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