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