Another day, another month and another walk from the door. A cool, dry December day, with the sun shining through a little high cloud. Out along the Brentor Road, past Higher Springs, and uppity up to the top of Gibbet Hill to enjoy the fine views of the western tors. No body hanging out here today though, just a couple of ponies. Then down, down, down to the A386, and Wheal Betsy. It seems funny that this engine house has been standing for 160 years, yet it was only used for the first nine of them!
Across Cholwell Brook and up onto Kingsett Down. A slight detour to investigate the spoil heaps and the rain gauge, before arriving at Wheal Jewel reservoir resplendent (??) with its new EE phone mast. A search for a sheltered spot in the weakening sunshine found an ideal place to stop for a cuppa. Down again to Zoar, Creason, and past Chilly Wood to Hill Bridge. Another abortive search for a County Stone, before heading off along the leat. Part way along, we came upon a curious sight – a man in waders standing in the leat re-laying the stonework!
Up the track and into Horndon, past the telephone box looking rather unloved, and showing its age, but apparently still in use. Down the track behind a forlorn looking Elephant’s Nest, and across the fields to Bennet’s Dry (not really as it no longer has a roof!). A short break for a bite of lunch. The sun had by now disappeared, and the breeze had got up, giving an incentive to get on the move again. Down to St Mary’s Church, and a chance to pay our respects at the grave of William Crossing. Along the road and up Buller’s Hill to the Mary Tavy Inn sadly still closed, but due to open in a couple of weeks for those wanting a substantial drink with their Scotch egg. Along the Jubilee Path, and back to base.
Phil
