The sky was grey and foreboding, and there was a hint of dampness in the air as we arrived at Combestone Tor. The addition of a keen breeze caused much deliberation as to what layers to wear. We set off across the road on a gentle climb to Horns Cross, stopping for the obligatory photograph. Then onwards and upwards in the direction of Ryder’s Hill. On reaching one of the many Paignton Urban District Council (PUDC) boundary stones (that mark the catchment area of Venford reservoir), we contoured round to the western earth works of Ringleshutes mine. After crossing a couple of deep girts, we continued southwards to another PUDC boundary stone, and the Sandy Way Path. We followed the path westward as the drizzle intensified to light rain. As we neared the watershed between the Avon and Mardle rivers, the precipitation eased, and a hollow provided an ideal sheltered stop for a coffee break. Suitably refreshed, we continued westward passing above Avon Head Mires before swinging north to follow the O Brook valley between Ter Hill and Skir Hill. By the time we crossed the O Brook in Skir Gut the sun was making its presence felt, and the extra layers donned earlier were being discarded. We continued to follow the brook past the Henroost and on to Hooten Wheals. Sadly, a lack of time prevented us exploring here, and we carried on down the valley crossing Dry Lake and back to the cars. A short drive got us to the Forest Inn only five minutes late for a well-earned lunch.
Phil & Jane