segwayers were Segwaying. To admire the new apiary and timely back to the ferry.

WW 24th August 2018

It is a long, long time since we had a full moonlit walk - lovely.
And it may well be a long, long time until we return to where we have been and where we have never been before and where we definitely should not have been. Out from the knoll at Knowle to dive down to ford the Black Brook. Ziggy zaggy up to the church as the superb full moon rose to light up the world. Out over the fields and the ancient trackway to the railway for a cuppa. Along to check on Plaque 2 and over the super new bridge. To take the county road to the farm and then ... down the narrow lane now devoid of snow back to the church. Plaque 4 is still safely in the wall, so down to Walkhampton and into the bustling Inn.

TWW 23rd October 2018

A perfect morning for a walk. Out from Whiteworks where the digger was being unloaded. To cross the mire with only the gentlest of bounce. To head up to Goldsmith's and on by Little Fox Tor to the Tor itself. Neatly down and up the gert to the refurbished Black Lane Post. Down the other side for a smart right turn to Duck's Pool - a perfect spot for a cuppa. Up and over to Plym Head, past the boulder to Plym Ford. Up the track and round to where Hand Hill Cross stood so proudly until recently. But, we have it on the highest authority that it is safe in the safe at the visitor centre. Down toward Nun's Cross and round the leat where the digger was busy extracting a few small weeds. On to the Plume for a fine lunch where we were pleased to be joined by the one who is now fixed up.

WW 17th October 2018

Well those perishing, pesky piskies were well out and about.
From Bennett's Cross with the sun well gone on a mild evening. To head out on the Two Moors Way to bend round to Birch with the Warren House shining. And then more subtle bending with the phantom quad bike heading steadily up a lane that isn't there. To find we were back at the Two Moors Way! On by the snuggled campers to Headland Warren where the generator chugged but no lights shone. Challacombe came and we were mightily relieved to hear that the fairies and their houses had been relocated to Postbridge - well worth looking for. Bravely a check was made that the troll is sleeping and to the pond for a cuppa. Round the Down to the mine and muddy track and on to the bridge. Where the lovely bent tree is slowly being reabsorbed. Unerringly up and back to the cars except for those piskie followers. To the Warren House where two fires were blazing.
It's still warm out there and in there.

TWW 16th October 2018

New, new, new - all new. 
From Buckfastleigh, past the super newish church and up the many, many steps to the ruins of the old church burnt to the ground in 1992. Where lie the mortal remains of Richard Cabell secure beneath a gigantic white slab. Onward to Buckfast Abbey with its two ancient crosses. No time to linger, swiftly on and up as the day gently warmed up. To scrump lovely red apples and admire the space rocket. Leaping into Burchetts Wood for some foraging to pop out at Stumpy Oak and Hawson Cross. And now for the real magic - down into the grounds of Brook Manor, what a true privilege. We had a warm welcome from one of the owners to walk through the magnificent grounds and admire the truly tremendous manor house dating from 1656; the home of evil Squire Cabell. Out and down through Bilberry Hill Copse to town. Just in time for a nice lunch at the Globe Inn.
A real treat!

WW 10th October 2018

Finally, definite, certain proof, if it were ever needed. Putting on waterproofs definitely, certainly stops it raining. Not much light in the sky to set out from Yellowmeade. Up to Hollow as the rain eased in from the east. Across over and down, down into Foggintor where the frogs were jumping - not a good sign. To the railway and over to seek out Swelltor quarries and a totally new, huge wall to find shelter for a cuppa and escape the rain. Full waterproofs definitely needed to head out from the lee. That stopped it! To the corbels and round as the mast shone out. Down to easily cross the Pilla Brook and up to Four Winds. Onward and back to see what is happening at the PoW. And, surprise, surprise all the wonderful Halloween decorations are up as tasteful as ever.

TWW 9th October 2018

Wow, what a day, what weather. From Baggator and up the tor to admire the views for miles and miles. Baggator Farm looks like it is being renovated. Down past Brousentor Farm and out to find the Tavy gently bubbling along. Over Standon Steps and up the Lych Way to cross the road and up to the trees at the other Yellowmead. A really nice place for a cuppa. Down and round to explore the disused shafts and remains of Wheal Jewell. Surprise, surprise a Small Copper butterfly. To find the old track down to Hill Bridge to see the fish. Up through the fields and back to the cars. On to a very, very busy Peter Tavy Inn where a full lunch was enjoyed.

WW 3rd October 2018

Now just what happened there? Blue, blue, blue sky all day, perfect weather for a double sighting. But no, down came the Dartmoor mist and all went grey. Out from the quarry car park  and up by the farm. Gently up to the row of tors and the traverse of Longaford. No chance of seeing anything at all, but no, luckily we had our expert ISS spotter with us and over it soared without a star in the sky. We managed to find some tussocks on the way to the leat take off and the perfect spot for a cuppa. The long and winding leat took us down to a surprisingly very un-muddy Beardown Farm and the lumpy path. Straight to the Chesterfields for a cooling jar on rather a warm evening.

TWW 2nd October 2018

A long way for the longest walk and the coolest lunch ever - ever.
Out to Duckpool on rather an atmospheric morning, the cooling breeze a great help on the ascents. Along the fantastic coast with the waves crashing to explore the coves. Past the super top secret GCHQ spy listening station with all its stuff. Somewhat rockily down to sit by the foam at Stanbury for a warming cuppa. Of course, up and up to the cliff edge with Parasols, Fox Moth caterpillars and Toadflax, right out to Higher Sharpnose. To find Hawker's Hut, allegedly the smallest NT property (although we easily got nine people in). Into Morwenstow to explore the wonderful church and round the corner to Rectory Tea Rooms. Where, no doubt, a very warm welcome awaited and welcomed we were. And back through the fields past the amazing Tonacombe Manor "a perfect example of a Tudor manor house". To dive down into the Coombe passing the Pp Ho (Ed. Pump House) somewhere and back to the cars.
A truly great day out.

WW 26th September 2018

A truly celestial evening.
On a day when the sun rises at 7:06 and sets at 7:06. Swiftly to Minions to catch the beautiful sunset. Up through The Hurlers, being careful not to step into the fairy rings, to the Cheesewring with views far, far and wide, wide. Down and through the gap to wend up Sharp Tor as the superb Harvest Moon slowly rose over Princetown. A perfect spot for a cuppa on a very calm and mild evening. Down to pause to spot the super bright ISS soar over and, surprise, surprise, it was being chased by a satellite - just what is going on? (Ed. it turns out it was a Japanese resupply craft HTV7 carrying 5 tons of equipment!) Back to Earth, on round the quarry and back to the cars and a very busy Cheesewring Hotel.
A very fine evening to be out and about on Bodmin Moor.

TWW 25th September 2018

What an amazing day for a walk - is this an Indian Summer? Who knows, but it is jolly nice. Out from by Mary Tavy to round Gibbet Hill to drop into Brentor with its lovely old railway station. Up by Church No.1 to find the lanes and fields to bring us up to Church No.2, the totally wonderful St. Michael de Rupe. A church has been there since 1130! It makes a great place for a cuppa and views far and wide right out to where we will be by the seaside next week. Gently down to the old road to Wortha Mill where two railway lines used to pass, the GWR and L&SWR. And up and on to a most welcoming Mary Tavy Inn. 
(For some an added treat as they headed out to Roborough Down to see the Devil's Fingers - 20 or more. They should be around for a week or so at SX 5055 6095 - well worth a trip.)

WW 19th September 2018

And there he was (or was it she?) just swimming around in a puddle on the track, a Great Diving Beetle, what a treat.
Now this new committee has really got it sorted with a superbly planned and executed walk. Out from Hexworthy on a somewhat moist evening to check on the fairy who is doing pretty well. On to John Bishop's which is fairing less well and Swincombe village. Gently up and round the super taught new wire to the Three Stones and down to the reservoir. Where a most palatial spot was found for a cuppa. Down the track where the beetle was spotted and up to Dolly Treble's. Sort of round the enclosures to pop out right by the cars. Nice time to wend to the Chesterfields for a sit and a pint.

TWW 18th September 2018

A true Box of Delights.
To places new to almost everyone, to places we are not allowed to go - without very special permission. Out from Princetown on rather a grey day greatly enhanced as the brewery stirred up a mash. And down the faintest of tracks by the school to find all sorts of things. Mostly avoiding the compound to ford the swollen leats and find the clapper bridges. To the beautiful 1900 eleven arches where once a pipe carrying certain stuff lay. And on by the Prison Leat and the Blackbrook to the aqueduct and on. By where the leats merge and the leat take off to cross the road. Up the fields to Conchies Field to find shelter for a cuppa on the pipes. Onward to Fice's Well, 1568 no less, to find all sorts of intrigue - strange structures, walls with curly hooks ... Up to the leat and along to the sad cross marking where Cyril Sinclair was struck by lightning in 1983. Back to the track and on to the Millennium Stone. Over the road and on, by the Prison Farm and close under the walls. Past the most rare vintage Fire Plug sign and into the lovely church. And as we left Misty was there to greet us.
A new and most interesting walk; you really do have to be there ...

WW 12th September 2018

Now that was a real proper adventure - I am still picking the thorns out.

A perfect evening for a gentle stroll over the rolling hills of our moor as the sun gently set bringing all aglow. But no! Out from Bel Tor corner and diving down into the impenetrable bracken and briars. Was there a path - who knows, is there ever a path - who knows. But on we went prickled and bruised to finally wend way down to Luckey Tor. And, as usual on a Wednesday evening, a great big surprise. For there there were fires and folk moving about in the gloom. Lots and lots of people, people who light fires with bows and carry willow pack frames. They are The Old Way 'A unique yearlong adventure travelling as a band of hunter-gatherers across the seasons and different habitats of Devon and the Kalahari desert, with an exciting team of wisdom keepers and facilitator'. Sounds a bit like us lot; I mean it certainly was exciting, we certainly are wisdom keepers and we had our facilitator - at least I think that's what they called him later on. So on we went to find yet another path that barely is and soon won't be. Down the Dart to finally find the track back up to Dr. Blackall's and round, pondering his bumpy ride, to the cars.

I am sure the Tavistock Inn would have provided a great welcome and soothing pint or more.

TWW 11th September 2018

What a delightful event, Uncle Tom Cobley and all.
Definitely waterproofs to head up through the amazing Grimspound. Over and down by the RAF memorial to follow the Natsworthy lane then steeply up and up to find a spot for a cuppa on Chinkwell. By then the rain had eased and the heat had warmed. Down by Bonehill to the Fair which was as busy as ever. With all the attractions, something for everyone and busy, busy, busy. Soon time to meet up and head back up the interminable lane and on by The Blue Stone. To follow the ridge as the mists came in. By all the stones and unerringly back by the Pound to the cars. 
Whatever you do, please do not mention the blue ticket!

WW 5th September 2018

Lifting a hare and an Iridium flare - what more could you wish for?
A totally wonderful evening to set off across the mire with the sun rapidly setting behind. Up to Goldsmith's and into the workings. By the old track to Whealham Bottom and on to Northmore's, beautifully silhouetted against the evening sky. Finding the faint tracks to pop over to Plym Ford - always a perfectly sheltered spot for a cuppa. And the Iridium flare was right on time streaking across the sky. On by the remains of Wheal Katherine and up the sometimes icy track. Where 'eagle eyes' spotted a hare which is jolly rare. To the cycle track which has had a lot of excellent work done. And down to Nun's Cross and the infinitely long leat path back to the cars. The Plume was, as usual, busy and welcoming.

TWW 4th September 2018

There can never ever have been a better year for them. The hedgerows are just bulging with blackberries, almost too many to eat. Out from the rather lumpy Bowling Green and down the lane to find the footpath to Shaugh through the old drovers' road. Down the quiet village and out to the pipe walk. Nicely up the Plym to have a cuppa by the swimming pool. Out and on to the moor by the China Clay works. Up to Saddlesborough and Luxton with views across the Sound. On to Hawks' to ponder the construction. Down to RAF Hawks' Tor and round to the cross base. Back to the cars to the Farmyard Cafe which was everything you would expect.

WW 29th August 2018

Henry's photos are still there and all is just the same ...
After rather a mizzly, dribbly, misty day up on the moor, a truly fabulous evening emerged for a wonderful walk. From the Hairy Hand and past the ponies under a blue, blue sky. Across to check the nightjars had headed home and round and up. Chasing the sun back into the sky to Laughter Tor to watch it steadily sink as the heather and gorse bloomed. Down to the sheepfold for a cuppa and then along the familiar track by the tank and up to Bellever - always fantastic there. Down the slight track to check it is still 10 to 3 and into the brashings to seek the forestry road. And back to the PoW to see what is going on. Apparently it will be a month or two before any changes.
And as we left a beautiful moon rose - just as it has.

TWW 28th August 2018

From Fernworthy on a most pleasant morning. To cross beneath the dam and head up to Thornworthy Tor, lots of cattle, calves and sheep about. Down and through the dip to Frenchbeer Rock and across to Middle. Up to Kestor to admire the rock basins and pause for a cuppa. Down by Batworthy Corner to follow all the stone rows up and over to the Long Stone. Three Boys was just sitting there. Down the track and into the woods. Lots of orange dots and strange runes hint of what is to come. By the wonderful beech tree and round to walk the edges of the reservoir back to the cars and on to the Warren House Inn. Which, surprisingly for such a warm day, had a log fire burning.

WW 22nd August 2018

Goldfish and frogs - a perfect evening for both.
The warm mist and mizzle had arrived by the time we left Oakley Cottage.
To check, once again, on the quarry.
Not over hopeful as the dog walkers left and the green ooze oozed.
But, there they were, just swimming about like ... goldfish.
So up and out to check the chisel is still stuck.
And that the Devil's Fingers have yet to arrive.
By Vixen Tor and up to the quarry for a very shiny cuppa.
Round the quarry and up by the Sett Makers' Bankers - whatever that is all about.
By Middle and down to the gert; torches needed to cross the road.
Down by the leat and the wheelwright and lots of frogs to Windy Post.
And on steadily to a quiet Whitty.
Where we were served by the landlord no less.

TWW 21st August 2018

Wow - what a day!
From Yartor Down and over to the wonderful Sharp.
By the money pit and up to Cave Penny.
The gorse and heather have never, ever been so luxuriant.
Up to Corndon and along by the cairns.
To stop for a cuppa and admire the views far, far and wide, wide.
Out along the ridge and down towards Cator to admire the 'new walls for old'.
Back along the trackway to Sherwell with the fantastic thatch and slate.
Through the fields and steadily up to Yar Tor.
Down through the majestic colours and back.
Over a very, very busy Hexworthy Bridge.
To a very, very quiet Forest Inn for a most pleasant lunch.
Nothing better than an English summer!

WW 15th August 2018

Out

into the Grey

from Willsworthy

as the mizzle

mizzled

and along

down to the leat

and round

to the bridge

above Lane End

to Ger

somewhere in the mist

and on to Hare

to shelter for a cuppa
with spicy apple buns

down the tumbly ground

torches on

by the new wire

and on

to the ever pleasant

Mary Tavy Inn

TWW 14th August 2018

A nice mild day to set our from Okehampton Station joined by welcome visitors. Down the tramline and under the bridges. To follow the babbling East Okement through the woods then up to Halstock Stud to admire the spotty ponies. Round and down to the river to the wonderful swimming hole: the onset of very gentle mizzle encouraging many to go for a dip in the refreshing river. Out for lunch and then on by Scarey Tor. By the slowly declining Watchet Hill Cottage to West Cleave Tor. Into the lanes and to Simmons Park and the steady steps back to the station. For tea and cake - very nice indeed.

WW 8th August 2018

At last, at long, long last, at last some lovely, lovely rain.
Absolutely tipping it down as we set off from Anderton layby.
To dip down to the cycle track and through the tunnel.
On to the busy, busy wedding venue where, apparently, a pop-up opera was on.
And round to Double Waters for a nice cuppa.
Steadily up to West Down and out on the lanes.
Where the little frogs were really enjoying the new rain.
Back and to the Whitty which was very quiet.
Until we got there ...

TWW 7th August 2018

A jolly fine day for it after all that rotten sunshine.
Out to East Okement Farm in the cooling mist.
To cycle all the way out and up to OP15.
And then on to Ted Hughes OM for a cuppa.
(Lifting a beautiful fox on the way.)
Up and over to Cranmere Pool for a nice lunch.
It had to be done, so onward to Black Ridge.
To explore the wonderful Peat Pass with its lovely white markers.
Down and over the West Okement to Ockerton Court.
To make our way back to the bikes.
And the easy scoot back.
A jolly nice way to see some of the more remote parts of our moor.

WW 1st August 2018

What a truly fantastic aerial display.
The photograph barely does it justice.
Out from the car park where the drought means free parking.
Gently round and up to the Lych Way.
And on to check it is still 10 to 3.
Up to Bellever Tor with views afar.
For a leisurely cuppa.
Down the wide track to where they always are.
A nice, long wait as the light eased.
And the moths rose.
With the odd sighting.
Then, in the dimpsy, they appeared.
Swooping round and over us chirping away.
Absolutely marvellous!
On to find a not too unpleasant East Dart open at 10.

TWW 31st July 2018

The winding narrow road to Hartford moor gate always seems longer than it is. Off we set to Spurrells CROSS and then down to Hobajons CROSS along the stone row past the recumbent long stone (lazy or what) to Sharp Tor for coffee. A steep decent down by the Dungeon to the Erme, we went some way to find a place to CROSS and some people got wet feet and felt a bit CROSS. A steep climb up to Hilsons House with wonderful views and a wasps nest, they got CROSS with Charlie and stung him on the leg. On to Tristis rock, then we all got rather CROSS with the rocks, brambles, bracken, gorse, and trees trying to block our way down to the lovely path that leads along the river to the bridge. Then back through the churchyard past the final CROSS to the cars. A very late arrival at the Cornwood inn, but no one was CROSS and we had a very fine lunch.

WW 25th July 2018

A lovely warm, sunny eve for two of us to set off from Ringmoor Cottage across the NE edge of Lynch Common to pick up the Yeo Farm lane and on through Burrator Wood, amazing how long the track is with no bluebells to look at! Down into Sheepstor Village to admire the view of the church with the Tor behind. On through the lanes to the reservoir where we were able to walk right round the edge of the water to the remains of the foundations for the Southern end of the suspension bridge that was in use while the dam so was being built. Good to explore from water level and clamber round it, such fun! Hordes of people out enjoying the late eve sunshine with their picnics, great to see. Over the dam to take the track through the woods to Meavy, over the delightful stepping stones to scramble through the thick bracken and gorse, glowing red in the setting sun, to the lane across Lynch Common to the cars, to admire the brilliant rising almost full moon. A splendid evening.

TWW 24th July 2018

After all that clear weather, there it was - mist on the Tors and rain in the air but still to hot to wear waterproofs. Off round the aptly named Showery Tor, down into the valley and through the gate with all the signs. Up to Brown Willy for a viewless coffee break.

Along the lumpy ridge - suddenly it cleared- down and round the E side of the Tor. Through that gate again and up to a dry Showery Tor for lunch. Along the rough bits of Rough Tor to the summit where some just had to climb up to admire the extensive rock basins. Back to the cars and up to Rough Tor Farm for cream teas, what a great day.

WW 18th July 2018

Now that really, really was a good idea. Battling all the closed roads to the wonderful Drewe Arms for a proper fish and chip supper. And we still found time for a walk. Onto the Two Moors Way where the deer were grazing to the fantastic Teign Gorge where even in all this dry the river could be heard far below. To the lookouts at Sharp and Hunter's to find a steep descent to the riverside. By the suspension bridge and on to the weir for a nice cuppa. All along the river bank on the manicured track to Fingle Bridge. Then, it just had to be, lots of up to wind our way through the woods back in nice time for a pint outside.

TWW 17th July 2018

Now that was rather odd, something somewhat damp coming from the sky - whatever can it be? Out from the delightful Ullacombe Farm to the Templar Way and into Yarner Woods. Round and out and up to North Lodge and north to a rather indistinct stone row. Where for some reason we were all treated to chilled prosecco and chocolate cake - how nice. Time for a little more up to Black Hill cairn and views afar. Along the ridge to pick up all those funny named stones to dive down to Haytor Vale to find the gorge, the site of Haytor Iron Mine. Somehow a little bit of extra up was found to take us back to the super farm restaurant where we dined outside.
A jolly nice day out.

WW 11th July 2018

A calm, peaceful evening to set out from Dunnabridge. Down the track which is often so, so muddy but today dusty! To West Dart by what was Fisherman's Bridge and on to the fantastic Swincombe Meet Stepping Stones and the glorious plantation of Scotch Pine, called Stennats. On to the Swincombe stones and round by the timber piles. Up and over and down through Hexworthy, over the lovely bridge and up to dependable St. Raphael's for a quiet pause and a cuppa. And then, as ever on a Wednesday Walk, the unexpected - someone singing beautifully into the VR letterbox and further up the road three young girls just sitting in the road having a chat - these peaceful evenings are wonderful. Onward to Huccaby Tor, where we lifted three big Red Deer stags, to Brimpts buddles and mine where the whim is totally dry - no sign of the centre stone. Down the track to the cars and on to the Two Bridges where we sank into the Chesterfields with Wheat Beer.