Like an opening scene of a past spaghetti western, today’s magnificent seven set off from the Willsworthy Rifle Range carpark for a walk through a deserted setting where lots of bullets are usually the order of the day. No firing thankfully today – I did check first!
Following the tarmacked road, we headed upward with lie-down shooting positions cut into the turf on our right that faced distant targets on a normal firing day. Behind the targets is a huge sandbank, no doubt with a fair amount of lead awaiting collection one day.
Eventually, we cut right onto a grass and rock path leading ever upward across White Hill with an out-of-sight Walla Brook way down to our left and onward up to Sharp Tor where the amigos stopped for a cuppa and a clear view across near and distant moorland.
The next target after passing across Rattlebrook Hill was Chat Tor with its seemingly unique rock structure compared to other nearby Tors that appeared to have been layered in a distant millennium but still looked stunning in the sunshine. This Tor suddenly prompted a lot of discussions – I don’t know why?
Our picnic was to be on Hare Tor after slightly descending to a flat peaty track. We sat in the warm sunshine to enjoy a brilliant view while we ate, perhaps thinking of the Dartmoor we all enjoy.
Fuelled up, we set off for Ger Tor and then downward to pick up the Mine Leat that was in deep and silent flow to follow until the Willsworthy Brook Ford that was crossed safely without wet feet.
Now continuing along the track on the other side, we were soon back amongst the rifle range that was being maintained by several civilian workers in orange florescent surcoats to ensure they could be seen in their place of work. I think I’d want that too if I worked there!
Soon we were back on the original tarmac road leading back to the carpark, with a distant stone building up high to our left looking down on the shooting positions. Some say this is an ice cream parlour that never seems to be open or maybe even a general’s observation post, who knows?
Today’s ‘seven’ returned in one piece to the carpark not having to dodge a single bullet after a delightful TWW Dartmoor excursion.
Charlie
Peter M
Somewhat wet but just fine once you get out in it as usual.
From Merrivale and out along the track past Longash and over Little Wonder Bridge - well living up to its name this evening. Past Hucken Farm and gently up following the wall to the long, long tor. Over the stile to the tramway. Taking the loop to Swell Tor Quarry we soon found the corbels still waiting for the call. Onward to take shelter in the Blacksmith's House for a warming cuppa. Softly up and round to Sailor's Home - a very well preserved powder shelter under Crip Tor. Round and into the wet northerly breeze to seek out the drop off point. Luckily car lights provided guidance to the wall and the raging Pila Brook. Dry feet so far - but only one way to get across - so wet feet up to the Longstone. Over the stone rows and down back to the cars where the water was well spurting from the drains. Soon at the reliable Whitty which soon became quite full and the chance to catch up with 'old' friends.
A jolly nice evening to be out and about.
A select group of five at the car share meet, braving the ‘long
distance’ to the RV. All crammed into
one car and headed off from the dampish Dark Side of the Moor to the sunny and
drier Light Side of the Moor.
First to visit was Kennick (built 1884) – note to selves
will have to be anglers next time to walk around the reservoir. We were good
this time and stuck to the bridleways.
First stop Clampitt Quaker Burial ground and then on to Farmstead. Clampitt means muddy hollow and it was. The farm itself was demolished late 19th
Century as the good folk of Torquay felt it might contaminate their water. The Barn and Shippon are still standing and
in true TWW fashion a good explore was in order. Fascinating.
Onwards to investigate the unexplained ground feature –
still no idea!. Hollow Park Rock made a
pleasant stop for a cuppa in the sun, until we were joined by two guests attracted
no doubt by biscuit rustling. Then on
through the forest, another note to self, remember to keep an eye on the paths
and direction! To drop down to the
second but first built (1860) Tottiford Reservoir.
On the way along we saw part of the mound peaking out of the
very low reservoir that was excavated by Time Team to reveal stone rows and
circle. Carrying along the bed of the
reservoir and up on to the third reservoir, Trenchford (Built 1903-7). We passed the point were the water from
Fernworthy is piped in and on to find a nice picnic bench, for a picnic! The weather now started to emulate the Dark
Side and the rain came in with a vengeance.
A short cut was in order and full waterproofs, and then as is always the
way on Dartmoor the skies brightened and the sun returned. Time then to walk on water back to the car -
yes Tottiford was that low.
What is certainly the very best swing in the whole world!
Out from Tamar Trails in the steady, warm rain. Up to the old track and along, clearing branches where we could. Round by the calciners and up to seek out the swing. And there it was as perfect as ever. After a jolly nice swing, to the picnic tables for a cuppa. Round and down with the Tamar roaring below. Steadily up the steep hill and back to the cars. Hoping the Copper Penny would provide a welcome - but all shut up. So, what to do, who could resist, back to No. 10 for a very warm welcome and a very nice pint.
A jolly fine evening to be out and about.
We set off from Smeardon Down with the expectation of getting drenched. Just half an hour before the walk started there had been heavy downpours and as we walked up to White Tor, spotting lots of fungi along the way, the sky became very dark. As we came off White Tor we even had thunder and lightening and there was definitely rain but we were in a ‘walkers weather bubble’ where no rain fell and within it the sun shone. In fact, as we stopped for tea at Hill Bridge we were like lizards basking in glorious sunshine. There was some lovely sunlight in Creason Woods as we followed the leat and then our last stop before getting back to the cars was a visit to the ruins of Twyste Farm. The highlights of the walk were all the weird and wonderful fungi we found, the dramatic weather conditions and then a rather lush lunch at the Peter Tavy Inn. Walkers were: me, Jon, Charlie, Anne, Liz, Peter C, Raz and Stella, and Jane and Phil.
Dianne