WW 27th March 2024

 

Well it must be true, absolutely, you really do have to be there ...

Out along the puddly, bumpy track to the Scout Hut. Slight drizzle and a hint of something whiter encouraged waterproofs. Edward's Path took us round the mire, by the leat to Ditsworthy Warren House. No one could remember when it was last used - War Horse filming for me. Seems a pity as it is such a fantastic location. On the high track with the Plym roaring far below. No problem crossing Thrushelcombe Brook and on. Soon the first of the menhirs hove into view and there definitely was a hint of the white stuff. Up by the row to the Big One and onward. Steadily, steadily toward Higher as it started to softly snow. Very pleased to find shelter for a nice warming cuppa. By now it really had decided to snow properly. Across to the big track. Great big ploppy lumps of snow soon started to fall - real proper Dartmoor snow, what a treat. Steadily down and back to the cars which were well covered. The wise one from up the hill wisely decided to head straight home whilst the rest went to the Royal Oak. So much snow coming down it was quite hard to see the road. The pub was much the same; as the snow fell and fell outside. So, all were very glad to safely make it home.

(Perhaps next year we need to defer the snow walk by three weeks.)

TWW 26th March 2024

After days of following David Braine the day arrived and by some miracle he had got it right, A dry and sunny day!!!
What’s App was busy as one of the group was left behind by the taxi, but fortunately there was a second one to ensure that all 12 walkers were at Liskeard Station for our first trip as a group on a main line train, although it was only a 17 minute ride!
On our arrival in Lostwithiel we crossed the tracks and then the river Fowey to make our way through the town, which is much larger than you would think if you were just passing through by car or rail. Under an old tunnel to cross the main road to climb out of the valley, the only climb of the day which some will say is unusual for this leader’s walks.
Having completed the climb we passed through fields with sheep, back roads with long views, showing the true size of the town, until turning on to a track where a deep quarry on our right was protected by a wall so high we had to lift Brenda up so she could see into it. Crossing more fields and a lane we joined another track with an old open adit on our left, it was then down through more fields for a coffee stop at Restormel Castle. A 12th Century circular castle one of only 2 ever built and the home of the original Duke of Cornwall, although he was said to have only visited it twice and they were 30 years apart. NB we must contact the present Duke to replace the stile onto the site.
Suitably refreshed we then followed an estate road by the River Fowey and the railway line, passing the Water Treatment Works where the builders are in improving the treatment of the water in the Restormel area, into the grounds of Lanhydrock.
Walking now to the open-air cafe in the courtyard at the side of the house.
Lunch over NT members then visited the gardens, it was decided muddy boots wouldn’t be welcome in the house, and then it was down the original driveway to Bodmin Parkway for the return train to Liskeard.
Fortunately, on this occasion our train was late and we were on the platform when the Steam Train on the Bodmin Wenford line arrived enabling Peter C to have a birthday photograph by the train.

Peter

 

 

WW 20th March 2024

 

The first day of Spring don't you know. And very Springlike it was too.

Hardly a breath of wind to set off from Ringmoor Cottage. Gently up and over on the ever widening track past Brisworthy and down to the fabulous stone circle. Round by the wall, through the gap and up the soft grass to Legis. A quick hunt for the vermin trap and to the summit. Clouds drifting in and out with no sign of the big moon just yet. Over the stile and down, with the roaring Plym below, to Ditsworthy Warren. Always a treat to be there especially in the evening - proper Dartmoor. Now the moon and stars decided to pop out so no torch needed to follow the War Horse track. Then up toward Gutter Tor and, just as the ISS is due, the clouds decided to roll back in. Up to the trig point and along, along back to Ringmoor. A very fine evening to be out on the moor. 

TWW 19th March 2024

 

Good to be beside the sea in Bude on a sunny morning and an opportunity to look at some local history. Initially we followed the Bude Canal, then across the muddy fields to the coast path just north of Widemouth Bay. Returning to Bude on the coast path. The Bude canal was opened in 1823 to move lime enriched sand from Bude beach to the fields in North Cornwall. Unusual in it construction because inclined planes were used rather than locks to go uphill. The boats were pulled up railway type tracks using powerful winches before going back into the canal at the higher level. The canal was 35 miles long with 6 inclined planes. A picnic with spectacular views beside the coast path. Back in Bude on the headland above the beach we could see Bude Tower, a folly, which has just been moved inland due to coastal erosion for the second time. The tower was originally built in 1831 and moved for the first time 50 years later. Another 150 years and it has been moved again. Demolished and rebuilt brick by brick.

Michael

WW 13th March 2024

 

Just a rather boring walk, I said.

Straight up. Straight across. Straight down.    Easy Peasy!  I said.
What could possibly go wrong? I said.
Well.......nothing ,     directionally.

But let's start at the beginning, a rather boring walk to the Millennium or Touchstone, getting rather unreadable from our fabulous Dartmoor weather, written by the poet in residence for Dartmoor John Powls at that time. The poem inscribed is of his experiences and hopes for the future.
Moving on in the misty shadows, the boring track became a little more waterlogged but we found Fice's Well reasonably easily, in the middle of a bog of course.  Several legends surround this rather lonely but somehow spiritual place. Others must think so too, as a lovely canvas picture of a couple was placed there.
Memories of precious times together perhaps?
Finding said boring track again, which now became a shallow muddy river, we stumbled on over a rather nice clapper coming to full stop at an old boundary wall.
All's well, so turning left to follow said boundary, walking and life turned more difficult. Very difficult, hell in fact. Enormous tussocks rose out of saturated bogs, tall reeds barred our way until it was impossible to go on as did the barbed wire on our right.
Now what? Jon found a weak spot thank goodness and we passed through on to the other side, but not without much shrieking and hysterical laughter.
The lower reaches of Black Dunghill certainly lived up to its name with many, many featherbeds or quakes.
I lost a leg, Jon decided to just go for it.  Big mistake! Long legs flailing they sank into the depths, thank goodness for quick reactions as he launched himself onto firmer ground.
Finally the fence end was reached and we could turn back right and find the still boggy track to Rundlestone.
Stella ran out of stamina so a quick tea break revived all three of us.
Finally, finally we were back to our cars and soon in the Prince celebrating  our safe return from this boring walk.

We are now BOGHOPPERS extrordinare ....... For our age group!!!

Brenda

TWW 12th March 2024

 

12 walkers for the 12th day of the month!  Old moss covered walls lined the lane we set off down before turning into a track taking us through North Park and South Park (not the US cartoon show!!!) - down to the raging river we went and then back up the other side.    We continued across fields with cracking open views across to Meldon Hill.  Finally we emerged out onto the open moorland below Frenchbeer Rocks.  We’d been sheltered from the wind until now but Dartmoor decided to remind us what it’s all about - so a refreshing breeze and a little bit of rain accompanied us past Frenchbeer Rock, Middle Tor and Kestor. Some brave souls risked the elements and climbed the tor to see the enormous rock basin - always an impressive sight. At this point we did see some blue sky and there was a nano-second of sunshine. Onwards to our lunch stop by the very full and fast flowing River Teign. No visit to this magical area is complete with a stop at Scorhill Stone Circle and we even got to see a rainbow.   Back to the cars by 2pm!  A perfect birthday Dartmoor walk.

Dianne

WW 6th March 2024

 

A very nice evening indeed, quite a lot of light left in the sky to drive to Two Bridges. Just a cooling southerly breeze after a dry, sunny day. So along to Crockern Farm and up the track. Hopes of seeing the Tiangong for the first time; but too much cloud in the wrong place. Over the wall and the very gentle climb to the corner stile. A very wide track now leads the way faithfully to Little Bee and Littaford. Now what could that be (!) lights in the distance. Along, along toward Longaford where some nicely, noisy folk were having a good time on Little Longaford. Surely they would not choose to camp in such an airy place - perhaps just plentiful beer. A nice sheltered stop for a cuppa in the lee of Longaford and the clear, clear track down toward Wistman's. All sheltered and warm down here for the always long walk back to the stile, still warning of the fire risk, and to the cars. Not too surprised by now at the warm welcome at the Two Bridges and very comfortable seats in the window - they always put the most enticing people there to bring in the crowds.

So, a most pleasant evening, even without the usual snow. But, with our guarantee, we can return at the same time next year at no extra cost to look for snow.

TWW 5th March 2024

What a lovely Day! The sun shone, the birds sang, spring was in the air.
First a look around the Churchyard. The snowdrops were over but the little wild daffodils interspersed with mauve crocus were a beautiful herald of spring. A peek inside the Church where all are welcomed even us in our muddy boots.
Skirting around the Labyrinth, not a day to walk round in bare feet to connect with the earth as advised. Then up over the Granite Way following a very soggy track leading us round the Tors to the remains of the Ice Works. An enterprise which only lasted three years apparently due to changes in the weather. Nothing new there then.
Then up through the valley reputed to have been created by a glacier to Shelstone Tor. A nice spot for a coffee stop with views down the valley to Black a Tor Cops up to Fordsland Ledge with Lints Tor in the distance. Then the long drag up to Branscombe’s Loaf with its outcrop of rocks know as the Cheeses.

A big black cloud got most of us donning over trousers to ward off the rain. Only partially successful as a short sharp shower of sleet hit us. However it didn’t dim the views over to Great Nodden and Great Links. Wonderful!
A grand track was found to contour gently around and down then up to the ever lovely Sourton Tors. Back to the cars and very nice lunch at The Fox.
Stella

WW 27th March 2024

 

Well it must be true, absolutely, you really do have to be there ...

Out along the puddly, bumpy track to the Scout Hut. Slight drizzle and a hint of something whiter encouraged waterproofs. Edward's Path took us round the mire, by the leat to Ditsworthy Warren House. No one could remember when it was last used - War Horse filming for me. Seems a pity as it is such a fantastic location. On the high track with the Plym roaring far below. No problem crossing Thrushelcombe Brook and on. Soon the first of the menhirs hove into view and there definitely was a hint of the white stuff. Up by the row to the Big One and onward. Steadily, steadily toward Higher as it started to softly snow. Very pleased to find shelter for a nice warming cuppa. By now it really had decided to snow properly. Across to the big track. Great big ploppy lumps of snow soon started to fall - real proper Dartmoor snow, what a treat. Steadily down and back to the cars which were well covered. The wise one from up the hill wisely decided to head straight home whilst the rest went to the Royal Oak. So much snow coming down it was quite hard to see the road. The pub was much the same; as the snow fell and fell outside. So, all were very glad to safely make it home.

(Perhaps next year we need to defer the snow walk by three weeks.)