TWW 8th November 2022
Off we went from our starting point near Peat Cot towards the trig. point on Raddick Hill, closely accompanied by a brisk and capricious south westerly wind. Recent heavy downpours had in some places left deep pools of water between the clumps of tussock grass, slowing our initial descent and climb. Once on top visibility was good, though, in spite of a leaden sky and the wide panorama of the moors opened up as now tussock-free we paddled our way happily across to Cramber Tor. But wait - what was that ominous blackening in the southwest sky? It was a short-lived deluge, and the wind was at our backs as we headed down towards Hart Tor. From there to a stop for coffee by the infant Meavy as it splashed down towards Burrator, destined to be piped into thousands of houses in Plymouth. The sound of rushing water - magical! A short climb to Black Tor followed, thence down to the aqueduct before climbing alongside the downward rushing leat, following the banks for a spell before cutting off to Crazy Well Pool. Here, the water level was, surprisingly, still below normal in spite of the recent rain. Onward past the Cross, where lay three lengths of timber and several lengths of rope, some ends terminated in Monkeys Fists. For what purpose were these intended, and by whom? Answers on a postcard……. But the weather was not yet finished with us. A very heavy squall hit us from behind on the homeward stretch, complete with hail and flashes of lightning subdued behind the clouds. After all, we had been promised thundery showers. But what did we care - only twenty minutes or so from the cars and not much longer from the Prince of Wales.
Peter C
You really do have to be there ...