A favourite walk which we haven't done in it's entirety for some time but as we are all fit and rested from our daily local walks over the last few months we are keen for a good brisk 10 miler back on the Moors.
Out from Postbridge, the refurbished Visitors Centre looking good. Along the East Dart following the contours of the hill till we get to the steam then west over the wall to follow the leat. As we haven't had rain for three months it's easy to cross the river by the island. Then with Misty in the lead up up to Sittaford Tor. We pick out Stats House on Winney's Down and the majestic twin stone circles of Grey Wethers to the east. Down and over the stream to the wonderful remains of Teignhead Farm. A very pleasant place to stop for lunch. While we rest we are reminded of the legend of Grey Wethers as told on the Dartmoor Nation Park website.
The legend goes that a flock of sheep belonging to one named Zorac was turned to stone by Bellus the Sun God because Zorac, not wanting to sacrifice one of his own sheep for the Midsummer Festivities stole one from a neighbour. Zorac sickened and died and was buried beneath the cairn on Cosdon Hill. So since then every Midsummer's Eve at midnight the stones turn back into sheep. The story continues that should you manage to shear one before daylight you will be made up for life but beware as always, terms and conditions apply and you might end up like poor old Lynhur who was found flattened rather than rich when the sun rose.
We head out over the old bridge turning south to the stones and on along the lovely ridge past hut circles and settlements before making a short detour to the Sheepfold.
We take a short break on Hartland Tor to survey the wonders of the open Moor before heading back to Postbridge for cream tea and ice creams at the Post Office.
Lovely!
Stella