WW 27th May 2020

It was Wednesday, it was 7pm and what do we do on a Wednesday at 7pm? We walk!

So me and him did just that and who knew that two hours spent in a Dartmoor bog could be such a joy. As soon as we got out of the car we were greeted by Snipe drumming, apparently they do it with their tails.

Just a bit late to see the bluebells in all their glory but lots of other interesting flowers. Bogbean, milkworts, ragged robin, king cups, forget-me-not and lots of orchids.

The cuckoo accompanied us all the way. One ringed and christened Emsworthy spent his winter in the rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo - amazing! I think in my next life I'll come back as a cuckoo, no nest building, no child rearing and you get to spend the winter in the sun.

Sorry you couldn't join us but maybe next year.

Stella

TWW 26th May 2020

Thanks, all of you lovely people who enjoyed my champagne breakfast in the car park! The bubbly was just the thing to float us down the boring railway track until just before the first bridge and we veered off left down the gully of Meavy Head. Down to the bog that never dries out to find the colony of sundews, growing bigger now, quick photo shoot and then across the road to find ye olde rifle range, the end of which is surprisingly close to the road.The path to Hart Tor has many distinct hut circles; perfect place for a village. 

Hart Tor has become one of my favourites during lock down, lovely views all around. Bear slightly right taking the track to Black Tor Copse, known locally as leap falls, past the stone row, past the ford which still has water in it and  on to the waterfall. I love this little place. Misty had a quick drink and a cooling paddle and we left via the blowing house remains up towards Hart Tor again. Down and across Hartor Brook. towards Cramber Tor passing that huge plum pudding shaped rock. 

How did that get there? My imagination runs riot and I think of ring a ring of roses etc.

Up to Cramber Tor, looks like the leftovers of someone's rockery!, then slightly left towards Cramber Pool. This ridge, normally a big squelching boot sucking bog, is as dry as old bones. Getting pretty hot now so more champagne and Burts crisps sitting next to bogbean heaven and a sit down.

Loud chatting as we can't cosy up at the moment.

On to the trig point, so, so, dry. Views all round - fabulous. South Hessary on the horizon slightly left of the ridge. Lots of animal tracks to choose from, passing mummy cows with their brand new offspring. Carefully does it! Also on path small dead thing which appeared to be moving ahhh...I turned it over and it was full of hide beetles having a feast. Tasty tasty very very tasty!

Well here we are at S. Hessary, I always wonder if the fairies come out at night to pole dance on the cobra. 

Another boring stretch of track only alleviated by wonderful views and back down to the carpark

More champers and the drive home, for you lot anyway Hahaha 

Brenda

WW 20th May 2020

The starting point is the free car park on the outskirts of Callington with a choice of walking round the ring road to the turn off to Liskeard or walking part of St. Germans Road before joining the ring road. At the roundabout we cross to Pencrebar Road to walk to Pencrebar House and farm. This is where Michael Foot was brought up and his family founded The Foot’s Barn Theatre, unfortunately there are no buildings that appear to be the Theatre Barn.

It’s then a rocky descent on the Stagecoach Road, between Liskeard and Callington, to Newbridge, there is a nice walk along the River Lynher to climb Cadson Bury Fort over the bridge, but we are turning right towards Frogwell Mill, a  grade 2 listed building whose first owners were a Mr. & Mrs. Cornish, how appropriate! Just after the Mill we take the field path, bypassing Frogwell a very small community which used to have its own Pub and Methodist Chapel which is now a holiday let.

On rejoining the road we descend to pass the Water Treatment Works and then it’s a short climb to turn right to Trevigro, opposite Caddspit House and Saw Mill, only visible by partly climbing the banking. Shortly we will take a lane on the right which will lead us into the valley passing a converted water mill below West Haye Farm. Crossing the road where we found the sign post we pass another property described as a cottage , but much bigger with some spectacular new work going on, and their hens. It’s then through the woods to Whitley and continue across farm land where the calves were enjoying themselves, to pick up Redmoor Road heading for The Swingletree for its typical pub fayre. 

After food and drink are imbibed it’s a short walk through the Industrial Estate to pick up the footpath to Kit Hill, where those who are feeling well rested can climb to the top for a wonderful 360deg panorama.

Descending past Claremont, and possibly seeing the shaggy sheep, we turn right along Florence Road to turn left onto Florence Hill and the left to follow another old track to then wander the footpaths of Callington to return to the car park. 14K

Peter M

TWW 19th May2020

This has little to do with walking, but everything to do with celebrating slow progress towards less restriction, and to look forward to the time when we can once again walk as a group.  With earthbound lockdown still in place I was (legally) able to slip the surly bonds of earth and take a look at the TWW playground for the first time since the crisis began. I cheated of course, as the sun was shining yesterday and I wasn't going to miss the first day of airborne freedom. Today is not such a nice day.  Dartmoor looked wonderful and vast.  Strangely inviting, as if one could just land, have a coffee and go again, but the ground looks quite innocent at 3000 ft. Only one of the ranges, Willsworthy was active, making it easy to head down from Meldon to Princetown.  The reservoir looked full and being close to home I thought I would include a photo. Having passed Sourton and Shelstone Tors, I headed towards Yes Tor making a slow right turn passing East Mill, Steeperton and Wild Tors.  From there to overhead the waterfall on the East Dart south of Sandy Hole Pass and over the top of the Two Bridges Hotel before turning right for the return leg. Having spent more time in Princetown pubs (thanks to TWW) than any other Dartmoor hostelry, I had to include a shot of the town, or most of it!

With the sun shining on the moor, it is easy to forget the number of our walks enhanced by driving rain, near zero visibility, dripping clothes and muddy dogs. It is harder to understand the desire to repeat the experience the following week, and the one after that................It must be the company, or maybe it's just Dartmoor....... more likely it's both.

Bill

WW 13th May 2020

This is the ideal time of year for this walk with lighter nights but, because of its length and a food stop, we will depart at 4.30 from Tamar Close.

From Tamar Close it’s off down Dupath Road and through Dupath Farm to visit Dupath Well, originally just a spring but the Bishop of St. Germans had the very impressive monument built in 1510. It’s then on through Belltown, Corneal and then left to  onto a green lane which heads to Barret’s Mill, however we will be taking the footpath to Brendon, giving views across to Harrowbarrow and Kit Hill. We then descend the steep road to join up with the footpath past Radland Mill through Pepper Wood. It would not be my walk if we didn’t take the right turn to climb up to St. Dominick, where we take the path through Lower Baber Farm , overlooking Nanie Rowe’s Wood to meet up with the green lane down to Boar’s Bridge.

From here it’s a short climb to a sharp left to pick up the footpath to Clampit into the village for a pint and something to eat at The Carpenter’s Arms, always difficult to park here so walking is the best way to get here. From here we follow the back lanes to Harrowbarrow and pass the local shop and Post Office which has continued to serve the local community through the lockdown. 

We now take the path past Wheal Fortune and Wheal Brothers mines. The latter was a silver mine first opened in 1810, originally a copper mine but a substantial seam of silver was found and after a brief closure in 1833 £6000 of silver was extracted within 1 year. From here we continue toward West Harrowbarrow, but we are not visiting on this occasion but taking a left on Callington Road to reach the green road at West Cleave, with a descent to Barret’s Mill and then the climb to meet with our outgoing route and to return to Tamar Close for more beer and nibbles in the garden or conservatory, depending on the weather. 16K but well worth it.

Peter M

TWW 12th May 2020

If like us you are fortunate enough to live on Dartmoor and know the secret ways, you can walk from your doorstep and soon be deep in a bluebell wood, all alone on a badger track. Just you, the wind in the woods and the lovely views. 

Keith & Sue

WW 6th May 2020

Tired of all those tiring hills?

Tired of huffing, puffing and chuffing up and down wherever you go - moors and mountains?

Well, we have just the place for you - come to Yelverton Fun Land!

All the bumps and rises have been carefully levelled off and if there is even the slightest ditch bridges are provided.

Fun Land has been carefully split into separate legs, shorter legs are provided for Ladies (Ed. I am not too sure about this ...) or those of you with short legs.

Precise distances for each leg are on a lovely clear sign and a nice gentle down slope to start so you can see where you have to go.

At the end of each leg there is usually a seat and even a litter bin to drop your snack wrappers.

We also provide a beautifully manicured area for a nice sit sit for a cuppa and, what's more, holders so your flask does not tip over. 

So come for a lovely free day out with fantastic views over all those horrible, lumpy, bumpy tors. 
(Half price for those coming under their own steam.)

At the end of your trip come back across the road. 

We have a Club House where we can guarantee a most memorable welcome.

See you there soon ...

TWW 5th May 2020

From the car park we head down the road to Lepra Cross, not right this time but left along the Two Moors Way across the fields to the ancient settlement of Lettaford. A cluster of dwellings around the village green inhabited before 1300 apparently. One dwelling is a fabulous Dartmoor Longhouse dating back to 1500 now called Sanders. We can stay for as little as £275 for 4 nights. Maybe later when we are allowed out to play again. 

We continue along the trackway to Hurston where we take a left hand path onto Chagford Common to explore West Vitifer Tin Mine. We search for three buddles, a stamping floor, wheel pit, shafts and adits.  We then head down to the North Walla Brook and discover an agglomerated enclosure of hut circles and a Cairn Cemetery. 

Round the enclosed land to find more hut circles. The boundary stones guide us safely round Green Coombe and back up to the cars. 

I'm glad this was a virtual walk as the wind blew and the rain rained but it looks a fascinating 

area. I can't wait to explore it for real

Stella