WW 31st July 2019

Well, could be a sign of a hard winter to come. Nice and mild as we set out from Grenofen Bridge. Plenty of puddles about and the Walkham was very murky. Round by the rowdy wedding venue and out along by the river. The dippers were busy having their evening snacks as we got to Double Waters: a fine spot for a cuppa. Round by the jolly campers to the fishermen's hut and a bit of skimming. Up the track where some of the brave braved the tunnel. And along through the huge bracken as the sun was setting on Great Staple far away. To the railway and over the wonderful Gem Bridge for all to have a super swing on the super swing. Back down to the cars and, not without some difficulty, to the very posh Leaping Salmon for a pint of Avocet.
The nights certainly seem to be drawing in.

TWW 30th July 2019

A jolly fine, proper nice, day to be out on the moor. Out from the green and round, up by the flagpole onto the ridge. The wind and rain managed to make a fair impression but we found nice shelter for our cuppa. Out along by Oke and down the old track to Knack Mine. Gently up and steadily on to a breezy Steeperton for our picnic. The path took us steadily across Steeperton Brook and up to Hound. The weather bowled through giving snapshot views all around. The nice steady track took us down to the Taw and across by the ford with barely a wet foot. Back along the track by the waterworks, checking that Field Marshall is still there.
And then a real treat, some wise one had booked us into The Old School Tea Rooms; jolly nice with china cups, lashing of tea, scones, clotted cream and a lovely selection of jams. And, by the time we got back we were all nicely blown dry.

WW 24th July 2019

And on, another super beautiful evening to set out. By the Warren House and down the trackway to Vitifer and over the West Webburn. Along the track that is always wet to contour Soussons to the farm. Round the fields to the Challacombe track to find a nice spot for a cuppa. Where, resting, were the remains of a Deering horse drawn mower all the way from Chicago, probably 120 years old. Such a lovely evening; that the ridge of Challacombe beckoned with its superb stone rows. Still beckoning on to Birch as the sun set and the dimpsy gently rolled in. Down the track to the Warren House for the usual 'welcome'. The fire seemed to be burning brighter than ever and a small dog did just what was needed. The usual chicanes provided entertainment on the way home.
Amazing weather to be out and about on our lovely moor.

TWW 23rd July 2019

An amazing day to set out from Hemsworthy Gate with a soft breeze and huge views. Up Rippon Tor and, after a search and some help, the elusive recumbent cross. Down to the Nutcrackers to speculate just which one had been the logan. Onward to Cold East Cross to pick up the main track out to Buckland Beacon. The Ten Commandments are really fine now and a fine place for a cuppa. Time for the bins to identify all the distant landmarks. Back over the common and down to the bridge, up along by William's Well to Blackslade Ford. Plenty of time to go over Pil and Tor Tors. On to the busy Rugglestone to seek shelter from the sun for a nice lunch. 
And then, just as we left, without a cloud in the sky, it started to softly rain - funny old place Dartmoor.

WW 17th July 2019

Still nice and warm, still nice and dry to set out from Yennadon. Over the lovely new bridge by the fragrant bedstraw and past the huge bulls. Out along and up to Goat's Pond where the ponies were struggling to find any moisture at all - will it ever rain? Down by the woods that were and round the bend to Stenlake for a cuppa - but just what is that? No it cannot be, yes it is, wet stuff falling from the sky and funny misty stuff appearing, what can it be? Luckily this well prepared team had the necessary accoutrements. Time for a swift cuppa and on by the leat down to Lether Tor Farm. The potato cave was checked and back along to Cross Gate where small patches of liquid had accumulated in the lane - must be a technical term for that. And back, to the very, very busy Walkhampton Inn for some reel Cornish ale.

TWW 16th July 2019

What a lovely day! A select group of intrepid 'Wild Swimmers' set of from New Bridge for a gentle, cool stroll through the woods, past a spectacular and unexpected waterfall to Sharrah Pool. It really was lovely once you where in. Then medication checked and taken, up, up, up, up, and more Up.  Some of us were proud and pleased to have made it at such a great age. Round to Bench Tor for a shared picnic in the sunshine. Across the very dry moor to the road to Holne village. The Church House Inn is once again open and welcoming. A brief stop for a refreshing beer and shared cheesy chips and down, down, down through meadows to rejoin the path back to the now very busy car park. Lovely! 

WW 10th July 2019

Surprisingly overcast and even a wee bit cool ... to set out from Haytor. Carefully contouring Bagtor Down where the curlew's call drifted on the slight breeze. To head up Rippon Tor and then steadily down, across the road and up to Saddle. By the dew pond and out, and there it was, a settee just sitting there, so we had to go for a sit. A nice spot for a cuppa as the hashers ran back by High Man. By all the tramways to Holwell Tor and across toward Haytor to discover a lovely quarry with its own tramway heading in. Up and over by the late climbers as the curlew called and down to the New Old Inn. Where the choice seems to be bee beer or lactose free yoghurt for dogs.
Funny old place our moor.

TWW 9th July 2019

Sun, sun, sun here it stays ...
From Fingle Bridge and steadily up to the crest. Onto the magnificent contouring path, Hunters' Path, high. high above the Teign. On to Sharp Tor to enjoy the views and the amazing heather. Gently round to Hunter's Tor for a warm cuppa with the farmer very busy cutting the lovely grass. Steeply down to the river and over the suspension bridge with the trout foraging below. Along, along in the welcome shade and a few stops by the river. To Fingle Bridge Inn where most found some shade for a very nice lunch. Then for some a swim at Chagford.

WW 3rd July 2019

Another super fine, cloudless evening. From Peat Cot and down to Seward's. Past the jolly campers to the leat exit where the unsuspecting found a very unexpected hole. Along and round with the sun high in the sky. Lots of gangs of 'teenage' calves with their mums bellowing them in. Down to Newleycombe into the t-gert. Up, up to the cross and along out to Crazy Well Cross and the pool for a cuppa as a Chinook gently thwacked its way down the valley. Cramber Pool, magnificent as ever, full of bog bean and on to the trig point to watch the sunset far in the north west. To the cars and the bright and shiny Prince of Wales.
These fantastic evenings can just go on for ever and ever and ...

TWW 2nd July 2019

More amazing weather.

We really could get used to this.

Out from Postbridge and into the woods.

The woodsmen kindly let us through.

To take the Lych Way.

Over the road and on to the nice new track.

To Powdermills - always interesting.

And gently up to the clitter beneath Littaford.

For a nice cuppa.

Onward and upward to traverse Longaford.

On to Higher White.

Views far, far and wide, wide and a gentle breeze.

Over the wall to Lower White.

Where, we were told, a Fairey Battle crashed in 1939.
4th July 1939 - almost exactly 80 years ago.
Fortunately all three crew survived.

For them a misty moor, for us a nice spot for lunch.

Down by Hollowcombe where the orchids are rampant. 

Over the tiny stream, successfully for most.

And back via Archerton to the cars - all jolly nice.