WW 29th June 2022

There’s always an adventure to be had. 

We met a Zoar, joined by brother Mike and the ever joyful Alfie. Plant hunting again. I love it. Down the track past Chilly Wood to pop out onto the road to Hill bridge. The river was an exciting mass of brown, frothing water rushing over the rocks. We took the path close to the river through banks of yellow Cow Wheat, favourite food of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. A Heron was spotted fishing for his supper. The path became a little more challenging as we battled with giant Royal Ferns. Sharp eyes to the right spotted a likely boggy area and sure enough there they were again an abundance of Heath Spotted orchids. 

Back to the path, through muddy puddles and over slippey - slidey rocks until it disappeared round a huge outcrop and into the river. Raz the intrepid, said it was fine, only up to his ankles he said, until he took a nose dive into the water, his precious stick rushing off ahead. Don’t follow it we cried, of course he did and managed to retrieve it but he had water in his boots. Strange that! We finally emerged at Horndon Bridge wet but happy. 

Up the lovely old green lane to Horndon village. We decided we had had enough fun for one night so turning right we headed back to the cars checking out the now old Methodist Chapel on the way. A lovely peaceful spot with views over to White Tor but no Butterfly Orchids as promised. Sad to see the old pump organ left to rot round the back. 

The Mary Tavy Inn was open and lively with young people enjoying themselves playing darts. Very nice! 

Stella

TWW 28th June 2022

Five set off across Plaster Down into a strong drizzly breeze towards Bleakhouse.  Having pondered the short history of the (large) Hospital Camp , Americans, British, German PoW and refugees from Uganda,we were soon peering over the hedge at Blakhouse at a reconstructed building from the Camp. After its closure a big auction in 1976 saw many items and materials auctioned off and going who knows where.  (A farm building in Dousland and greenhouse glass in Bere Ferrers to name but two projects.)

We passed several areas of concrete blocks recycled into hedge bank repair and following the hedge line south we crossed the source area of the Tiddybrook before heading past waste heaps of ex-hospital sanitaryware and concrete as well as the WW2 aircraft crash site at Fullamoor.

Down by the ancient Sortridge and Grimstone leat now, still supplying 22 households, and along the grassy lane to turn east away from Sortridge into lanes and hummocky woodland towards Grimstone.

We picked up the footpath towards Sampford Spiney  and were thrilled to see marbled white butterflies in the meadow grasses.

Eventually on through crumbling Monkswell and more excitement with a trapped lamb and some coordinated rescue work ... only an ex-fireman would have snips capable of releasing wire from a snagged sheep.

Skies darkened and rains came upon our arrival to the dark little church. Lunch venue modified to being NOT on top of Pew Tor.

A pleasant walk nonetheless.

Anne

TWW 21st June 2022

Another wonderful wander of botanical mindfulness through Emsworthy Mire. Unusually dry so many of the spring flowers were over and the summer ones not yet out but we did find - Heath Spotted Orchid, Bog Asphodel, Bog Pimpernel, Milkwort, Tormentil, Round Leaved Sundew, Marsh Thistle and lots of lovely Ragged Robin. Plus Bog Bean and MarshSt-John’s Wort with no flowers yet, as well as a wonderful selection of Mosses, Lichens and Grasses. After inspecting the ponds and seeing butterflies, dragon and damsel flys that I don’t know the names of we carried on past Holwell Farm. Muttering of “coffee time” were quelled as we descended into the woods down to the Becky Brook. Where - Lo! a wonderful coffee spot had been prepared for us. Then up, up, up to the field where we saw the massed Orchids last year. Still there but most past their best. Then - a shout of joy as a Red Kite was spotted, easily recognised by his forked tail. He was just enjoying floating on the thermals. Brilliant! Past the marvellously named Snodderbottom wood and up across Holwell Lawn to find a sunny spot below Greator for lunch. Then down, down, down across the Brook to go up,up,up again to wend our way back through the rocks, quarries and Tors to the cars. Another wonderful summers walk to enjoy the diversity of nature of our Dartmoor. How lucky are we? 

Stella

WW 15th June 2022

 

Having gained permission and the padlock code from the lovely Stuart of Cornwall Wildlife Trust seven of us spent a very happy hour flower spotting in Sylvia’s Meadow and it didn’t disappoint. Even more orchids this year I think. Lesser and Greater Butterfly, still not easy to tell the difference. Apparently the Lesser has a narrow tongue and a straight spur while the Greater has a narrow lip and a long curved spur. So now you know! There were also lots of Southern Marsh, again causing some questioning on identification as the colour variation was from deep pink/purple fading to almost white. The Heath Spotted were easier as they have spotted leaves. We then headed down to Calstock to walk through the beautiful woods to Cotehele passing the boat yard and the little pottery selling lovely blue pottery. Somehow the first hill was a lot steeper than when I did it last. Our coffee stop overlooked the river and the iconic railway bridge. Onward to the little Chapel. It was commissioned by Sir Richard Edgecombe of Cotehele in 1483 in thanks for escaping the clutches of the men of King Richard III whom he’d lead a rebellion against earlier. Sir Richard was a clever Dick though. He threw his hat in the river so thinking he had drowned all the Kings men left allowing him to escape to France. He reclaimed his Estate after King Richard was deposed by Henry Tudor who became King Henry V11. History lecture over!! We made our way back to Calstock and on to the ever welcoming Rifle volunteer for a refreshing pint. 

Lovely! 

Stella

TWW 14th June 2022

 We are SO lucky, another fantastic walk on the moors

Meeting up in the almost empty car park at Dartmeet, willingly paying to park! What us?

The track wound its way through derelict chicken sheds etc, tree roots to the base of the mighty Yar, and because we are strong and like the challenge, straight up to the summit. Sounds like the mighty Himalaya!!

The views, just like the Himalayas were breathtaking (no I've never been, just seen the pictures) After looking around the maze and lots of chattering we set off downhill towards the Cave-Penny memorial cross glancing quickly at the stone row and the money pit. Waste of time as always, no sign of money. Upwards for a short time, a few good tempered whinges to Corndon tor for refreshments and more chattering.

Along the Corndon Ridge(rather long) following extra large cairns, bearing left a bit and arriving too far down.

Adjustments made Sherwell was reached, such pretty cottages etc all looked well scrubbed up passing Rogues Roost (let your imagination run riot!)

Passing over the mini clapper bright and on to open grasslands leading over the challenging paths next to the beautiful East Dart River.

Past the unused chicken sheds again and back to the slightly fuller carparks.

Lunch was served at the always welcoming POW but not always very. efficient; discussion needed here.

The chatter and banter, however was as good as ever, of course.

Brenda X

TWW 7th June 2022

 

The road to our Combestone Tor RV was shrouded in mist and drizzle, it didn’t look great for the scenic route I planned, but things quickly changed as they do on Dartmoor!

With clearing skies and a hint of sunshine we set off right on time from the Tor proceeding down to Combestone Farm where huge blocks of granite formed a small farm yard outside the barn that housed no animals inside. From here we headed for Holne Moor Leat that would guide us on our route to Venford Reservoir and waterworks. Along this stretch to our left ran the snaking River Dart flowing freely through a depth valley gorge passing Blackpool and Luckey Tor, a Tor of which we overlooked whilst taking in a welcome cuppa and distant views.

Talking of water works, the toilets at Venford are now conveniently open, a welcome stop for a few of us before we crossed the road to follow the wrought iron perimeter fence that separated the moor from the reservoir. This section shared a delight of birdsong with us from Skylarks to even cuckoos and what might have been an owl box fixed high in a tree. Some say it is good luck to have money in your pocket when you hear a cuckoo; whatever you are doing when you hear a cuckoo, you should repeat throughout the year as the call was a sign that the particular activity will be beneficial - I’m sure we will all keep walking as long as we can for this benefit!

Once past the surprisingly long fence we climbed steady upward to locate once again Holne Moor Leat that we followed until it turned away at a Leat junction. I was told it has a special name that I have now forgotten, but I’m sure I’ll be put right on this when we next walk again!

From here we were amazed with stunning views to our right across emerald green fields and onward to the coast and Teignmouth. It was a grand stopping place for our picnic, to sit eat, take in the vista and for some to have a wrestling bout with a huge OS map that ‘helped’ to pinpoint distant manmade and environmental objects.

Lunch consumed we headed off ever upward skirting Holne Moor Ridge for the Sandy Way Track that would take us to Horn’s Cross where our group picture was taken before safely completing the day’s route back at the start RV.

Charlie

WW 1st June 2022

 

Norsworthy Bridge

Along the familiar track past Deancombe and just as we got near Cuckoo Rock what should we hear but a cuckoo - aptly named obviously. A stop for coffee by the little bridge over Narrator Brook and who should pass by but four of the boys in red. A rather feeble cry of help from Brenda received no response at all. Next up to the potato cave where Brenda once again thought she had spotted the rescue boys on the side of Eylesbarrow but those with slightly better eyesight pointed out that they were actually Devon Reds - similar I suppose. Up to Combeshead Tor then along to the end of the stone row before skirting just below Down Tor and back to the cars, where the midges were out. A pint in The Royal Oak was a pleasant finish to the walk.

A gentle rehabilitation walk on a lovely sunny evening.

Mike