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.