A nice early start in the undecided mist.
Down through the fields to Buckland and steeper down to reach the Tavy and it's tales.
Past the weir for a nice spot for coffee and to see a big fish jump in the still water. And two ladies swimming. "Alright once you get in !!" they shouted.
Hatch Mill next. 1861 said the date stone. An undershot wheel , a leat , a host of ivy covered machines and a floriferous compost heap kept us occupied.
Then the long trudge up. Past where Bertha bridge stood 'til the 1979 floods and at the top a tangled copse labelled as "Chapel (Site of)" on older maps.
Lady Bertha mine , obscured by private woodland and the private lane to Balstone , once boasted six buddles !!
Leaving the tarmac the rubbly lane guided us to the southern slopes of Berra Tor and South Bertha mine. At an altitude of 162m it is one of the lowest tors and seldom visited. More interest here was the Iron Age defended settlement with its univallate bank and ditch enclosing an oval field. Cannot find evidence of it being excavated..yet.
Downhill for lunch at the Virtuous Lady Mine and the drizzle. A kingfisher delighted all with a lengthy fly past and grey wagtails and another fish also put in an appearance.
Past Double Waters now and Bucktor. Along the West Devon Way where high bracken disguised the possible sighting of three longhouse sites and nearer the cars a fourth house also eluded.
Some may go back in the winter when the bracken is flatter !
Anne