It was cloudy but dry as six walkers plus two dogs set out from Long Ash car park. Down, down, down towards the Magpie viaduct, then a quick up and we were on the Drakes Trail. There waiting to meet us was a beaming face we have not seen on our walks for many a week. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, and comparison of haircuts, we were off along the Trail and over Gem Bridge. Of course, we could not pass by the swing without the boys having a play! On through the dimly lit and drippy Grenofen tunnel. A short climb up to the Drakes Café left some hoping for a coffee stop, but the leader had other ideas. Across the A386 and down the road to Grenofen Bridge. A quick search failed to locate the “County Stone”, so over the bridge and time to stop for a brew. Suitably refreshed, we retraced our steps over the bridge, bade farewell to our convalescing friend (who set off for home). We followed the Walkham down-stream, past the Walkham and Poldice mine to Double Waters, and arrived at the fishermen’s shelter six walkers but only one dog. While some ate lunch, others hunted for the missing hound.
“Where is Bella, where is Bella
Has she gone to find a fella?
We must find her or we just can’t go!”
With lunch completed, there seemed little option but to continue our walk. But as we set of to pick up the West Devon Way, Misty started barking at something in the undergrowth. Then with much relief to her owner, Bella emerged the licking her lips, as if to say “what’s all the fuss about?”. With lead attached to prevent another disappearance, we made our way steadily uphill past Bucktor and back to Long Ash.
Phil (with apologies to John Betjeman)