Mike
WW 28th July 2021
TWW 27th July 2021
We gathered together in a collection of carparks at Peat Cot. There were three sorts of walkers, optimists (shorts and tee shirts) pessimists (full winter gear) and the cautious( every thing stuffed into rucksack)
Off down the rough track to the wonderfully moody Nuns Cross Farm with iconic trees either side. Taking the left hand path passing over the leat and a nameless stream we walked to a very old, or not so old reave, depends on which website used! Turn left to find Whealam Bottom cross or the headless cross again with no specific use depending on website used. It looked so lonely. Turning to walk back up Crane Hill, straight onto the small but mighty Northmore Cross, must be mighty as it has reincarnated itself several times. Also known as Hand hill cross it looks out somewhat defiantly over its terrain.
The path gets a bit lost here so just keep going obliquely southward and downward, through bog and tussock until Plym Ford comes into view. Halfway there and starts to rain, nooooo! The optimists brave it out, the cautious madly looking for wet weather gear and the pessimists looking on, smirking!
The rain cleared and a delightful coffee break taken at said Plym Ford.
Taking the very obvious path, and passing the very large Eylesburrow mine, which mined cassorite (tin ore to you and me). It is well worth exploring, after researching its history. Off the beaten track again to find Eylesburrow Tor or what's left of it and the wonderful (cobra) boundary marker, one of two left on the Moor. Originally there were four.
Easy track home now, following the Boundary markers for South and west dartmoor and PCWW stones denoting the water catchment area for Burrator reservoir
Finally down to Nuns Cross farm again for a bite to eat. But wait we were beaten to it, the huge incredibly beautiful Clydesdale shire horses were taking a break from carrying their riders far and wide. What a wonderful treat to see them.
Just finishing our lunch, suddenly the heavens opened and we're soaked to the skin in seconds. Didn't see that coming!!
So, doth the weather make fools of us all?
Or doth it not?
Apologies for the doths, folks, just sounds good.
Brenda
WW 21st July 2021
Four from across the water joined the Cornish resident as we set off through the unnamed wood, from the back of the car park, with the sound of the River Lynher below. It was then a climb up to the road for a short time to pass through the appropriately named “Uphill” before taking the track down to Colquite Cottage and woods. No sign of the Llamas seen by the leader when he did the walk last September.
A steep descent brought us to the river and a short walk
brought us to the bridge and much fun was had crossing it to explore Botternel
and Broad woods. Due to areas being cordoned off due to Ash dieback we were
unable to walk along the river which would have given us views of the cottage
on the opposite bank.
It was then time to climb up to the volunteers' work base for a refreshment break.
After returning and crossing the bridge once more we made our way to the main entrance to the wood with its information board about the Stara Community Woodland who maintain the area. If you visit you are encouraged to bring secateurs and snip as you go.
After crossing the County Bridge it was across the fields by the river. New bridges and gates have been installed making this section much easier, and it was then back into Rilla Mill to return to the carpark up a narrow lane reminiscent of old fishing villages on the coast.
Rather than the pub it was back to mine where sighting of the ISS followed close behind by the new Russian module and a rocket booster concluded another splendid evening.
TWW 20th July 2021
So it was down to Plan C in the end. A was to head out to the Langstone, scuppered
by live firing. B was to head north
anyway and round Wedlake and back, scuppered by some very unDartmoor like
weather. So in the end ……
We met at Beccamoor Combe and opted to head south and seek
some shade and possible coolness. First
of course we had to look for the obligatory Longhouse which in this case was
just half of one. Then on down giving a
brief wave to the forbidden tor and passing the nicely shaped but abandoned
piece of stone. We wended our way to
Sampford Spiney and sought the shade along the church path to stop for a cuppa
( you’ll be interested to know that the flattened grass caused by us sitting is
still evident a week later!!). A meander
down lanes to Ward Bridge and a hunt for the C stones and then a long hot slog
up the slope to Withill and along to Daveytown.
More shade and a gentle breeze awaited us below Hucken Tor for a much-needed
rest and picnic.
Onwards then to an unscheduled stop at the Dartmoor Inn for
coffee, cake, ice cream, beer, cider, iced tea.
Very nice it all was. Then
various routes back to the roasting cars ….. it really was a very hot day!
WW 14th July 2021
We’ve done it before - some of us many times but there’s always a new experience to be had.
Out from number ten, joined by the next door neighbours we turned left up the gentrified farm track past the sadly neglected and deserted beautiful Victorian farm buildings and a sadly neglected looking Laddie the pony, a mere shadow of his former self.
Turning left through the bogus No Entry sign, the track to the river was very overgrown. Raz did sterling work with his garden snips but a machete might have been more useful. Blood and sweat were shed but happily no tears just some rather choice swear words. The weir was full and fast flowing. No otters today just a skinny looking Heron eyeing us from the opposite bank before he gently flapped away.
On up through the cool green trees for a cuppa at Chimney Rock overlooking the surprisingly large splay of houses that make up Gunnislake and St Ann’s Chapel.
The Venerable Vicar and former Banker steamed ahead lost in their communion of past lives.
A wonderful woodland walk, then down the road to to the Ship Inn. Unfortunately it seemed to be chucking out time. However the Very Venerable produced some smart beers and we spent a pleasant hour in the garden of number ten. Just to make the evening complete as the dimpsy light turned to darkness the Space Station glided overhead. A new experience for some, then another paler and smaller one! Are they breeding up there?
A lovely evening! How lucky are we to experience the joys of nature in various settings every Tuesday and Wednesday?
Stella
TWW 13th July 2021
Wow what a super duper bus indeed! To head from Merrivale to Two Bridges with views over all the walls - fantastic.
Along and up the track by the Cowsic and by the farm - not too muddy. Up and out to Beardown Tors to find a bit of shelter from the cool northerly for a cuppa. Over by Lydford Tor to get on the Lych Way and through the gate to the homestead. Slightly deviously to get back to the Lych Way and the very slight stone row. The lure of lunch encouraged us on up and over to Sandy Ford and the amazing Prison Leat bridge. A super spot for lunch on such a wonderful day for walking. The leat helped us down the developing Walkham and neatly across and round to Clay Tor (well one of them). Steadily contouring and drifting down to the huge pound and settlement looking over Greena Ball to Great Mis. Excellent going over the lush grass to Little Roos and on to round the wall down by the quarry and back. The farm shop was open so ice cream, coffee and cake beckoned - some did squeeze in a beer.
This new trans moor bus really is wonderful and opens up lots of possibilities for one way walks - perhaps not all quite as far as today's.
WW 7th July 2021
What a year it has been for all the lovely flowers; all are out at once. When have we been able to enjoy such an abundance with foxgloves, orchids and asphodels and many, many more all there together - Just Perfect! Out from Lowery Crossing as the rain disappeared to give us a nice dry evening. Down to the leat and the silver wheel and then into the amazing meadow and orchids in abundance. We had to tread very, very carefully as we made our way down to the road. On to the reservoir track, still lots to see. Popping out at Norsworthy Bridge gave us the perfect spot for a cuppa. Up the track by some campers at the blowing house to Lethertor Bridge and round. No bats in the cave so up to the leat and on and out as the sun gently started to ease giving wonderful light across Down Tor and beyond. To the col and up chasing the sun which had gracefully disappeared as we crested the ridge. Peek Hill and the tall ladder stile took us back to the cars in nice time for the Burrator Inn.
A very, very warm welcome to us casual drinkers and most comfortable chairs and sofas to rest our limbs. BUT, just what is going on? ROAR, WHOO, OOH, AAH, WHOOPEE, seems lots of folk having a really great time as we quietly sipped our beers. But, why as one of our esteemed company commented, is singing not allowed in church?
A super evening to enjoy some of the best of our moor.
TWW 6th July 2021
All but our leader braved the trip into Cornwall on a cloudy day with just a brief shower to wake us all up.
Two days of heavy rain over the weekend ensured that the walk to view Goliath Falls was worth while with plenty of water in the River Fowey descending to the coast. After 45 minutes exploring the valley we returned to the car park for coffee, unfortunately “Inkies” wasn’t open. being Tuesday.
It was then over Draynes Bridge and up the road to pass through the heavily barbed wired gate where we made our way into the rough pasture to cross the road by the tractor to make our way down the narrow lane next to the stream to Common Moor, where there is quite a bit of building and renovating going on. It was then time to cross a wooden bridge and step ladder stile to take us up the hill with views down to Siblyback reservoir. On reaching the lake it was time for lunch with the majority choosing to purchase takeaways from the café. Unfortunately vegetarian Boritto was not to Tylo’s taste although they were enjoyed by others. A circuit of the lake, over the dam followed a short climb across the farm land where there were 2 Lamas in with the cattle and sheep.
We then dropped into the village by the tractor where the farm shop proved a hit, followed by a return to the cars. New ground for many proved to be a hit.
Peter
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