Striding off from Manaton in the rain, we walked a short way up the lane before picking up a rocky track up to Hayne Down and Bowerman’s Nose. Great views from up here over Manaton and across to Easdon Tor, the surrounding patchwork fields and the high moor beyond. Moving on after a the obligatory group photo, we walked on to Swallerton Gate where Brenda found a cross in a stone built into the wall of the thatched cottage. By the time we got to the top of Hound Tor the rained had stopped and we took shelter behind the tor out of the wind. Sandra came armed with home-made mince pies which went down a treat - yum yum. Jane was keen to point out the remains of the longhouses below Hound Tor and obviously, not ever having seen these before, we all ooo’d and aaaah’d ;-) Much to Jane's disappointment we took a sharp turn left towards Leighon and not straight on to the said longhouse. Nevermind Jane - next time! More lane walking before heading in to some very old looking woods eventually coming out into the open and across a field back to the lane leading to the start. Another excellent lunch at The Warren House Inn - Amber’s order of chips was forgotten though- sacrilege!!! It was rectified soon enough and a sad Amber soon became a very happy Amber. Brenda showed us her lightning quick reactions - like a Ninja Warrior - when I knocked my drink over and my raspberry crush nearly ended up in her lap! I’ve never seen her move so fast.
Walkers today: Brenda, Colin, Amber, Peter M, Peter, Sandra, Phil, Jane & Dianne