WW 26th April 2023

 

It was still there despite it being only a few days to the start of May, I am talking about that chilly wind that seems to have dogged us since Christmas.
So off from Lowrey cross where we met the only other people that evening. Along the top of Yennadon to the trig point dropping down through the swathes of flowering gorse to the leat. An easy walk along the bank to cross the road and follow the newly extended track to the forest edge. Up a bit through the boulders and the quarry workings, all moss and beautiful spreading oaks, eventually emerging onto the open moor just below Leather tor. A stop for a quick cuppa in the relative shelter of the rocks and then on to Peek Hill, down to the wall corner and another vastly extended path back to the cars. Plenty of time for a pint in the Burrator - jolly fine.

Mike

TWW 25th April 2023

 

We were here a few weeks ago on a wet and windy evening. I thought it would be nice to explore a little more in the daylight when the bluebells were out. They weren’t - but it was light and indeed sunny although the east wind was still cold. A select few of us started from Dartmeet car park following the beautiful East Dart along till it met the Walla Brook, turning right we went gently up hill till we found the lovely little clapper bridge covered in mosses to cross over and walk back down the other side. A latecomer hailed us from across the Brook  so we stopped for coffee to wait and contemplate the stepping stones.

In fact they were nice and dry and high above the water so an expertly executed crossing was made by one and all.

Soon we arrived at Brimpts to have a closer look at the Tin Mines Trail promised by the DTRG (the Dartmoor Tin-working Research Group) booklet. Sadly Darts Farm no longer has a tea room and the DTRG display room was a store for motor bikes. But we found the gully with the metal waterwheel and continued on up through the woods to the open workings.  Following the path that was the route of the flat rods to the well preserved wheel pit. The water to drive it was brought via the leat  five miles across the Moor from the Cherry Brook. It must have been a busy noisy place in its day.

We headed out on to the open Moor to find the Outer Huccaby Ring. It took a bit of imagination and was more of a square than a ring but definitely a thing. Lovely to see a very smart young Buck with his harem of Hinds delicately bouncing over the gorse.

Retracing our steps we found a sheltered spot for lunch on the larger than expected Huccaby Tor with good clear views over to Princetown. A place to take a deep breath and appreciate “our” Moors.

The smaller Huccaby ring took even more imagination but we definitely went through it to reach the gate onto the road and on down towards Hexworthy to pick up the footpath and ancient road back to Dartmeet.

I always like to offer my guests refreshment, and drinks and ice cream from the Little Shack were enjoyed by the river while watching the birds flitting about in the trees.

A very pleasant day out.

Stella

WW 19th April 2023

 

What lovely sight! Six geese a laying, well not quite, but they were preening and strutting just asking for a photo shoot. Our photographer in chief willingly obliged and the geese went on their way.

Up the road, through the fields over stiles and into the lovely old wood hiding the Cowsic river. Back on to the farm track to look at the deserted campsite and ancient second bridge of Two Bridges fame.
Past the Beardown Farm and fields of newly born lambs and up to the open moors. It doesn't change much, big bank of soil at the top of track, wonder why? through a boggy bit and upwards until the Beardown tors came into view. Four tors in all, East, West, North and Little Beardown Tor.
Lovely light this evening, slightly brooding but far seeing .Perfect for taking photos , urging us on to explore more than was planned. That was nearly our downfall.
Trying to find shelter out of the wind, a belligerent old cow took great umbrage at our presence and decided to charge, not once but several times all the time bellowing like a bear with a sore head.....sorry!.......
We beat a hasty but nonchalant retreat to the safety of the Devonport Leat head weir, which seems to have lost its little hut ,it's "measuring" etc now being done  by one solar panel. Very smart SWW.
More photos taken before the long trek following the leat home. Goodness it takes forever, the path seriously eroded by cattle and very difficult to walk at times.
Darkness set in, headlights were needed and the hope of a refreshing beer was receding into the distance. Time was beating us!
On back the way we came, over more stiles (my poor knees were protesting .,..lots.)
Finally ,to the car park ,a much longer walk than was planned but a bit different!
A mad cow and four bears ,what more could you want?
A refreshing beer? That's for next time.

Brenda

TWW 18th April 2023

 

So we gathered at the very aptly named Four Winds where despite being dry and potentially warm there was definitely a very chilly east wind blowing.  Off across the road and up the track to pause and look at the cross and inscription on Little Mis Tor – and no I still can’t remember what it is all about.  Up to Great Mis and of course to view the Devil’s Frying pan.  Some eagle eyed spotted a foreign object in the rock by the flagstaff – subsequently identified as military and apparently been there for ever! – while the rest beat a hasty retreat as an alternative to being blown off the top!

The intention was to head on for a cuppa but as a sheltered, sunny spot with a wonderful view offered itself up the decision was made to enjoy the moment.

On then down to the Walkham and Grimstone Head Weir – to view the water, no crossings today!  Skirting along the river we then tested our resilience with barbed wire fences – anything rather than head ‘inland’ to the distant stile. Much more sheltered here and ‘twas rather warm and led to doffing of outer layers.  Onwards, viewing the remains of the blowing house on the other side of the river to find……… yes you guessed…………  a long house – well it wouldn’t be my walk would it without at least one.  This one is nestled in the area of Merrivale Warren though couldn’t find any evidence the house had anything to do with it.  Quite close by were the remains of a blowing house complete with mould stones and several pillow mounds

Final stretch up the slope, battling the wind again and passing more mounds and back to the cars.  Then up to the Prince of Wales to met up with the recuperating walker who had actually walked further than we had but on a much easier surface! A good lunch was had, eventually.

Jane

WW 12th April 2023

There is definitely something going on, why else would the Ditsworthy Warren track be under repair?

Storm Noa certainly was doing her very best as we left the Scout Hut - proper blowy. Along Edward's Path with the gale behind us to the warren - the only possible spot for a cuppa this evening. Out along to the fabulous Drizzlecombe where the hint of the sun setting could be seen. Steadily, steadily up by Giant's Basin to Higher. Time to make the turn slightly into the gale to seek Eylesbarrow Mine. Then, time to face it full on, and what a real gale it was. Down the track. (The best technique seems to be just to try and fall flat on your face then stick a leg out.) Finally back to the car and on to the Royal Oak - in time for a pint this time. 

A jolly fine evening to be out and about.

TWW 11th April 2023

 

Our RVP for today's walk was from the centre of the sleepy South Hams village of Kingston and we had the perfect start with a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake from the village hall - that only sells such delights on a Tuesday! We needed this boost as the weather was 'challenging' for the whole route.

Strangely the roads leading to Kingston were dry, however, this was to change dramatically as we crossed open fields, with wind and rain soon our blustering companions for the rest of the day. Wildflowers, grasses, and growing crops were fighting to stay upright in the wind, or maybe practicing for the village Coronation Bow as we progressed to Ringmore where unfortunately the local pub was shut today - at least we had already had a cuppa to keep us going.

From Ringmore we had a little upward road to traverse before taking a long downward National Trust gravel path down to Ayrmer Cove where the wild westerly wind hit us side-on. No chance to stop on the coast for another cuppa along this stretch as pored liquids crablike only moved sideways.

We were now on the coastal path proper, heading to the mouth of the Erme and Wonwell Beach which seemed like the only possible point of salvation from the ever-increasing wind/rain that was determined to knock us down. Still, we were determined too, conquering some seriously steep up and down sections of path to make it to Wonwell, to be on the leeward side of the wind where we tucked into our belated food goodies and cuppas whilst watching a distant windsurfer moving like xxxx off a shovel across the foaming water and soaring seabirds over the estuary sands.

Suitably fuelled up, we crossed the beach and followed the shoreline until we reached a boat access ramp and up to the beach access road and another steep path that took us up through woods just waiting to show off this spring's bluebell flowers and pungent wild garlic. Crossing further fields at the top of the woods, we were soon on the road leading back to the village to take off our wet kit in the only bus shelter that only has one bus a week on, again, a Tuesday!

Special thanks to Colin for kindly chauffeuring us all today, to Mike for getting us all a 'frothy coffee', to Jane for the lovely cakes, to photographer Jon for spotting that cakes were available, and to Brenda for inspiring determination.  

Charlie

WW 5th April 2023

 

Best to have just one clear goal, one objective, just one.

After a very damp, gloomy, gloopy, misty day; out from Lowery Cross in the damp, gloom, gloop, mist. Over Yennadon and roundabout to find the roaring falls. And a chance to take the reservoir path with the water almost lapping at our feet. Quite a novelty with the trees reaching down into the water. Squelchily round and out and up to the super seats for a cuppa. To the leat and along where the promise had been for refurbishment of the muddy path. And well refurbed it has been. All nicely scraped, wide and stony. Rather pleasant to bend back to the cars as the mist steadily got thicker and thicker.

On to a very busy Burrator Inn - quite a novelty after all those beer free evenings.

TWW 4th April 2023

 

It was a dry and sunny day for those crossing the Tamar for a walk through the Inny Valley starting in Altarnun.

We started with a visit to St. Nonna’s with its Norman font and carved pews and then it was a walking bus up the main road before turning right to make our way past the fishing ponds before taking a left and the start of our stile journey. Starting on our way to Higher Tregunnon Farm and then down into the river valley and up along the road to Laneast where advantage of the seating at St. Sidwell & St. Gulvat with its display of Celtic crosses and a magnificent tapestry. Off then through a farm yard to cross the stream taking us up to Trenoose where the builders are in residence.

This area has fields full of what looked like bamboo but we were later advised is a grass used as fodder for the cattle. Through Trespearne down to Gimblett”s Mill to cross the river once again to find a pleasant spot for lunch with a view across the valley to the mill and its bridge across a stream feeding into the Inny.

Crossing yet more stiles to Trethinna through Trevithick to Trenarret where the old brewery is being turned into a very large house. More stiles took us to Oldhay where a family who moved from Oxford are busy renovating the house and large barn. Unfortunately their idea of a tea room has not yet come to fruition. More stiles and a very muddy gateway brought us back to Altarnun still warm and dry.

The question remains “How long does it take 10 walkers to cross 36 stiles?”

Peter M