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.