WW 30th May 2018

28th December 1943, Liberator 63926 left Dunkeswell with ten crew for the Bay of Biscay. After their patrol, at 2215 they radioed in to say they would land back at Dunkeswell in five minutes. But no, they clipped Corn Ridge and crashed into the West Okement valley. Where the wreckage and a poignant memorial listing their names now lie. 

TWW 29th May 2018

From Haytor on a funny sort of day
Was it warm?
Was it cool?
Would it rain?
Would it not?
Out to the quarry
For tadpoles, newts and leeches
On to Smallacombe
And down the down
Over the Becka Brook
And up through the flints
To the medieval village
And Greator
Down Holwell where the bluebells still shine
To the clapper
And up to lovely Emsworthy
Cuckoos calling
Round by Holwell Tor
Over Haytor and back
To the comfortable (other) Rock Inn

WW 23rd May 2018

Now that really was something very special!
The Holwell bluebells can never, ever have been better.
First to admire Swallerton Cross then up a very busy Hound Tor with the sun high in the sky.
To the medieval village and over to Greator.
Then into the infinite bluebells. 
Great swathes of them everywhere.
To find a nice jump for a sit and a cuppa.
Slowly, slowly down wanting the journey to last forever.
To cross the Becka Brook on the lovely clapper bridge.
And up to the tramway with views afar.
It seems the bluebells have decided to colonise this side of the valley as well.
To Smallacombe as the sun so, so reluctantly found a way to slowly set.
Down the down and up the up to make our way back.
The light at this time of year is truly amazing.
On to the Rugglestone to get a pint from the hatch just as we used to so long ago.

TWW 22nd May 2018

A perfect English summer's day to explore new paths around Horsebridge. The slow, long, cool winter certainly has paid off as all the Spring and early Summer flowers have decided to stay around longer than expected. 
Up the ancient trackway through the pungent Ransoms to Townlake and then round above Latchley and down to the little stream. Round by Combe where the bluebells shone and the May blossom bloomed. Up through the fields of buttercups and on to Catsbridge. To bend our way to Sydenham Damerel where the beautiful church was sadly locked. By the byways back to Horsebridge where the 'Grumpy Landlord' was quite chirpy.
Very nice indeed.

WW 16th May 2018

A beautiful evening to set out past the money pit. Up to Yar and in and out the spiral. Steadily down, down a bit more and even a bit more down to the East Dart. To wend our way to the clapper bridge. Round to the stepping stones and out into the jungle. Not many make there way through, but out we popped and saw the deer running up the hill. On to find a wonderful knoll with steep cliff overlooking the river, perfect place for a cuppa as the deer made their way along the skyline. Past the slotted gatepost and the faintest of tracks took us to Laughter Hole. Over and up the track to Babeny to Rogues Roost. Through the fields and out onto the open moor to head back to the cars. (Now just why was there so much up?) To the Chesterfields where all the other guests soon disappeared so we had the place to ourselves.

TWW 15th May 2018

The quintessential English summer's day. To set off from Mary Tavy, through the churchyard to remember Crossing. Out along the fields by the Dry, by the reservoir and on to picturesque Horndon. Down to the leat and, chasing the fish, past Big Rock Tor to the wonderful Tavy for a cuppa. Uppety to Wheal Jewell and round the edge (no cuckoos today) to Kingsett. Onward through the lovely meadows full of flowers to Mary Tavy and the Jubilee path to the very welcoming Mary Tavy Inn.
Now just what were those woolly sheep?

WW 9th May 2918

A grey, brooding overcast and misty eve to begin our walk from Peat Cot where the Dutchy had banned parking due to the logging activities. They don’t work at night!! Six of us, and Paddy the dog set off to the workings NW of Whiteworks, investigate the fenced off shafts then over the footbridge and on to Whiteworks and then over the dreaded Grimpen mire, as Arthur Conan Doyle called Fox Tor!! Which we crossed with considerable ease led by an expert, not me! A short tussocky walk to Goldsmith's Cross then onto Childes Tomb (Paddy posed, again) where it seems a large stone had been removed. The ominous clouds were showing promise of what was to come as we headed up to Fox Tor for a cuppa. As we set off for Northmore Cross the heavy rain, and some hail, set in for the remainder of the walk and we were all very pleased to get to the welcoming Prince of Wales for a pint.

TWW 8th May 2018

Out from Postbridge on a clear day with great views, but that keen NE wind making it necessary to wear an extra layer. We haven't been to Sandy Hole Pass for a long time, so the idea was simple - walk out onto the ridge S of the Dart to the far end of the pass, cross the river follow it back to the waterfall where we would recross thence back.

There was some confusion about what to do about a sickly pony just N of the pass, but our resident DNP employee knew the answer. Coffee stop in the relative shelter of the pass. Lunch in the big sofas at Two Bridges.

WW 2nd May 2018

A fine evening to set out from Bere Ferrers just as the tide was on the turn. Over and down the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail to the salt flats to see the Brent Geese - we think. Round and along with signs of Spring all around. By Liphill Quay where the building work continues. Up to the road and over the railway. Windily down only delayed by the impressive muck spreading team. To Shutecombe for a cuppa, but no signs of the Jacobs. Then, an extra treat, all the way up again to come down again by the muddy track back to the cars and a peaceful Old Plough.

TWW 1st May 2018

Now that was a Proper Walk

A 'Reet Big Proper Walk'

As someone would say

Out from Dartmeet

Where the sun was not shining

To look at the stepping stones

Up over the hill to Huccaby

And down to Week Ford

For a cuppa (was it a Shelduck or a Goosander?)
To admire the Oil Beetle which dutifully did its stuff

Up to Saddle Bridge

And on, as the rain blew through, round the leat

To Hooten Wheals for a picnic lunch

On for a full exploration of The Henroost

To find the track up to the three crosses

Down to check on the fairy - all well

And back by Hexworthy and the lovely St. Raphael's

To really enjoy afternoon tea in the super Chesterfields

At the beautifully refurbished Badger's Holt

And, on the way, we say not where

To the super top secret Pixies' Cave