WW 28th September 2022

 

We went again just because I love the wonderful old styles. Starting at Walkhampton Church we easily found them even the one the piskies hid the last time we were here. Then that wonderful one we’ve passed many times before. It had to be explored. So over we went slippy, sliding down a steep field to find one of those styles with stones sticking out of the wall, only this one had a step missing - a long stretch for short legs, plus brambles to catch, scratch and tear at us. As dark descended we eventually found a nice little gate out onto the lane, turning right passed Holewell Farm to find a track up to the open Moor.

And up, up to the railway track, a cry from behind, “there it is!” Beady eyed Brenda had spotted the Space Station shining big and bright among the stars. Ingra Tor Quarry next for coffee and a quiet time star gazing. No less than three satellites. Wonderful! 

Legs fully warmed up now we stormed back along the railway line and down to the lane back to Walkhampton. 

The pub was rowdy with the monthly music quiz in full swing but we found a quiet-ish room at the back. Good to see a pub busy, with locals enjoying each other’s company. 

Stella

TWW 27th September 2022

 

We found the car park (eventually), plenty of room for lots of cars. What a shame Harford Moor gate has been shut - I could go on for ages about  access to our national park.

So off we set following the nice path next to the railway line, up the road and then over Stowford Bridge to follow the Two Moors Way up the stony track to eventually emerge out on the open moor. Lots going on up here, groups of children on the southern side of Western Beacon and farmers rounding up sheep on the north side. On to the top of Butterdon Hill where the breeze was a bit chilly, so we huddled behind one of the large cairns for a cuppa.

On along the stone row to join the puffing billy track for a short way then off right to find Spurrell's Cross, the only cross on Dartmoor with spurred limbs - hence the name. It was apparently renovated in 1931.

On to Ugborough Beacon to find shelter behind one of the tors for lunch with panoramic views over the South Hams. Then the rain started ahead of schedule. An easy route across to Black Pool which was just a muddy hollow due to the dry summer. Following the standing stones up to Western Beacon with is strange summit quarry. It was then down past the lower quarry to find Daveys lane down to the old A38 and back to the cars, where the weather was certainly more benign.

A good walk on less frequented territory.

Mike

WW 21st September 2022

 

The car park at Walreddon was surprisingly busy, lots of youngsters  being schooled in the art of mountain biking.

It was off east along the wall then through the woods between the ponies to drop down to Grenofen where the wedding venue was eerily quiet. Over the bridge, up the stony track and on to the top of the hill where we more or less followed the wall until we found Berra Tor hiding amongst some lovely old oaks. It was down to Tavy cottage next but the fairies were busy. Walking along the river it just didn’t seem right, a quick check on direction of flow and the ever helpful phone and we were on a track neither of us knew even existed. So it was back to Tavy cottage and on along the correct track to Double Waters where the new improved access to the bridge seemed to consist of a number of very large boulders to stop the water flow from the Walkham - it didn’t seem to me to be working. On along the river and back up to the cars.

The Spoons proved that pubs can open late on a Wednesday night. They were serving food and drink until 11.00 pm and a couple of nice pints of beer and two packets of crisps cost £4.66, cheaper than a pint in many pubs!

Mike

TWW 20th September 2022

 

We arrived at the Forrest Car Park at Postbridge to find it full of Land Rovers and horse boxes – yes, the hunt was out!  We managed to squeeze our cars in at the top end of the car park and carried out the weekly “distribution of apples”.  Then off across the road to the drift lane and over the fields to Archerton.  A little bramble bashing was required to get along the path onto the open moor.

Heading westward, towards the Cherry Brook with the boundary wall to the north of us, we were afforded a fine view of the Cairn and Cist on the other side of the wall – the top stones of the wall had fallen, providing an ideal “viewing platform”.  After a slightly tricky water crossing over the Cherry Brook, it was up, up, up towards Higher White Tor. At this point, we heard a strange mournful howling.  Was it the hunt, the hound of the Baskervilles, or something else?  Passing through the gate in the wall, we decided it was time for a brew.  At this point some sharp-eyed member spotted a lone hound on the far side of the valley apparently following our trail into Hollowcombe Bottom.  By the time coffee break was over, a second dog had come into view, and appeared to be leading the lost hound back in the direction of Powdermills.

We headed on to Lower White Tor, where we stopped for a photo call before continuing on our way to Brown’s House.  Despite the recent dry weather, it was still decidedly squidgy underfoot.  Dr Brown must have been desperate to keep his wife away from any other men to want to live in such a spot!  Although Dr Brown applied for a lease from the Duchy of Cornwall in 1810, by 1812 he had sold it on, suggesting that the location was not to his liking.  We headed back across the Cherry Brook near Cherry Brook Rocks, and picked up the path beside the wall, taking us over Braddon Tor and on to Broad Down.  We then headed south to follow the familiar path across Braddon Lake past Roundy Park, down the drift lane to Postbridge and the East Dart Hotel.  Here we enjoyed a pleasant lunch before returning to the cars.

Phil

WW 14th September 2022

 

The sun was already on its way heading out and up to Little Leeden. Along to Leeden and then down. To Yes and by Lydford as the light drifted away. Up by Swell and back along the railway past Ingra. Just squeezing out enough light to find the track back up and over.

A nice, pleasant evening to be out and about.

TWW 13th September 2022

 

And, on the way back, what could it be, a very wide load heading up to Princetown, better ease over and let it pass, and it was, the copper pot stills for the distillery, not something you see every day.

Earlier on; rather a cool day out and up to Grimspound, as interesting as ever. Nice and steadily up to Hameldown Tor and along, along past all the Barrow Burrows. Down by Kingshead and the blackberry lane - they seem to be rather past their best this year. To all the fun of the fair and the traditional welcome of the organ. A bit of a change was the £10 charge to get in the main field. So much to see, Uncle Tom Cobley and all, old cars,  the hill ponies, ferret racing, tractors old and new, sheep, cattle, hunt hounds, craft stalls, children's displays, and all the stalls, and more. Plenty of food and drink and lots and lots of people. The rain tried to keep off but rather failed. Soon time to meet up and head back trudgily by the long, long, steep lane. By the time we got to the Blue Stone the mist was coming down and rain setting in. Onward and upward by Kingshead Tor and neatly prickily to Aaron's Knock. Hopefully to Stoneslade Cross which hid itself away even after we found Stoneslade Tor. So heads down and steadily onwards, then those rotten pixies, so a bit circuitous back to the ridge. A goodly crowd of highland cattle welcomed us back to the cars.

A jolly fine, traditional day out at the Fair. 

WW 7th September 2022

 

Nice to get back to some sort of real, proper weather.

Out from Ringmoor Cott as the sunset could just be detected. Gently up and, of course, signs of the military at Brisworthy. Round to the stone circle and there, in the middle, a basha, so quietly quietly past so as not to wake the softly sleeping soldier. Over Legis Lake and windily through the bracken and boulders to Legis. Still nice and light so views afar. Over the stile and steadily along to Ditsworthy Warren for a nice cuppa. And then, as always happens on an autumnal evening, the light just seemed to vanish. So torches to make our way up to Gutter and on to the trig point where more soldiers gently slept. Along the so, so pleasant track back to the woods with sounds and a few sights of soldiers secretly making their way. The rain tried to rain but it didn't seem to have its heart in it. To the Royal Oak as pleasantly welcoming as ever. A few of the Morris folk turned up but not a peep out of them.

A most pleasant start to our autumnal Wednesday evening walks; in fact all rather pleasant.

TWW 6th September 2022

 

A dull and slightly drizzly start from Statts Bridge.  Along past the mine workings for Wheal Caroline to Statts farmstead, sometimes known as Caroline Farm (but sadly never California, apparently).  This may have been a medieval longhouse in the distant past – it is close to where the original track from Exeter, via Chagford, to Tavistock ran and the path to Moretonhampstead joined it.  Heyho.  On up the slop to visit the D stone – D for Davie a once owner of the Fernworthy estate, pre Forest and Reservoir.  Down and into the forest and along to the magnificent Assacombe stone row.  It may originally have been intended to be a triple stone row. 

Along another track to stop for a cuppa at the remains of Assacombe farmstead.  Another possible medieval longhouse but a ruin by the late 1800’s when it had been absorbed into the Fernworthy estate. Then along a winding path by the Assacombe brook to the much depleted Reservoir.  Not as low as we have previously seen but with the top of the bridge showing – or was it just Nessie taking a wee holiday break!

Around we went (or some of us) walking on water and then off to the Heath Stone. Not the original one as mentioned in the Perambulation of 1240 and with a 1970 inscription.  Then a long old slog up and up Water Hill.  It’s really not steep but it does go on a very long way.  At the top is a Cairn that may or may not be the King’s Oven mentioned in the perambulation – definitely a feeling of uncertainty on this walk.

Over the top and down, almost literally, on to the Warren House Inn where baguettes, chips and all enjoyed – there may or may not have been a coach but probably was this time!  Then a short walk back to the cars. 

Jane