We
set off from Bennett’s Cross carpark with cars double banked to fit in. Our
route crossing the road to pick up the Two Moors Way, skirting Hurston Ridge
walking towards Chagford Common passing a fine example of a double stone row
and standing stone at the end looking on to Fernworthy Forrest and of course
views to die for on this warm and humid day. We soon turned off the moors way
to drop down to Hurston following a classic stone wall surely built by a Master
stone Waller.
Time
now for a well-earned tea stop in light cooling rain, however as part of the
pre-planning a huge log and picnic bench had been laid on for us – most welcome
and not the norm for our walks!
Our
path took us now to Jurston and past derelict and spooky farm buildings, part
of a 90-acre farm that will soon be for sale at a local auction according to a
local and knowledgeable lady who was a neighbour of the property. For someone
with very deep pockets the location is in an idyllic spot – some of us were
keen to move there.
Across
the farm’s fields we now went towards Lettaford, encountering a poorly sheep
with a black bar marking on its back along the way that was unable to stand,
help was sought for the sheep and it was also reported to a passing farmer – we
hoped for a humane outcome.
Lettaford
did not disappoint with its collection of fine granite buildings topped with
mature weathered thatch, could be a great location for a period drama – maybe
one day.
Heading
now for Moorgate, we stopped first on a sloping field for our picnic before
setting off for the path below Combe Down that leads to west Coombe Farm, an
eclectic mixture of everything that a farm might have to catch the interest of
a passing walker.
Through
the farmyard to the start of what appears to be a stairway to heaven in the
form of an upward never-ending farm track towards the clouds with Shapley Tor
to our right, and King Tor way to the left. Once ‘over the top’ we dropped down
to cross the Firth Bridge road, still following the Tow Moors Way path on the
other side.
Although
the moorland heather was well past its peak, for bee’s hard work was still the
order of the day. This was clear whilst passing through an avenue of beehives
with bees coming and going from the small hive entrances, all hives awaiting
collection along our path.
Continuing
ever upward past the hives with Birch Tor to our left, we were soon in sight of
our Bennett’s Cross carpark and not a bee sting to report and another good walk
under our belts!
Charlie