WW 31st January 2018

If not bounding, it may seem hard to complete one's journey trudging.

More so, if those around you beset your mind to step with mediocrity.

The View of a Lifetime, Ted Davey

Once in a blue moon - so they say, and it certainly was. A truly fantastic evening to set out from the Walkham valley. With the super blue moon shining brightly. Up to the bridge to admire Plaque 2 and wonder if it had been put there just for us this evening. But no! Swiftly onward in the moonlight with views far and wide to ascend Little Leeden. And further onward to the main tors and small quarry. Down down, as the snow tried hard, by Fur Tor to sit by the wonderful tramway bridge for a cuppa. Past the pools where the gnat larvae are thriving and back by the railway to Ingra - no need for torches. Then, from nowhere, a full snowstorm which would have been lovely enough. For added value a real treat as gentle thunder and lightning came in. Through Routrundle which is looking deserted and back along the wall where we did find Yellow Brain Fungus. To the cars and on to the Walkhampton Inn which was busy, busy, busy.

How much more could you fit in on a truly wonderful walk?

TWW 30th January 2018

What an absolute cracker of a day - blue skies and a sharp, sharp frost, just perfect. To head out from North Bovey where the thatcher was jolly busy. Along the ancient lanes and up, up, up, with views growing all the time, to Figgie Daniel for a cuppa. North all the way to Yes Tor and south to Haytor and beyond. By the trig point and Whooping Rock to the somewhat muddy lane to wend our way to Bovey Castle. Where the snowdrops were in full bloom with lots more to come. Down by the River Bovey where the woodsmen have been very busy and very well spotted Elf Cups, apparently good to eat but far better to admire. By the church to the Ring-o-Bells which is looking very smart. For a most pleasant lunch despite the banging. And, as we left the mizzle came in just as it should on our moor.

WW 24th January 2018

Well it certainly has been a jolly good year for mud so far. Mud, mud, mud and even more mud, mud, mud.
Out from Higher Godsworthy with difficulty parking because of all the mud. And into the muddy fields to make our way by Harragrove to Peter Tavy. The muddy stiles provided some amusement. Up the lane over the Colly Brook where a passing dog walker warned us of the mud. But the Crocus Tommasinianus provided a splash of colour in all the mud. Little Combe was particularly muddy; through the narrows and out to Setters for a cuppa. On to Stephen's Grave before heading down the slippy mud to Wedlake crossing. Over the muddy fields to the open moor and on to make our muddy way back to the cars.
Our table was free at the Whitty where we could rest our muddy boots.

TWW 23rd January 2018

Spring, certainly signs of Spring, frog spawn and rather a tubby yellow frog.
Out from a breezy Combestone and up to Horn's Cross. (Is it always wet and windy there?) Down towards Venford then round the gerts to head towards Bench Tor. As the sun came out with its rainbows. By the amazing leat that feeds West Stoke and on. Along all the bumps to find shelter for a warming cuppa. Down and over the brook and up to the pipe walk. Very sheltered in the woods to pop out by Aller Brook Tor and the wonderful clapper bridge over the brook. Steeply up to Combestone and on to a very welcoming Forest Inn.
A good day to enjoy a lot of what Dartmoor has to offer.

WW 17th January 2018

A great evening to be out on our moor; we even found some snow!
Rather damp and blowy to set off from High Down. Down to the Lyd which was not too busy, so over the stepping stones to take the track round picking up bullets to our favourite pine at Doe Tor Farm. Finding rather a pleasant track to take us steadily up towards Doe Tor as an owl flew by. But just what is that, sounds like voices? And, out of the gloop, soldiers with night vision gear. All very entertaining to compare maps and then guide them up to Doe Tor where their friends were biviing. Onward and downwards to the brook to find a skylark sheltering - don't blame it. To the lintel at Wheal Frederick for the traditional cuppa. Then, fully zipped up, into the gale to Brat Tor and down down, politely leaving the abandoned truck, to the cars. On to a jolly noisy Castle Inn.
So much of interest every time we venture out. 

TWW 16th January 2018

Now, well that was really, really nice; lovely gooey, gummy, sticky, chocolate cake. An excellent way to say Happy Birthday and au revoir. 
Rather a wet and wild looking morning to explore the Meavy lanes. Over New Bridge and up by Callisham to make our way to Lovaton with its phone and post boxes. Then, of course, the sun came out to take us on by Durance to the main road. The huge gulch making a nice place for a cuppa. Onward to Brisworthy where, once again, bashas were in full use. To Ringmoor and down the lane to Sheepstor. Over the dams and down the track back to Meavy. Where our long table had been laid for a sumptuous luncheon and celebration.
How nice and so much new to find in our own back yard.

WW 10th January 2018

A very fine evening for a decent walk, misty to start then all the stars appearing. Out from Two Bridges and up to Crockern. Along the ridge to the Littafords, Little Bee and Longaford. Down, down to Wistman's to a beautiful tree resting in the winter for a cuppa. Round and along to the weir and back along the leat. All very nice indeed. Just in good time for a pint at the Plume.

TWW 9th January 2018

Out from the Scout Hut on a pleasant, breezy morning where, apparently, people were being taught how to shout. It must have been very tiring as when we got back they were all having a sleepy in their bashas. Up to Gutter Tor to find Ringmoor Down spread out in front of us; all golden at this time of year. Along to Ringmoor Cott and round the Down to the stone circle for a nice cuppa. Out and up to Legis where the Plym tumbled beneath us. Down to the track and over to the Warren House and back along Edward's. Onward to an almost empty Royal Oak which we soon filled up.

WW 3rd January 2018

A fine evening to set out from Dunnabridge with the huge moon trying to make an appearance. Good visibility to set out and along by the wall to enjoy the bouncy ground. Past the full tank and on up to Bellever with good views. Dropping down to the forest revealed a wonderful seat for a cuppa. Through the trees to pop out and follow the wall up to Laughter. Down to Loughtor Man and on to pick up the track by Brimpts Mine. Back to the car and on to the ever comfortable Chesterfields.

TWW 2nd January 2018

A suitable blend of weather for the first walk of the new year.
From Peat Cot on quite a mild morning with a hint of refreshing rain.
Along the refurbished cycle track to Nun's Cross and on up to Eylesbarrow.
Down to the mine to find shelter for a nice cuppa.
Along, along to Wheal Katherine and to Plym Ford.
Up and over to find Northmore's, all resplendent looking out over the mire.
Down, down and over the leat to take the track to the cars.
Nice and dry by now with the sun just failing to appear.
By the hunt to a very quiet PoW.
A good way to start a new year of walks.