WW 27th September 2023

 

TWO OLD SCHOOLBOYS IN THE MIST.

It was due to be be wet and windy - and it was - misty too. So keep the wind on your backs when up high. The three Staples followed by Roos. A sheltered spot for a quick coffee. Now, the north slope of Roos can be a nightmare of jumbled rock especially in the dark but there is the line of an old boundary wall which gives a relatively easy way through with fingers crossed and the aid of a compass we found it. The plan was to go over Cox Tor next but that was wind in your face, so we chose the valley up to the dew pond ( I always thought this looks like a glaciated valley - U shaped, facing north, no stream ) Then on back to the cars. The Witty was very quiet until the boys in red arrived looking very dry!

TWW 26th September 2023

 The forecast was for light showers followed by thunderstorms - be prepared!

The red bus turned up right on time and the kind driver let the elderly delay scanning their bus passes. Into a very quiet Old Police Station Café for a very nice breakfast accompanied by the mandatory Henderson's. Time to wrap up and face all the elements could throw at us. Along the track to South Hessary with the odd glimpse of sunshine far, far away. The trig point bobbed in and out of the mist on the ridge but was soon attained. Over to bog bean central to check all is well and on to Cramber Tor. Down the track and most niftily across Hart Tor Brook; a nice sheltered spot for some snacks by the hairy stone. Up to Hart Tor as the weather eased and the promise of sunshine. Down and over the plank and up to Black. By now it was getting really warm, so up to Leeden and along by Little Leeden to admire all the stone circles and standing stones. So back to the cars on what was quite a summery day, not a spot of rain and very warm. However the cunims were building as we headed home - a foretaste of a storm to come?

WW 20th September 2023

 

Short but Sweet

It really was a gentle walk this time on a gentle evening. We set off from the the Old Plough, the river as still as a mill pond, the tide coming in. No wind, a pleasant 14 degrees.

Up the road towards the  Shutecombe track but not that way this time. The next footpath opposite the playing field. An old country lane lead us to the footpath across fields but it was lost among the giant maize so we walked around the edge and eventually found the road. Then up towards Shanghai-La but not for us tonight, turning right through Hole Farm and down into Hallowell woods, finally popping out on the road to find our way back to the village along the river. The tide high now and getting quite dimpsy. The Lower track was well under water so we took the higher footpath. It was magical. Mist over the river like a Turner painting with half submerged old boats. So quiet we could hear a robin singing his goodnight, an owl, geese and ducks and the distant sounds of traffic from Tamerton Folliet. Not far as the crow flies.

And so back to the Pub. Open but quiet too, not the vibrant pub of Maggie’s monster pies I remember from the past.

Stella

TWW 19th September 2023

 

A damp day but eight cheerful TWWs set off..up Church Hill..flowery cottages, grassy cobbles, the charm of Calstock. Soon sharp left towards the station in a drizzly tunnel. Along the beautifully kept station platform and over the railway, dropping into lanes and paths of Higher Kelly and its fascinating Tamar views.

Leafy tracks led us over and under the incline railway and beyond into Danescombe Valley. Robot lawn mower, daffodil packing sheds, historically "manured" strawberry slopes, copper mine, a saw mill, gnome guarded tunnel at Mispickel and on to Cotehele for coffee and more, and then down through the lush valley gardens.

Back along the river track past the Georgian Danescombe Hotel /House (once Ashburton Hotel reflecting mine ownership at the time).

A pause at the pottery "shop" resulted in a slight flurry of purchases and then on to the Tamar Inn past the incline railway "control" hut and various micro land marks, a milestone,  boatyards, railway carriages and studio.

Lovely lunch at the Inn.

And aren't we so lucky to have this and more (and the moors) on our doorstep?

We will return in the Spring.

 

Anne

WW 13th September 2023

 

A flirty, batty, newty sort of evening.

A most pleasant evening to set out with a gentle cooling breeze. Time to explore the distillery where the really huge copper stills are standing proud. And what a sight they will be when the sun strikes through those big windows. Up to North Hessary as the light faded; well clouded over so little chance of a sunset. But at the trig point what should happen but the sun emerging from beneath the clouds - how can that possibly happen? Plenty of light left to spot Hollow, so nicely down. Just how anyone at all could fail to find it is a mystery - must be a right numpty. Down to Yellowmeade and along the track to Foggintor. No signs of any campers - all gone back to work I guess. Up by the edge of the quarry to find the higher track. And along we went as the light faded. So, after falling over a couple of rocks, time for torches. So all chuffing along quite nicely. as the breeze eased and flirties flew around. Then, what can that be, all around us, they must be birds, but no - bats. Lots and lots of bats having a meal - how fabulous. So, surrounded by bats along to the wood and down to Meavy Head. Lots to see; whirlygig, leeches, pondskaters ... By the track and the mucky brook. And eagle eyes started spotting newts, lots of teeny tiny newts. and slugs, lots and lots of slugs. And a larger newt beautifully posing for a pic. How super! To the Plume for a pint and a very warm welcome. A full explanation of all the work done and still to do costing loads. As ever, a very full and exciting Wednesday evening.

TWW 12th September 2023

 

The sun was shining, but there was a cool breeze – ideal weather for a walk.  We left the Fox and Hounds and headed up the track to Nodden Gate.  Through the gate, and off in the direction of Great Nodden.   After skirting round on the peat works tramway to the west of it (saving our energy for later), we followed the course of the River Lydd till we reached the upper traverse of the tramway.  Once across the river we headed up hill to Gren Tor.  Here there was a debate as to whether it was time for coffee, but those in need of refreshment won the day.  Suitably revitalized, we followed the track over the horizon to Hunt Tor.  The logan stone provided plenty of amusement for a “group rock”!  Heading south-westward down the slope we encountered a lone walker (the only one we were to see on the open moor all morning).  Across the tramway and a steady assent to Links Tor.  Here we posed for the obligatory “team photo”, before descending to Arms Tor.  The sharp eyed spotted a number of Devil’s coach horse beetles (Staphylinus olens) which were rather reluctant to pose for the camera.  From Arms Tor, we headed north to avoid the clitter before picking up a track back to the Lydd.  Thanks to the recent dry weather the river was easy to ford, and in no time we were back at the Fox for a well-earned lunch (including chips which were much improved from our last couple of meals here!)

Phil.

WW 6th September 2023

Filmed near Meldon and set initially in the early weeks of the 2001 Foot and Mouth epidemic, David Fielder and Nigel Hastings play farmer and vet in "And Then Come The Nightjars".  And indeed they did.

Nervously we prepared to be traumatised but the tragic culling was dealt with appropriately and we watched the story of friendship between the men evolve through their personal difficulties and beyond,  and until the churring noise of nightjars is heard again.

Film over it was time for the "walk" From the Wharf carpark , past a Lamborghini and to the Bedford Hotel and after a refreshing drink the walk back to the cars. No Lamborghini ! And thankfully, no nightjars to be heard !

Anne

TWW 5th September 2023

 

Dartmoor at its best today, hot but not too hot! Cooling breeze "on top"  a bit humid in the valley but just right in the shade. Near on perfection!

The "famous five" set out on the longer scenic route to Leapra Cross, via the fabulous Lettaford (what fab stonework and longhouses) across fields to the easily seen cross.
More field's past Moorland farm where the owner made sure we didn't go wrong, God forbid! What did she mean!!
More fields and to the timeless and picturesque Combe farms, someone should paint them substituting rusting old cars instead of hay wagons, which of course are parked safely in the Linhay.

More fields till we get to Lower Hookney where fallen trees offered a comfyish place for coffee/cold drinks etc. Amazing tree formations.
Charlie found "a body" half hidden in one, ahhhh !!  Best left there until we  finish our walk.

On on up the steps, down the steps past the massive stone gatepost, down past Lower Hookney, Kendon to Glorious Heather Combe village with its picturesque longhouses, now  people's homes and businesses. On through the well kept track through the estate chatting to the forester about the assortment of trees planted there. We progressed on till, horror of horrors, the mariners way was blocked by overgrown vegetation. What to do? Well as you know "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". So the resourceful Liz led us  to the next level path through very rough ground . We all suffered a touch of the "Morwellham leg" And needed a sit down to recover.
Path nice and easy till our way was barred yet again by a chain across. "Sod that " said this badass and roughly threw it aside, don't worry the fine upstanding citizen amongst us put it back!
Natsworthy boundary stone inspected and lunch consumed under the shade of an old oak tree.

Now up and up, past Berry pound on the other side of the East Webbern river and on to the memorial stone of the airmen who sadly lost their lives in a plane crash in March 1941. returning from France. 
Stunning Grimspound next, always interesting and upwards to Hookney tor. What fantastic and glorious views, what heaven! Onwards again to Shapley tor and downwards, thank  goodness,  towards the car park that never seemed to get any closer.
Finally the car park full of strangers wanting to know how to get to Pwllhelli !!!! Whaat?
Who cares we had  our best reward
A WILLY'S ICE CREAM 🍦🍦🍦🍦🍦

PS. If I've "borrowed" anyone's words it must be, we all been walking together for too long. 😂

Brenda