WW 26th February 2020

Of course we had snow - what else? Out and up to Little, on to Middle, by a few patches and on to Great where we found this huge snowdrift. Onward to Roos where the rain and sleet had a go but a little sacrificial donning of waterproofs soon saw it all off. To the Wedlake wall and a turn to find shelter in the gert. Up to the really huge dew pond and into the plodge to seek out the best preserved tinners' hut on the moor - complete with chimney. Somewhat damp down the gert back to the cars and on to the Whitty. 
Now do be careful out there; it can be somewhat wet and slippery.

TWW 25th February 2020

Now that was most fortunate, huge ploppy flakes falling as we made our way back from Bellever. And super skiddy hail as we left the Prince of Wales.
Out from Postbridge with the promise of some good weather. Through the trees to Kraps Ring and on to follow part of the Hunter's Trail by the burial chambers and hut circles. Muddily up to the tor, as the weather started to come in, then down and round to seek out the memorial. Up to Laughter Tor to shelter in the pound for a nice cuppa. More memorials and the reclining cross before heading down to Laughter Hole Farm which is looking somewhat neglected. Onward to the main car park and across and up to the road. Then the lovely snow started to fall in great flakes. To the cars and on to Princetown where the whitening was beginning. An excellent lunch as the view through the window darkened. Out to a full hailstorm and a slippy road. Of course, withing a few hundred yards all the snow had gone with just the usual grey dampness.
Still looks like we might still get a bit of proper winter.

WW 19th February 2020

TWAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

With the wind howling (where else but Four Winds!!) and horizontal rain four of us set off South towards Kings Tor but the usual steppable stream was exactly the opposite!! A fresh route quickly formulated we set off in 3 metres visibility to find the Merrivale standing stone, the stone rows and on North to cross the road and follow the wall through several hut circles, the girt  and on to Little Mis Tor to find a sheltered spot for a cuppa. The usually long track back to the cars seemed even longer in the conditions, but a pint in the quietish Prince of Wales was most welcome.

TWW 18th February 2020

Despite concerns over the size of the car park at Heathfield Down, there was room for all, and a couple of spaces left over.  We headed of through Sheraleers and Newpark Woods.  Despite the recent wet weather, it was not too muddy under foot.  A brief stop at Quick Bridge to don full waterproofs (yes, it had started to rain), then up the track past Cholwich Town.  By now the sun was shining, and waterproofs were being shed.  Up onto the moor, and across to the cairn and stone row, where we stopped for a brew.  Refreshed, we carried on to the summit of Penn Beacon for fine views of the clay works.  Another heavy shower hastened our decent via Rook Tor, to West Rook gate, then down the track to Heathfield Down, and back to the cars.  Then on to the White Thorn Inn for a well-deserved lunch.

WW 12th February 2020

It was raining when we left and raining when we got back, but in between rather nice. Up to Leeden and then faithfully down to Ingra. Round the railway to take the old loop and bridge over the Walkham for a nice cuppa. Back to the railway then down, down the muddy track by Criptor and balancy over the ford. Along the road to take the turn up to Routrundle where all the lights were shining. Out by the gate where the busy frogs were jolly busy. Up and over back to the cars. On to the Burrator, sadly soon to close for a full refurb to reopen as part of the Punch Tavern chain - we'll miss the warmth and lovely furniture. The forecast turnover is £350,000 in drinks and the same in food - makes you think.

TWW 11th February 2020

A jolly fine set of weather awaited us as we set out from North Bovey. Mind you, it looked promising as we headed across the moor through the snow. To explore St. John's Church with its very fine tombs and pews. Round and up by Yarde Farm with its ancient oak tree and mounting steps - sold for £12m three years ago - wow. Along the old, old trackway by Easdon Down then gently up in the gathering gale to the trig point. Whooping Rock was well worth a look but still too breezy for a cuppa. On the ridge then neatly down to Figgie Daniel for some shelter. Through the superb woods to the road, then on and up back. Some superb hail storms thrashed by, keeping us nice and dry. The Ring o' Bells made a nice spot for lunch - small yet perfectly formed just like us.

WW 5th February 2020

A jolly fine evening to set out on the totally classic East Dart Waterfall Walk. Barely a breath of wind and just the hint of frost forming as we left the car park where the super new building will soon appear. Out along and then to pause to watch the ISS soar overhead. Hard to believe that soaring over us Christina Koch was preparing to leave after 328 days! At ground level we headed onward and very gently upward to pop out onto the open moor. The steady track took us along by the East Dart and a nice spot for a cuppa overlooking the superb waterfall. Then round and, just when you thought it could not get any better, a brand new part of the moor to discover. Through the gate and on to the Beehive Hut. Up to the crest and along the always muddy ridge. Apparently the track off Hartland is much improved but we managed to find a more traditional way. The Two Bridges was as comfy as ever for a refreshing pint. 

TWW 4th February 2020

Well that was a proper cool sou wester blowing through - quite wintry. Out from Venford with blue skies to head up the bit of leat and out. To find some of the amazing wind scarred trees and the PUDC stones. On to the remains of Ringleshute Mine for shelter from the wind and a nice cuppa. And on and round to make our way to the magnificent Horn's Cross. Venford called and we replied, stopping off on the way to lunch to enjoy the snowdrops at St, Raphael's. The Prince Hall Hotel was booked and we enjoyed a most splendid lunch served on the recently installed cable wheels - funny old place Dartmoor.