WW 29th March 2023

 

It had been a miserable wet and foggy day in Callington with Kit Hill invisible so rather than yomping up the hill we set off on to visit places WW had not visited before.

The first target was Dupath Well but before we arrived there we came across a group of wet and muddy cubs who had been on an Easter Egg Hunt, and although there were some left we didn’t qualify for one. So it was two disappointed walkers who continued down to the well built by the Bishop of St. Germans in 1510 (not personally) and now maintained by the Cornwall Heritage Trust.

From the well we wended our way through Welltown and Corneal to take the track down to the Mill Leat and the entrance to Barret’s Mill and up to West Cleave Farm on Callington Road.

A short walk along the road brought us to the road! to West Harrowbarrow to visit Wheal Brothers silver mine where we must return in daylight to explore the buildings and other remains of the mines.

Returning to the Callington Road to the Old Engine House converted to a home in the late 80’s and the mine farm, we returned via Welltown to our starting point.

With a change of footwear we then visited the Cornish Ancestor a micro pub with no television, music (unless it’s live music night) and the only food is crisps. Beer served out of barrels in the back room

All bringing back memories of the Rugglestone in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

And we didn’t get wet!! well only in the pub.

Peter M.

TWW 28th March 2023

 

And when we were up, we were up
And when we were down, we were down
And when we only half way up, we were  neither  up nor down.
And so it came to be.
Up and up through Bridford woods on a newly resurfaced track for disability chariots and old people - very slatey.
Out and still up for a short while on the B3212, turning into a field and down just a little to the ford through a tributary of the mighty River Teign.
We marched straight through, no messing, the Grand old Duke would have been proud.
More up through fields and old tracks, a steep bit through more woods and then finally to the top!
Mardon Down , a place full of archeological history and legends.
Rich with WW2 relics and stories of the  1500 American GI's that were stationed there.
The American Army Corps of Engineers were there to practice blowing up bridges before sent to Omaha beach during the D-day landings. Indeed we had our coffee break sheltered from the chill wind in one of the gun emplacements that they built.
Break over it was time to go down, down, down - what bliss!
Following tracks through Cod Wood, admiring the giant Redwoods or Sequoias, Amber wistfully tried a bit of tree hugging, but thought they were rather smaller than what she was used to. Past all the possible dormice boxes (Dunsford is a dormouse conservation area) and down to the ancient Clifford Bridge.
First sighting of beautiful daffodils,
Made us walk faster until, there they were, fields of fabulous pale yellow wild daffodils, trying their hardest to be uplifting on a rather grey day  that just couldn't stop trying to rain. A perfect place to eat and drink and take in the perfectness of it all.  Ahhhh.
Following the Teign in its rush to the sea a very striking pair of common mergansers or gooseanders were looking for a likely and safe place to build a nest.
Soon Steps Bridge and the end of our walk came into sight, just as it began to rain proper!!
Well worth the journey I reckon.

Brenda

WW 22nd March 2023

The last dark evening walk for a long, long time. 

It had been dry all day, so, of course, just as we arrived at St. Raphael's the wind blew and the rain fell. Still, it is a Wednesday. To the churchyard where the snowdrops still bloom together with the daffodils. The church as beautiful and welcoming as ever - a true jewel of the Moor. But out it has to be and up, up the very muddy fields to find the ancient track down to Dartmeet. Round and over the bridge where the river was rushing. By the clapper and past Badgers Holt. It seems the wonderful tea rooms and café will not be open at all this year as it is turning into a wedding venue - one more nice refreshment stop closed to us 'casuals'. By the East Dart and along as the wind whistled. Then, a surprise, lights in the distance, a couple at first then lots and lots and lots. It was a full school party heading back to Pixie's Holt after a wet and windy night walk. Great to see lots of children out on the moor in the lovely dark. They 'seemed' to be having a good time, no doubt they will have lots of memories. Muddy, muddy to the Walla Brook for a spot of tea and a view of the stepping stones to come. Up and over the small clapper and back to face the stepping stones. The river certainly looked deep and brown but soon all safely across and back. Past Dolly's Cott, apparently this might have been where Mr. Trebble hid her before in later life she moved to the Swincombe Cott. By Brimpts and up and round the DTRG trail to learn all about the mine. 

By now all the time had well drifted by so steadily back to the cars with no chance of finding a welcoming pub even though it was just past 10. How times change ... So, all in all, a jolly fine, dark, wet evening to be out and about. Now we can look forward to lots of lovely sunsets.

TWW 21st March 2023

 

Everyone certainly agreed that it was a real proper full Dartmoor walk with a bit of everything - just right!
Out from Peat Cot as the rain lashed down to follow the steadily deteriorating track to Nun's Cross Farm. A small bit of shelter then out along the leat where hugely optimistic toads had been very busy, and having a jolly good time. Along the track to Whealam Bottom Cross; looking rather forlorn today. Then up to Hand Hill Cross (Northmore's) which always appears just when is does. Faint tracks took is through the Bottom itself to a nice little gert for a cuppa. Along along past the turf ties to Fox Tor with views far and wide. The rain soon eased then stopped never to appear again (promise). Down into the huge workings of Fox Tor Gert and on to Sunshine Valley: yes really, see the Harveys map. And sunshine we had! The steady trek by the wall took us to Mount Misery and we could still see the car park. Then it all got a bit more umpity. The tussocks crowded in and the 'baby's heads' made for tough going. So slowly and carefully down to Swincombe Reservoir where, after all these years, some bright spark had decided to fix the wire fence. So over the gate to seek some shelter from the increasing wind for a spot of lunch. All too soon, back at it, over the bridge and up to seek out the main track. A long, long slog took us to our final challenge, the Strane. With a bit of pulling all safely over to head up the hill back to the cars - and all we had were damp feet.

So, all in all, a really great full day out - thanks Mike.

WW 15th March 2023

 

The rain was there,

The mist was there,

The dark was there,

And we were there,

But where?

A huge standing stone should be here,

Or is it over there,

A stone row to follow that’s more fair,

We will take a shorter route from here,

But it does take ages taking care,

So the pub was shut when we got there.

Mike

TWW 14th March 2023

 

Stoned at Stannon
Shilly shallying at the sheepfold
Buzzing in the beehive
All in all a nice walk, helped of course by sunny weather.
Starting over the iconic clapper at Postbridge to avoid being flattened bt passing traffic. Over the road and on to the track leading past Ringhill and Higher Merripit Farm. A lot of drainage work being done to stop flooding. Turning left up a "private lane" (farmers ploy to stop daft people in cars getting stuck) and out on the open moor and the track leading to Stannon cottage.
This place never fails to fascinate, the usual trying to peer in through windows. It doesn't change much.
The Rolling Stones used to lease this place from the Duchy when they needed "inspiration" for their songs. Judging by the mound of half buried bottles outside they needed a lot. More "Brown Sugar" needed I say.
If Michael L had been with us ,he would have been playing his repertoire of Stones tracks on his phone, I feel sure.
Over the broken gates and on to rock on to the very grand sheepfold. What fabulous stonework, inside and out.
Our tea break taken here with much discussion of its bygone uses: a potato and starch farm, storage facilities for potatoes under the linhays, shelter for sheep etc and maybe a tennis court, suggested  by someone who's taken too much "Brown Sugar" that morning. In fact there was too much hilarity going on all round as we set off in search of the Beehive on the banks of the East Dart. Following walls and over tussocks there it was, the quarrymen's tool shed/shelter beautifully preserved and a great photo opportunity for "Honky Tonk Women " and Jumping Jack Flashes" .
A place to "Give me Shelter" from "Wild Horses".
Enough now!
On up back to the track as the hail started, thankfully into our backs, not our faces. We stopped off on Heartland Tor  for a discussion/rant/moan on finance/pensions/benefits, and especially banks, before the chill wind got too much and we descended down past Hartyland and on to the almost unrecognisable East Dart for lunch.
I can't say welcoming, let's just say, room for improvement.

"It's only Rock and Roll"

Brenda

WW 8th March 2023

 

So just what was that all about? We were promised, promised, promised even pledged. But NO not even one flake - all for nothing. and we had been so excited.

Just completely tipping rain which is all very nice but not what we were promised. Still got to go ... Out from the car park and the trudge up to the mast. Someone claimed they actually saw it at one point but I didn't. Up, up, up to take some shelter. Then out into it and down faithfully but no, wandered off somehow. A bit of wiggling and Hollow appeared. A nice bit of calm for a cuppa. Then back out into it - it just has to be done. Better now down to the track and along to Foggintor. The interminable railway slowly, very slowly, took us back as the rain forgot to ease. 

To the Prince of Wales which was quite welcoming considering he had seen no all evening - too wet for the young 'uns. Of course Bill was there to remind us of the orchids. So a nice pint and out - and the rain had blastingly well stopped. So a truly classic Dartmoor evening - you really have to be there just in case ...

TWW 7th March 2023

 

Started out in lovely winter weather but it began to look ominous but came to nothing. We had yet another dry walk, enjoyed elevenses under big beech trees at Berra Tor park then headed downhill to walk along a clear river at Hatch Mill where Jon decided to play on the vintage agricultural machines. Back to Buckland Monochorum & a lovely lunch in the Drake Manor.

Colin & Amber

WW 1st March 2023

 

A walk close to home this evening, the flattest walk to be found in this area!

The select group is growing, Liz joined us again, so must be enjoying it. She has rediscovered the magic!!
So, off down the Drake cycle track which follows in part the train track from Plymouth to Princetown.
Fair bit of tarmac and very new complicated gates, past the houses of Chub Tor who enjoy wonderful views over the Meavy valley, Olderwood, Hoo Meavy and beyond.
'B' boundary stone at chub was pointed out, one of four apparently.
Across the bottom of Clearbrook, passing the Skylark, resisting the temptation for a quick drink, and turning on to the Dartmoor way (West Devon Way) following again the old railway bed under bridges, rather nice actually.
Up a track beside some very nasty barbed wire, and up to forbidden land!!!!
We have become (whisper it)
Trespassers United.!!!!
See what the infamous Mr Darwhal has started!
The site of Yelverton railway station was pointed out to us, the footpath leading to it still in good condition, well it would be wouldn't it, it's private.
A few snowdrops around and back out to the church car park.
The Rock was fairly empty but welcoming. A good laugh and chat was enjoyed before setting off home for an early night!!
It's getting lighter folks,
How about it then ?

Brenda