TWW 29th August 2023

 

Not exactly The Famous Five of Enid Blyton, but today’s five set off in light drizzle keeping Bennett’s Cross to our left and a distant Birch Tor to our right.

Our starting path took us to Two Moors Way, then for a short while to cross the Firth Bridge Road and up to the gateway and path that led steeply down through Coombe Down, a path that provided us with a convenient stopping place adjacent to an old building for a cuppa on our descent to the farm of West Coombe where we again picked up the Two Moors Way to progress to Moor gate,

Over a style near Leapra Cross gave access to lush grassy fields with sheep and cattle giving us the eye for daring to cross their home patch, and onward to Lettaford to pick an old trackway. 

The trackway, via some gentle stream crossings, came out at Jurston where a man eating a pastie, whilst ignoring a lively Pointer dog, shared a few words with us. The area had various classic stone buildings, as did this walk in general along other parts of the route.

From Jurston, across more fields, we came to Lingcombe, a settlement we visited previously where most farm buildings were then derelict. Some of these buildings have now had vast sums of money spent on them to make desirable properties, more money is still required though!

Passing the next farm buildings of Hurston we soon stopped for our lunch sitting on a large log that was large enough for ‘the five’.

Suitably refuelled, we set off now ever upward to turn left across Chagford Common (trying to avoid gorse) passing the double stone row parallel (nearly) with Hurston Ridge, with our last path coming out just up from the King’s Oven.

Not suitable cooking conditions for the King today, but it was very suitable for an interesting walk!

Charlie

WW 23rd August 2023

 

We three gentle ladies thought we were going on a gentle walk through the woods around Morwellham.

It started well as these thing do. Up to the Rock, nice views over Gunnislake and Delaware. Then along the AONB cycle track to the Tavistock Canal Tunnel Portal. The track narrower than before, vegetation closing in. Then over the road past the reservoir,  fine!

Then things started to get a bit brambley. Haven’t been along here for a while but it’ll be fine, just a few fallen trees to negotiate. Brenda had a bit of trouble with her little legs, over and under. Then another tree down. That wasn’t here last time I came this way, over ok but where was the path? Under branches, through vegetation. OK we’ll take that old track up to the big main track. Not far, just a few brambles and nettles. Another tree down, up a slippery cliff. Brenda in survival mode now, no shouting or screaming - quiet - Scary!  Then there was the track just a 6ft jump down. I told them we were nearly there.

Then we met a man sitting on a fence. An easy walk back along the railway track. Quite dark now. Anyway the Pub was still open so a beer and a friendly dog to make a fuss of.

All was well.

We did ok for old biddies and we had a little adventure. The wounds are healing nicely thank you.

Stella

TWW 22nd August 2023

 

Catch it while you can ... Superb weather to take the Dartmoor Explorer from Two Bridges. It was really busy. And out to Postbridge to have a brief peruse of the wonderful visitor centre. Steadily up and out over Braddon Lake to the open moor at Broadun Rocks for a nice tea stop. A guy there was part way through running 12 marathons in 12 days - wooo. Along the wall as the sun shone brightly and up to Samuel (Braddon) Tor. The sheep trods took us down and softly across the top of Hollowcombe to Brown's House - still unoccupied. Easily over the West Dart and up the wide, wide highway to Rough for a spot of lunch. A lovely cooling breeze and views to forever and beyond. Crow Tor beckoned so we made our way on the super soft ground where lots of ponies were enjoying the air. Back over the West Dart and along to Wistman's. The Buller stone was very clear today and quite a few people were enjoying this traditional English summer. Back along by Crockern Farm to the cars. A most pleasant day to be out and about. Nice and warm, springy underfoot, lovely clouds and sunshine - Nice,

WW 16th August 2023

 

Little, Middle, Great, Roos, Cox - the classic circuit.

A super fine August evening to set out from a very busy Pork Hill. The ice cream van was doing a fine trade. Across and gently up to Little, and on to Middle. The sun shining brightly and a few soft clouds. To Great where a family had set up camp. And on to Roos, of course no red flag at this time of year. Down by Roos Tor Pits to Beckamoor Pool looking quite sacred this evening and not the faintest breeze to ruffle the surface. Through the thurfurs to Cox to enjoy the sun slowly setting and back down to the car park. A very pleasant summer's evening.

TWW 15th August 2023

 

A sunny morning for a select four to stride away from the dam and soon past the Discovery Centre to join the lakeside path. Calm and still, ideal for the wheelyboat to cast off with its wheelchair fisherfolk.

A large slug and a minute froglet took our attention on the ground and then we were on to the road by Norsworthy Bridge. Up on to the farm track and a welcoming coffee break bench at Middleworth Farm. Last occupied by three soldiers who were employed by Plymouth Corporation to grow potatoes there at the end of the First World War.

On up to Deancombe Farm where the trees are changed by storms and high bracken disguises the ruins.

A steady climb through the bracken and drizzle to Down Tor and a lovely hut circle (a cist and further circles to be sought another time). Following the footpath through the tors we settled under Middleworth Tor for some lunch and stayed dry under the trees.

The route back included the Arboretum's edge and Joey's Lane to reach the lake shore and back past the ducks to the dam. Such a lovely place.

Anne

WW 9th August 2023

 

A very pleasant, mild evening; barely a breath of a breeze, and an ethereal light. So, the best place to go, across the mire to collect the crosses. Quite a few parked cars, I guess they are all going 'wild' camping. Over a nicely moist mire and up to Goldsmith's. Through the black cattle and round the reave to Whealham Bottom. Steadily up to Hand Hill where a busy Nun's Cross came into view. Down by the leat and round where a large party were sitting out enjoying the evening. Over to check that Seward's is still there and steadily back. Past a very closed looking Plume.

TWW 8th August 2023

 

This quickly became a transport walk. Several people had to divert because the Gulworthy road was suddenly closed, so they had to revert to the Crowndale road from Tavistock. So slightly late, seven of us set off in slight drizzle through the straggling housing (and excellent blackberry bushes), down through the woods to Tuckermarsh Quay (interesting topiary) and our usual beach for coffee. On the way down, we were buzzed by a helicopter that seemed to follow us.

We continued in dry weather along the Tamar foreshore (part of the Tamar Discovery trail). A lovely wooden double kayak caused Amber to sigh as it floated past – no lifting for her so no kayaking at the moment, sadly. This was followed by a small fleet of sailing dinghies, which turned out to be Weir Quay Kadets on their annual upriver camp. With my crib notes in hand, we talked about the construction of the amazing viaduct in 1904-7, at which point the helicopter hovered above us and just cleared the viaduct!

After noting the chapel in the woods above Cotehele, we walked through fields and stopped for a rather wet lunch by the river as the mist came down. Undeterred, we plunged through Braunder woods and started the steep incline to Braunder farm, assisted by further blackberry picking. More transport delights occurred as we went under two railway bridges and coincided with the Bere Alston train doing its usual shunt.

It was Colin and Amber’s last walk before their next adventure – good luck! Everyone seemed to enjoy the 6 mile or so walk and the company was excellent!

Liz R

TWW 1st August 2023

 

Annual Fur Tor Walk.
It was wet and misty again for a familiar route with a few slight variations. Up from the leat to Nat Tor and then on to Ger Tor my favourite approach but no views up the cleave today. On past Tavy Cleave Tors to Dead Lake Foot where we met the only other person all day, a nice lady who had come there just to camp for the night and was waiting for the rain to clear before heading home.
A wet crossing of the Rattlebrook and then up to Amicombe hut for coffee in the horse shelter. And lo and behold we came out to find the rain had stopped. On to Sandy Ford and after a good paddle it was up to Fur Tor for lunch. The tussocks on the way to Tavy Hole were mostly surrounded by water - but who cares when your boots are already full. We got to the flag pole and followed an equally squelchy track to Standon Hill where there were wonderful views out west and a resident weasel made a couple of appearances. Down through the rocks to Standon Farm then the footpath following Baggator Brook to the Tavy. The stepping stones were nowhere to be seen, just lots of water so it was up the river to the German POW built footbridge and up the track to the cars.
A special commendation goes to Jane for three fairly hairy river crossings.
A very fine walk indeed.
Mike