TWW 30th May 2023

 

I don’t really agree with driving on the military roads of Dartmoor however with tarmac all the way an exception was made to park above Culliver Steps. There was a chilly wind blowing despite the clear sunny skies so extra layers were donned over summer clothes. Off up a nice little foot track to Rowtor then down and up to West Mill Tor. A stop for coffee in the lee, then greeting a couple of campers hidden in the rocks, it was off up up to Yes Tor for a summit photo. On to High Willhays next where the summit cairn grows ever larger. Due east through what would normally be very boggy ground to meet the Dinger Tor track which we followed to New Bridge. There we found a nice sheltered hollow for lunch. A quick trot up East Mill Tor then a nice grassy track to the military buildings near East Oakment Farm and back to the cars.

Everyone said they thought it was an excellent walk - so that was good.

  Mike

WW 31st May 2023

 

Cuckoo Chase

A truly fabulous evening to set off from a very quiet Two Bridges Quarry. Out along the familiar track by the West Dart as the cuckoos called - hard to know how many but quite a few. To the wonderful Wistman's Wood looking amazing in the bright sunshine. The Buller Stone hove into view and, as ever, speculation about just how old some of the oaks must be.  And then, as usual on a Wednesday evening, something spectacular. Just above our heads two cuckoos chasing; establishing territory I guess. Up to Longaford for a cuppa with the sun still shining brightly. Along the very, very dry ridge by Little Bee to Littaford. But, just what can that be? The cows had what appeared to bells. I have no idea what they are and neither had the resident at Crockern Farm. He said they had been put out only a few days ago and they are trying to keep livestock away from Wistman's. Could that be something to do with it? Back to the car to the Two Bridges Hotel for a very warm welcome. So a nice pint in the window as the posh folk chatted on the Chesterfields. Perhaps we have been promoted from 'Casual Walkers'.

On the way back the most beautiful sunset.

Wow, Dartmoor is just so, so ...

WW 24th May 2023

 

Morwellham

What a pleasant evening. It was lovely to be joined by Jon’s sister Katy and welcome Anne back.

First there were - Moon Daisies - Dog Daisies or Ox Eye Daisies depending on where you were brought up and Ragged Robin. A meadow like when we were young.

Then a wander along to Newquay slowly being taken over by Knotweed again. 

Some headed back. The rest of us headed up the track below the Mine Captain's house and back along the old leat, which is getting to look like rain forest. Everything is so lush and fresh and green at the moment. I love it.

Back to number 10. The Chiminea was lit, fizz was drunk, Happy Birthday was sung. Brenda was chuffed and we all enjoyed a nice chat.

Oh! and the ISS came over dead on time from the west or maybe another west. 

Stella

TWW 23rd May 2023

 

Belstone 

It was cooler than expected. Jon wondered if his safari hat and shorts would be adequate protection against the chill. We started walking past the Tors, now closed till 5pm but a pop up kiosk serves beer and burgers from 12 to consume on the Green, we unexpectedly took the back road to Okehampton to find the footpath up to the Moor.

“We’ve never been up here” was the cry! “Yes you have” was the leader's response. “Well, you’ve all been down here before” Amazing how just reversing a walk can become a new walk especially to this lot who can’t remember what happened yesterday.

On across the fields to the gate onto the Moor. A very smart Charolais bull surrounded by his ladies sleepily watched us pass. Heading down to the footbridge over the East Okement we discovered some wonderful specimens of Butterwort.

Then up, up, up through Halstock woods where the bluebells were a little past their  best but still spectacular. “Ah yes” they said. “We have been here before” 

Two lovely spotted miniature horses greeted us at Lower Halstock. At last they gasped, when we stopped for coffee by the swimming pool below Scary Tor. Some refreshed their feet with a paddle but no one was brave enough to take the plunge. Maybe another time. 

Over Cullever Steps and up to Winter Tor, Higher Tor, Irishman’s Wall and Belstone Tors

Finding a sheltered spot for lunch there were new views over the Tor river valley to Cosdon Hill. So much variety to be enjoyed here.

The wonderful Marion had again opened the tea shop especially for us. A very nice ending to a good walk. 

Stella 

WW 17th May 2023

Cuckoos, Bluebells and Swallows

A beautiful May evening to set out from Bennett's Cross. And there on a tree the ever reliable cuckoo busy cuckooing. Gently up to Bench Tor to enjoy the views over to Grimspound and back towards the Inn. Down to the farm, no sign of Mr. Llama, but all his ladies were softly grazing. And there they were, the wonderful Challacombe bluebells in all their glory. Quite fantastic the way they spill down the lynchets. No sign of the pig but the troll is still sleeping under the bridge. The pond always makes a nice spot to pause for a cuppa. Then, quite suddenly, a huge gulp (yes, really) of swallows feeding on the pond. So, as we enjoyed our tea, swallows swooped all around - brilliant. Time to head on round the bend as the sun set, to the mines and the cuckoo called again. Up the track towards the cars as the cuckoo flew right across. 

The Warren House Inn was the idea but it was well shut up. So onward to find a light in the East Dart and, after a bit of cajoling, a nice pint was enjoyed.

Surely these long, long sunny evenings will just go on forever ... 

TWW 16th June 2023

 

Well we learnt a new word today - “Gremaloids”!   Something to do with gremlins I believe.  It all started out well (?) with a cheery wave from the car in front but went downhill (or uphill) after that with said car disappearing into the distance whilst we turned left and headed to the RV.

Errant walker eventually re-joined us (with much muttering about gremaloids) and the select band of five set off on a fine sunny morning with a gentle cooling breeze.  Up over the hill to find the unfinished cross, apple crusher and the vermin trap that often disappears into the bracken, not to be found.  And, and, joy of joy a……… longhouse – well of course there would be, it is my walk after all.  Gutter Tor longhouse first mentioned in 1281.

On then and around to………… yes you guessed, another longhouse or possibly two at Yeolaland Tenement recorded in 1566 and then a third where coffee had been booked but no one was home, so we had to resort to our own cuppas, at Legis Tor settlement (five buildings here, more joy!).  We then set off intending to go over the bank but one look at the step drop into the corn ditch – a mighty fine one – decided to detour to the gateway.

On and up to conquer Legis Tor and then a search for another vermin trap, reckoned to be the best example on the Moor and yay we found it and a mightily fine example it is, the poor vermin had no chance neither did the Gremaloids.  Continuing on and negotiating Legis Lake – I would like to point out this was a planned ‘river’ crossing and crossed with no fuss, I am getting better at these things, honest. 😊

Following the stone row up across Ringmoor Down moved us from the Medieval to Prehistoric era to finish up with cairns and cists on the way back to the cars.  Not a very long walk but lots of exploring and history which I hope everyone enjoyed – including the gremaloids!!!  Then on to the Burrator Inn for an enjoyable lunch and a welcome meet with a recovering walker – who really didn’t understand about the Gremaloids.

Jane

WW 10th May 2023

 

Who can resist looking through a broken window pane? We jostled for a better look, nothing at all, all cleared out. Those Pressed Men had a vast space for their artefacts, I wonder where they are now?
Along the alley to the old railway track, some local lads were making noise, (like they do). I stopped and chatted as I know them very well, looking for frogs he said, a likely story say I, but we are conditioned to be inquisitive and had to have a look. Ahha, no frogs but a metallic thing floating on the water. Our chief recoverer of strange things, recovered it and chief litter picker took it home. By then the little bxxxxs had gone.
Down the track, the banks covered in tiny violets, like a fairy land, down the gully to the road. Taking the well worn track up to Hartor, passing the rifle range artefacts and the well defined hut circle village.
I love this tor easy to get to but with magnificent views; the conversation started, will we? won't we? will it, won't it? Looks promising!
Down past the magnificent Christmas Pudding rock with mullet hairstyle, Raz wants to climb a ladder and give him a haircut. That would be photo shot of the year I reckon.
Straight through the Hartor Brook and up to Cramber for drinkies. Again, the will it, won't it? conversation.
Along the ridge, trig point very clearly seen this evening, slight detour to bog bean city central, yes the flowers well on the way, the light just right, risks taken and superb photos also taken.
Trig point duly inspected , surrounded by the usual bog, memories of past exploits in these parts mulled over and raising a chuckle or two.
The will it?, won't it? conversation became clear now. It won't!!  The grey bank of cloud saw to that. Oh well....
The track to South Hess was glutinous and uneven, but we got there, onto the newly resurfaced Ivybridge Lane and onwards to the smell of promised beer.
One small incident, there was an erie haze over the prison, which disappeared as we got closer and the lights clearer. We do live in a very mysterious, mystical place.
Beer was not mystical, just very real and enjoyable!

Brenda

TWW 9th May 2023

 

The sky was grey, but at least it was dry as we set off from Sourton Church.  The forecast said “showers and sunny intervals” so we were optimistic that we might stay dry.  Onto the Granite Way, and southwards we strode till we had passed under Cuthman’s Bridge.  We then doubled back on the permissive path which took us up onto the bridge, and thence up the track onto the open moor.  Following the Two Castles Trail and Dartmoor Way northeastwards, we contoured round below Sourton Tors and the Ice Works and across the top of Prewley Moor.  A rocky area close to the wall provided an ideal stop for coffee (and flapjack provided by the Birthday Boy).  Suitably refreshed, we followed the track towards Meldon and re-joined the Granite Way.  Heading south, we soon reached the site of the Meldon Junction Signal Box (199.77 miles from Waterloo Station), where the branch line to Bude split from the line to Plymouth.  A little further on we passed the 200 Miles from Waterloo marker.  In the ponds alongside the track the sharp eyed spotted several newts, but to our surprise, no tadpoles.  The skies darkened and a light rain began to fall, forcing some to stop and don waterproofs.  The botanists spotted their first orchids of the year (Early Purple?), and in Kingfisher Pond there were tadpoles a plenty.  As we returned to Sourton, the rain became heavier, but we were soon in the cars and heading for lunch at the Fox and Hounds.  On leaving the pub after lunch, the A386 was like a river as there had obviously been a cloudburst. 

As they say, timing is everything. How lucky we had been!

Phil

WW 3rd May 2023

 

Perfect timing, peak Cubs and Scouts and wonderful bluebells. Most pleasant to head out from Meavy and past Yeo Farm. Up and by and over the stile and there they were - just perfect. A nice, slow, gentle walk to gain the full effect. Out and through the churchyard to pay our respects to the Rajahs and others. Up the lane and onto the moor. Plenty of lambs about to contour round to Maiden Tor and down Joey's Lane. Time for a nice cuppa before heading over the stiles to the reservoir. Full, full, full  - no wonder there is a hosepipe ban. Geese and ducks aplenty. Over the dams and down back to the cars. On to a most pleasant and welcoming Burrator Inn.

A fine evening and time to get all those bluebell visits sorted.

TWW 2nd May 2023

 

A small but select group gathered outside The Olde Plough (sadly closed on Tuesdays) for our annual circular tour of The Bere peninsula. It was a special walk as Phil was taking part for the first time since his hip replacement operation – no one would have guessed this as he led much of the way!

In lieu of tors and longhouses, we went into the Parish church, of St Andrews, a 15 to 16^th century church with a pre-Norman font and the tombs of various dignitaries of the area, including the de Ferris family. There is also a plaque to the memory of 10 New Zealand soldiers who had just arrived in Plymouth in order to serve the British cause in the first world war. They caught the train to go to Salisbury Plain and were told the first stop would be Exeter where they would find much needed victuals. Sadly, the train stopped at Bere Ferrers as the signal was red, the soldiers thought they must be at Exeter and were killed by the fast approaching express train – a really tragic end to young lives.

Pondering this, we walked to the station to see another memorial to them, as well as a painting of the scene. We then followed the road, marvelling at the wild flowers, and made our way down to Liphill Quay. From there, we followed the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail over Tuckham Bridge, up the steep hill and along to our coffee stop by the river at Weir Quay. The sun was shining and we could happily have stayed there all morning, but we still had a way to go…

Next was the steep and narrow path through Hanging Woods, resplendent with bluebells, which brought us out by the Tamar Valley winery (sadly also closed!) From there, we traversed various fields, crossed the back of the peninsula and started to descend from Well Farm through the woods. We stopped for a picnic on the tree trunks where we had stopped a few years ago with Terry. We drank a few bubbles to his memory and celebrated Phil’s return to the fold. The walk back to Bere Ferrers beside the Tavy estuary was less muddy than last time, thank goodness. We clocked up 8.5 miles and over 50 different wild flowers. Those present said they had really enjoyed the walk, and I thoroughly enjoyed their company.

Liz Rowley