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