We started in Bellever Forest but there wasn’t much forest left - huge swathes of trees have been felled and it seemed very naked. We crossed the clapper bridge then turned down a lane towards Pizwell. At Pizwell Farm we were delighted to see some proper little pink piggies who were very happy to see us but were a little shy and not really up for ear scratches. Carrying on from the farm we crossed stepping stones and Jane did good on her New Year’s resolution by virtually bounding over the stones without any fear at all. A plod over Cator Common to the road and tension was building with the walkers who were getting very thirsty indeed and in need of tea! Just a few minutes more and we were at Cator Bridge and had a pleasant sit by the stream. Repairs to the bridge are being undertaken and scaffolding has been set up on one side providing a great platform for Jon and Raz to sit and sup their tea. Unusually Cator Bridge has rectangular openings which are quite different from the curved openings on other bridges on Dartmoor - it was pointed out that it was probably originally a clapper bridge which was then built up. After tea we carried on over Bellever Bridge and then up to Bellever Tor for lunch. It was bitingly cold so lunch was brief. Instead of walking back to the car via the forest track we went via Lakehead Hill and Krapps Ring where we saw cairn circles and cists and hut circles. All in all, around a 7 miles walk. No sunshine but no rain and no wind - result!
Walking today: Peter C, Charlie, Phil & Jane, Raz, Jon, Brenda, Anne and Dianne.