WW 29th November 2023

 

Middleworth, Snappers, Down, Hingston, Combeshead, Cuckoo Rock, Deancombe; is there a finer short walk on the moor?

After a bright, sunny day with plenty of blue sky what to expect. A fullish Beaver Moon hiding somewhere but pushing through enough light to make our way. From Norsworthy to Middleworth, like most tors looking even finer on a dark evening. Along to wonderful Snappers and up to Down. As ever, a cool breeze but fine views to Caradon and the Eddystone. Round to the fantastic stone row and on to Combeshead. By Cuckoo Rock and along past some very well wrapped sheep - bet they are glad they avoided the shears this morning. Along, along as a star popped out and then the Beaver Moon making a very fine appearance. On to the excellent Burrator Inn with really beautiful Christmas decorations. A very pleasant evening to be out on the moor - well will it, won't it, we'll see, we have had snow in November before.

TWW 28th November 2023

 

Well due to diversions and traffic jams in Princetown (yes it does happen) we all managed to miss each other at the car share but all arrived safely and on time at the RV.  Off we set past the two crosses (sorry still haven’t looked up what it’s about) and headed up to the Tor where, although there wasn’t much of it around what was about was here. (Wind in case you’re wondering).  We all agreed we’d not been here before including the leader, the view was magnificent.  We paused to admire the lumps and bumps – Bronze age reaves, part of the system that heads all the way across to Corndon and beyond.

Then it was down and he with the bare legs was heard to mutter about ‘prickly stuff’ so was put on point duty to find less of it.  “Just head down until we find the road” was uttered so we did, with a fair amount of dawdling and admiring of flora.  Some lovely bright orange things and something that looked akin to pixie brains – I’m sure someone in the know can add the details.  Eventually the road was reached and a quick walk along brought us to the intriguing stone with a hole in it and the lovely little cross with the niche.  We paused to morn the loss of the oak tree but it looks to be sprouting a bit again.

Then up the hill and of course, being my walk, to find the medieval longhouses of the old Jordan village.  We paused for a cuppa here at the Manor House.  No one at home today though.  A bit of sun graced the peaceful scene.

Then onwards and upward through more lumps and bumps – this time medieval field boundaries and fine examples of ridge and furrow. – to find a somewhat squished but definitely there Devils Fingers – first I have seen this year, yippee.  Then past some cairns to the Blue Stone.  Plan had been to head further but a gentle stroll and flora viewing decided the need to make a timely return to the cars.  Short drive down to the Old or is it New? Inn for a welcome drink and lunch.

Jane

WW 22nd November 2023

 

The forecast was just great - a clear, moonlit evening with the space station overhead. So no surprise to drive through the mist and drizzle to Whiteworks. Only one place to go. Somewhat windily across the mire and a paddle. Round by the stream and endlessly over the tussocks until Goldsmith's finally arrived. A bit better going up to the wall and over the tricky stile. Into Whealham Bottom as the moon managed to peep through the gloop and even a star. Along, along until a nice track emerged to take us down toward Nun's Cross. Round the leat and coming towards us lots of bright, bright lights; some red some green. Just what could it be? Theories included the rescue group or a jolly party out of the Plume heading for a night in the farm. Still, no matter, they weren't interested in us so back to the car. And along the road there they were, lots of soldiers bivouacing for the night in muddy puddles. And some think we are daft. The Plume was well closed so to the ever reliable Prince of Wales. A proper Dartmoor evening.

TWW 21st November 2023

 

A still, dry day - something of a rarity in these parts this autumn.  Over Fingle Bridge we went to begin the climb out of the Teign valley.  It is a fairly steep path through the trees, and, with a carpet of leaves covering loose scree, was not the easiest of surfaces for walking - though perhaps better than wading through wet tussock grass. A backward glance across the valley at one point revealed the distant Castle Drogo. There followed a gradual descent to Iron Bridge to cross the rushing River Teign. An initial gentle climb after the obligatory coffee stop took us along the Dartmoor Way and past Sharp Tor. The views all along here are magnificent and autumnal colours were prominent, even though the blue sky was lacking.  A second descent then took us back to the Fingle Bridge Inn for some welcome refreshment.

Peter

TWW 14th November 2023

 

It was great today to have a large group up for my Plymouth ‘urban coastal’ walk starting at Milehouse that was to roughly follow the edge of Plymouth Sound.

Passing the home of the Pilgrims, the green ones that is, we cut through Central Park and down near to the railway station with some us reminiscing the glory days of steam when we spotted a passing non-descript diesel crossing the road bridge.

More non-descript soon followed as we went down Armada Way, the site of some once lovely trees no longer there, sadly chopped down under cover of midnight madness. Then onward to a great spot for a group photo – the sundial. Not exactly the Trevi Fountain, Rome, but at least the sun was shining on us.

We had a little bit of history on today’s route too, cutting through John Hawkins Square promoted conversation about changing historical names to be more in keeping of today’s thoughts. We all had a view on this.

From here we soon strolled through the Barbican, with traders displaying their wares from classic Plymouth Gin to top-quality artistic glass products, all made on the premises.

Next, we passed the Royal Citadel with three artillery pieces ready to fire from upper battlements as part of a 21-gun salute to mark the King’s birthday at mid-day. I must have dropped off at this time as I didn’t hear anything!

At the Coffee Shack overlooking the Sound, we had hot drinks and the odd cake, still in the dry. Back in the day this same spot would have over looked Plymouth Promenade Pier, built by Eugenius Birch the 480-foot pier opened, after Birch’s death, on 29th May 1884 having cost £45,000. It was bombed in March 1941.

Heading towards Millbay, we passed some scale model ships/submarines from the 20^th century fixed to a wall facing Drake’s Island, a reminder of what our Royal Navy used to be like. We also went by a building that was used to process/ debrief survivors saved from the Titanic disaster; pointed out by Anne. Further down opposite the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Jon gave us the background to the old Millbay prison site built in the 16^th century for American prisoners of war before closing to move to Princetown – brilliant history info.

Via Devil’s Point, that gets its name from the treacherous tides that meet at this point (thanks for the info Phil), we went down steps to the Royal William Yard with its stone buildings seemingly built to last for ever where we thought we might get some food in the Secco Lounge, but it was not to be as it was too busy to fit us in, even on a Tuesday! However, the plan B was to go to the Cremyll Ferry Café where a fine selection of food was available.    

On leaving the café, time was not on our side, Mt. Wise and Bogey Knights would have to wait for another day. So, back to Royal Parade via Union Street it was and past the derelict Palace theatre that had its heyday before WW2, for our return buses in warm sunshine.

Charlie

TWW 7th November 2023

 

Another sunny morning, how lucky are we.

10 o'clock,  on the dot, we set out along the track just below hillside, a buzzard calling loudly as it flew straight across looking for who knows what. On past  Longash Farm, no-one around, just sheep, through the gates and down to the picturesque temperate rainforest known as Longásh Wood. The river crashing over the rocks in a hurry to join the Walkham, spectacular as always. I wonder what the mangled collection of pipework used to do?
On past the lower reaches of Hucken Tor, admiring the oak tree festooned with usnea articulata lichen. Just like a Christmas tree!
Past Davytown and to a rather long dreary lane, lovely views though, and on 'til Ward Bridge. Two lovely C stones here, thoughtfully cleared of weeds, moss leaves .
We watched the mighty River Walkham tumbling through and played poohsticks. wheeeee!!
Refreshments needed, we stopped in the peaceful Hilltown Woods, just the sound of rushing water below us.
Sun still shining!
Passing round the back of Sampford Spinney and out on the moors, following the track beside the wall until Vixen Tor hove into sight. Sadly still private property, never mind, one day..........
On, on to my chosen pub, rather expensive,  not really much choice for us down to earth people, nice chips though. I was still hungry after my bruschetta, oh dear!
Oh and it's still dry!!!!

Brenda

WW 1st November 2023

 A real proper Dartmoor evening to be out with Ciarán gently barrelling in. Out from Joey's Lane where sometimes there are glow-worms - not tonight. Through the gate to get the benefit of the weather. Steadily up to Sheepstor disturbing a Jack Snipe on the way. Quite a nice blow and wet on the top. Down the back with lights at the Scout Hut and further. Easily following the edge of the woods as the wind whistled in the trees. By the stile and into Rough Tor Plantation. Always a great place for fungi and plenty around this evening. Along by the windy track then just what is this? A huge, smooth road - yes its those pesky loggers at it again. They seem to be able to find trees just everywhere in a forest. Round and down and then a loud 'crack' as a tree fell. I always wondered what noise those snapped trees made when they came down and now I know - always worth going out. By Narrator Farm and round under Sheepstor and back. A jolly exciting evening.