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.

TWW 10th July 2018

What a totally superb day to explore our glorious moor.
From Brisworthy on a beautiful sunny day with a gentle cooling breeze.
To explore the warrens.
But first a pause to admire the sand martins flitting in and out of the nest.
Up to Trowlesworthy where the warren farm is still busy, busy.
The Fox Moth caterpillar giving a fine display.
Over Spanish Lake, which was a mere dribble, to the ruins of Willing Walls Warren.
And on to Hentor to find some breeze for a cuppa with views to infinity and beyond.
Onward and upward by warren bound No.3 to the trig point; even the sphagnum moss was dry, dry.
And on to Shell Top where the logan stone also gave a fine display.
Then down, down to the head of Spanish Lake with the top pool just keeping damp.
And down and round where the eagle eyed spotted the totally wonderful ivy leafed bellflower.
Just enough damp to soften our welts as we made it back to the cars.
And on to the Royal Oak for a nice lunch outdoors in the sunshine.

WW 4th July 2018

A select group set out from Devil’s Bridge along the shooting range to Hart Tor, down the valley to find the Bog Orchids and then up to Leeden Tor where an early drink was taken due to the humid conditions. Across to the railway bridge and off the track to cross the old road bridge. Up, up, up to the track back to Princetown where the Plume was buzzing.

TWW 3rd July 2018

Heatwave, what heatwave? Bring extra water the leader suggested!!

A truly lovely summer's day for five of us to set off from Shilstone Tor, bright sun, hot but with a refreshing breeze. Across Throwleigh Common, cross the Blackaton Brook, along Cheriton Combe to the impressive triple stone row known as the “Graveyard”. Then the climb up to Cosdon Beacon which went better than expected due to a very cooling breeze, which offered fantastic 360-degree views of our beloved Dartmoor. The normal route was then followed to Hound Tor via the hardly discernible Little Hound Tor, the stone circle and the impressive White Moor Stone. A picnic with a view on Hound Tor before following the track to the lovely Wild Tor, before crossing the, Walla Brook and ascending to the fabulous Watern Tor where the ponies were, as usual, in great abundance (and smelly!!)

By now the breeze had picked up to a very cooling wind carrying the occasional rain drop, very odd! On down to cross the Walla Brook again to pick up the track to Gartaven Ford to search out the two boundary rocks, found. Then past Ruelake Pit, past Rippator, across the eastern flank of Buttern Hill, past the walled enclosures and down to the road and back to the cars.

A thoroughly enjoyable 16kms, a lot cooler than expected, in fact quite cold towards the end with threatening rain all around.