A day out into Tier 1 for the majority started
with black ice on the roads in Tier 2, but not to be defeated all those from
over the border arrived in time.
Before starting everyone climbed into full
waterproofs, it was to be another typically Cornish winter outing. It was then
off to the quarry via The Piper’s stone adjacent to the Hurlers where Raz, being a Cornishman, explained. To where the teenagers tombstone in
the summer, we came across the remnants of an old smelting house with tunnels
at either end.
From the quarry it was over the gate and onto
the old farmhouse for a coffee break. Then onwards to the old railway track and
then across the stream where the pedestrian gate had gained a chain and padlock
since the leader had last walked this route. There then followed the climb up
to Twelve Mens Moor and Kilmar Tor where we followed the old tramway where the
stones were carried to Minions or the workshop in the quarry on our route to
Sharp Tor. Unfortunately the stonemasons were not in evidence but there was
plenty of evidence of their continuing work here. It also provided a spot for
lunch with plenty of stone available as seats.
Then off to Sharp Tor and down to pass the farm
where you are not allowed to walk the 20 metres at the end of the tramway to
the dead end road! Finally we took the Cheese Ring virgins up through the iron
age fort and back to the cars just as it started to rain again.
Peter M