Rocking horse poo is well known for its rarity, however pony poo was in great abundance at the Bennett’s Cross car park. Undeterred by this and the light rain that started to fall, we assembled by the Cross for the obligatory “team photo”, before setting off along the Two Moors Way towards Hookney Tor. Leaving the Two Moors, we ran the gauntlet between two rows of beehives before picking up the bridle way to Headland Warren Farm. Thankfully the bees were in a good mood and paid no attention to us as we passed by. A quick break to divest ourselves of waterproofs, and say hello to a rather haughty looking alpaca, then it was on down the valley to Challacombe. Here we were greeted by three Gloucester Old Spots, who were clearly disappointed that there was no Brenda with us to scratch their backs. A quick look under the bridge to make sure the troll was still sleeping, then on to the pond for a coffee stop. Suitably refreshed, we carried on westward along the bridle way to Soussons Farm before turning north and heading through the woods to Golden Dagger mine. Onward past Vitifer mine, and then a steady climb up through the mine workings back to our starting point. A good walk followed by an equally enjoyable lunch at the Warren House Inn.
Phil