Across the fields gangs of lambs gallop about like naughty children as we take the firm grassy path up the slope. Soon we are walking by the church wall and the beautiful sight and perfume of blue bells in Ward House's garden is breathtaking. The trees commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1898 and were 60 in number originally.
Up to the fragmented cross and over the stile to follow the footpath northwest through 5 fields and into the old droving lane above Holewell Farm and out on to the open moor. We follow the hedge boundary around crossing the recently disused Routrundle leat. This flowed through Dittisham and on to Huckworthy Mill.
At the hut circles south of Routrundle we head up through squelchy ground to the railway and start a bit of a march past Horseyeatt and Peek Hill Farm. We keep going until we cross the new railway bridge..grey views today. The old tramway can be seen crossing the fields over the farm lane.
The steps down to the road are quite grassy not much used we guess. Over the road and to the Plymouth Moretonhampstead milestone...where is the Dousland one we wonder...its 2 miles 'til the one at Yelverton bus stop. Along the broad grassy verge past bright campions we reach the crossroads. Quick peep at Yennadon cross then the long downhill to Welltown (sorry knees!!). Lush ferns unfurl above dense clumps of bluebells. Redtailed bumble bees forage heavily.
Through Welltown and past a shaft of an old waymark cross..on left, opposite an old bridlepath to Peek Hill Farm. A shame it is "unfriendly" and cannot be part of our route.
Along the road we swing right toward the church and this time enter the church yard. It is locked but we are drawn to the grave of 8 year old George Gray who in 1843 was placed in charge of some horses got lost in the mist and although found 2 days later perished from his experience.
Now back through the sheep field and at the pub our pre-ordered take aways are nearly ready to collect. Even beer. We cannot eat them there but take them back to our homes. Some will eat them immediately, especially the chips and others might keep their pies until later !!
(Recommend you look at several DartmoorCam walks for many photos, varying routes, poetry plaques and interesting links concerning Walkhampton ,its neighbouring farms and features.)
Anne