TWW 31st May 2022

 

The sky looked dark and threatening towards the north Devon coast where we were heading for our walk from Duckpool to Morwenstow. Sure enough the heavens opened until we arrived at a very busy car park. Then the sun shone, perfect weather for a coastal walk, the colours were amazing. The light sparked on the blue blue sea reflected from the sky with its fluffy clouds and the vibrant greens of the trees and hedges. Layers were soon removed after the first climb. Past the rather threatening white dishes of the radio station. What do they listen for? The first deep Coombe was Stanbury beach tempting to stop for coffee but we decided to press on up to find a wonderful grassy spot on the cliff top. 

We met several long distance SW Coast path walkers. One rather disgruntled chap with a huge pack and a circular pop up tent slung over his shoulder. He was originally from South Africa, his country ruined by political correctness he said and ours getting as bad. He wasn’t very complimentary about our dear leader either. More ups and downs until we came to Hawkers Hut where we again crowded in with thoughts of Terry. 

The Reverend Robert Stephen Hawker was told to be a romantic poet and a professional eccentric with a penchant for opium. He apparently loved colourful clothes often wearing a long purple coat or a yellow poncho fashioned from a horse blanket with crimson gloves. Very nice. 

The Rectory tea rooms came up trumps again and we enjoyed a delicious lunch. After inspecting the Church we headed back across the fields where footpaths had obscured and and some styles very difficult to climb over. Not very welcoming. Then down into the woods to find our way past the picturesque Mill House and back to Duckpool. Longer than I had calculated apparently but a very pleasant day out. 

Stella

TWW 24th May 2022

 

We started by a quick trip up to Shilstone Tor – very interesting as it looks extensively quarried – is it a real tor or just a pile of rocks!  Then off down the road to pass Higher Shilstone- a lovely old longhouse, which doesn’t like being photographed, shy maybe?

A stroll down the lane to Throwleigh and a quick look round the lovely church, then off along Deave Lane an old green lane that pops out at Forder.  A short diversion to Wonson to check out the Northmore Arms, looking fine with tent and bunting ready for the forthcoming Jubilee festivities, and of course to admire the gun in the car park. For those interested it seems the pub is now open daily ’12 to close’ and so worth a visit again – and of course to admire the risqué weathervane!!!

Then down the lane to Providence Chapel which provided a handy cuppa stop as it chose that moment to decide to drop a little shower on us.  Unfortunately the school room was not open with the photos and history to Throwleigh parish.  However it is opening up in June with a new exhibition of Chris Chapman pictures.  Another place to visit again.  Delightful his and hers conveniences with a view and then a pretty cemetery.

Wending on then to Gidleigh to view another beautiful little church and a view of the ruined Castle, shame the nice man wouldn’t let us in for a closer look.  Meandering along lanes and a bit of gentle moor heading towards the cars, when lo and behold a host of fairies was spotted – missed on the way out or had they just moved in???

A very nice lunch was enjoyed at the very reasonable Taw River Inn – but no living roof to be admired this time, just pristine thatch.

Jane

WW 18th May 2022

 

Just a nice normal Dartmoor evening. Sitting in the car wondering if the rain was going to stop. But no, it wasn't, plenty more on the way. So waterproofs on and out. Not so bad after all once you get going. The gentle wend up to Birch and surprise surprise no sign of the Warren House through the gloop - there's a first. Along along to the wee col and down spotting the alpacas. By Headland Warren for a chat with Daddy Alpaca; as ever looking a bit morose gazing across to the the field full of elegant ladies. And then, from the rabbit proof wall, a complete cascade of bluebells. Truly fantastic in the nice dampness. Bluebells everywhere, both sides of the valley, surely must be a bumper crop this year. No sign of the pig but the troll was resting as was the lion. The fairy gate was firmly shut so the gloopy pond for a cuppa. Round and by to admire the sheep - Shetlands crossed with Icelandic rams don't you know. By Golden Dagger on the wet track to the super camping spot. Up by all the fenced off holes and back to the car to the ever welcoming and reliable Warren House. And very welcoming they were too - except they closed at 9pm. So where to go? Prince of Wales of course, but worth just checking on the East Dart. Empty but a very warm welcome. A tad scruffy but they do serve baguettes and all - a good place for lunch. The hunting scenes are all still there - listed you know. The new owners are just settling so maybe it will get spruced up. So all in all a most pleasant bluebelly evening.

TWW 17th May 2022

Something of everything. Clam bridges, pack horse bridges, rivers, sun dappled woodland, magnificent flowers, magnets on a string! Many thatched cottages and big houses, gargantuan oil beetles, coach and horsess, back to back farms, ash house, barns facing backwards and forwards and raised up roofs and a history lesson on corgis! Phew!!!

We crammed into Liz's comfortable car and off to the start, down the track passing the diddy Hisley Bridge to the next, very new modern one that passes over the Walla Brook to the River Bovey. Up the wooded track to finally reach the old clam bridge of a bygone age, perfectly servicable with care and the very safe, expensive replacement for snowflakes. You all know which one we chose!!

'Twas here whilst having our coffee break, Charlie showed off his new plaything, two magnets and a piece of string😂I'll let you guess!!

Steadily climbing upwards to the aptly named Heaven's Gate the bluebells were going over but the orchids, buttercups and campions were breathtaking. Out on to the road leading to the prettiest village on Dartmoor, also the wealthiest, I reckon. Its a true village with church, pub (shut) tearooms (shut) and a post office with shop(open) yay!! and playpark where Mayday celebrations are held. Today little ones from the nearby nursery were learning outdoory things.

Out along the road again, admiring very large and well kept houses; who are the owners, what do they do for a living? Originally maybe something to do with the railway, before it's closure in 1963.

On through more leafy, luscious lanes to arrive at Lower Hisley Farm. The 91 year old farmer, not as spritely as she once was, gets about on a garden tractor and gave us permission to inspect the lovely Ash House and on to look at the barns, upstairs, downstairs, front and back beautiful old beams etc. Amongst the aged remnants of farming stuff was a large pile of REAL baler twine. One of us got very excited over that! She gave us a lesson on the differences of corgis, yes corgis, both Pembroke and Cardigan.

Leaving this lovely lady it was a short walk to the pack horse bridge always admired. Then up the rather tedious climb to the cars. Nobody moaned not even me because it was such a happy walk.

Pub was very genial too, baguettes, chips and soup as always.

And then the rains came, whoosh!

PS I'll buy you a beer if you can tell me where Charlie got his magnets.

Brenda. X

WW 11th May 2022

 

Whilst the start point was familiar when walking from Minions, the route was new.

Starting out on a clear evening but with a chill Northerly wind the first place to visit was the Celtic Cross to the west of the car park. Research names it as Long Tom and it is fact a MenHir which was christianised as is the case with many such stones across Cornwall.

Then across Common Moor to the chimney the only remaining structure left on the site of one of the many mines visible in the area, more research both on foot and via Google to enable us to visit the remains on Caradon Hill.

Following an old miners' path we descended into Darite to come out by the bus shelter, where they get a daily bus service, and then continuing across open fields to Trecarne on the edge of St Cleer which is much bigger than you would think .

Another miners' track, which had been cobbled , to Trethevy Quoit a 4000 year old burial chamber with its 20 ton cap stone, lit by a beautiful sunset.

Then it was another descent towards Crows Nest, where for a change we had our refreshment break in The Crows Nest, an old fashioned pub that was still serving food at 9pm!

Having enjoyed the atmosphere it was time to climb again up the bridleway taking us back via the chimney and back to the cars.

New ground for all to which we will return with a Tuesday walk so we can lunch at the pub and have afternoon tea back in Minions.

Peter

TWW 10th May 2022

 

A most promising morning, a hint of moisture, a cooling breeze and clouds softly breaking.

Out from Coombe Farm and gently down to Coombe Haven with the tide gently rising. Along the coastal footpath with lovely views and down to Polridmouth to sit on the wall and enjoy the sea. Some could just not resist the alluring coffee and ice cream. Soon time to head along, up through the ransom and bluebell laden woods to Gribbin Head. This was one of Terry and Rosemary's favourite orchid walks (no not the particularly rare type). And Eagle Eyes spotted them all in a row - brilliant. Along, along by the superb meadows to ziggy zag down to Polkerris. Where we met Michael and Linda - very nice. The Raleigh Inn was super inviting with wonderful food (crab sandwiches a favourite) and super service. Lots going on, sit on kayaks, children learning to sail, a new flagpost being installed and a film crew arriving - we always seem to meet film crews; they must be following us. Suitable refreshed up the smugglers' path to The Saints' Way to make our way back. With old tractors and free range chickens aplenty.

A really lovely holiday walk.

WW 4th May 2022

We arrived at Minions which looked a bit like a war zone, the pub was burnt out, no roof and blackened holes instead of windows - how sad. Then there was the stream of what at first looked like refugees, strangely clad figures, some with no shoes, some wrapped in blankets, some dragging suitcases, all very strange. The Hurlers car park was full but we managed to squeeze in on the entrance road. There were event tents set up so our ever inquisitive Jon went to find out what was going on. Apparently it was a “promotional music video” in the making.

So it was off to the Hurlers in a surprisingly cold wind. This was where the action was ( or lack of it ). Lots of thinly clad “guys” standing round being told what to do by a director in a nice warm duvet.

On to the ever spectacular Cheesewring still balancing there, despite all that the Cornish weather can throw at it. On the descent towards Sharp Tor it became apparent Stella was struggling due to having worn the ‘wrong boots’ all day previously so it was back to the car for her. A snap decision was made to shorten our route. We followed the wall from Wardbrook farm down to Withybrook Marsh which we crossed without any problems then up to the disused flooded quarry, no swimmers there tonight, was this due to the chilly wind or the sign threatening all sorts of horrors for anyone doing so - weils  disease, dead animal carcasses, tics and any other nasty stuff they could think of,  there didn’t seem to be any mention of crocodiles though.

Back to the cars from there with a fine setting sun behind us. The music video lot were still at it with lots of artificial smoke being generated. Brenda thought they were burning witches but the villagers probably thought another property was on fire.

Back to The Manor Inn for a pint, still busy with locals. 

A rather surreal evening.

Mike

TWW 3rd May 2022

 

A mild and brightish day as we six set off into the deep country lanes at Lambside. Green lush banks and mostly dry paths. Past curious cattle, past men and machines, up past purple orchids and on to coffee stop at Battisborough Cross where a giant egg from a Rhea was for sale !

Down the road to Mothecombe, past the thatched cottages and into the warmth of the gardens. Neat mounds of lavenders, heady perfume of wisteria, and spring blossom greeted us as we wended our way up to the very blue scented bluebell woods and badger city. Back past the big pond, bright azaleas, smug legal skunk cabbages and then lunch by the wall in welcome hot sun as we perched on granite rollers.

Coffees and ice creams next at the Schoolhouse before the ups and downs of the coast path with its craggy coves. A feast of nature's gardens now as we walked through rainbows of buttercups, thrift, daisies, scabious, bluebells and lady's slipper.

St Anchorite's Rock loomed high and forbidden above us, a type of dolerite , it makes a striking landmark.

The dry earthy path stretched into the distance and the hedge lined track to the cars was on the nearest horizon.

A lovely day and successful technology indicated 14.5 km had somehow been covered  !!

What a fit team !

Anne