TWW 30th April 2024

 

Better late than never mmmm ok.
It's now or never (Elvis). That's better!
So, all six gathered at Lower Trendlebere CP. Straight down to our usual track and turning into Pulleybank Wood, dressed in wonderful vivid greenery.
Out past the small, long carpark and onto the mediaeval bridge of Drakeford, much repaired with old plaque telling us all about it.
Just around the corner and an even smaller bridge, Saddlepack bridge much widened for modern modes of traffic.
Keep going now towards Lustleigh, lovely houses and cottages, well kept country gardens and flowers aplenty.
Very tranquil and calm, the world here is at a slower, calmer pace, very unlike Belfast. People there must live shorter lives there, it's so fast, vibrant, hectic even. 
Here in Lustleigh you can live forever in calm serenity.
Coffee in Post Office, like a TARDIS in there! Bursting with goodies and fresh produce as befits, dare I say it?, the wealthy inhabitants of the village!
Into the playing fields to drink our coffee, the apple trees in full bloom, the May Queen's stone and throne cleaned and painted for the upcoming celebrations.
Down and up, was it left or right?, finally finding the ancient track. 
Wild flowers aplenty bluebells, campions, violets and, oh heaven, the early purple orchids.
Through to Heaven's Gate at Pethybridge, truly well named. Must have smelled devine, I DO hope my sense of smell comes back soon!
Walking back towards the amazing Hisley packhorse bridge the long steep hill back to the cars, didn't seem so steep today.
Lunch was calling!
The Kestor inn at Manaton made us welcome, the price was right as was the food. Alright.

Now, can I tell you about Belfast and the marathon.  .......well !!!!!!!! l !!!!!!!!!!!
😝🥱

Brenda

TWW 23rd April 2024

 

I couldn’t believe it, one of my only two walks a year (because I’m a rubbish navigator) looked impossible! Denham Bridge was closed and the Tavistock road was also announced as closed. Two brave walkers, Jon and Stella, came from Gunni by train and the intrepid Charlie drove, only to find the Tavi road open, so all was well. In sunshine, we walked past old daffodil fields planted probably before the First World War, through the woods festooned with wild garlic, to Tuckermarsh Quay (interesting topiary- finger of Fate or Gonzo from the Muppets) and our usual beach for coffee.

We continued in dry weather along the Tamar foreshore (part of the Tamar Discovery trail), gazing longingly towards the Cornish side where coffee shops would have been available.  With my crib notes in hand, we talked about the construction of the amazing viaduct in 1904-7, connecting the railway from Bere Alston to the East Cornwall Mineral Line. A very handsome oil beetle was discovered along the path which proved unusually friendly and photogenic.

After noting the chapel in the woods above Cotehele, where Richard, Earl of Edgcumbe and a Royalist, managed to outwit his enemies by throwing his hat in the river so they assumed he’d drowned, we stopped for lunch at the picnic tables by Ward Mine. As the train travellers were not due to catch their return train until 2.50, we decided a refreshment stop (Jon needed coffee) at the Edgcumbe Hotel in Bere Alston after the walk was in order.

So we pressed on and met the owner of South Ward Farm who explained that the mystery tree at which we had been gazing was a handkerchief tree. We continued along the Tamar, now gazing at Cotehele Quay tearooms as a gig stopped there and the crew went in for refreshments…..Undeterred, we plunged through Braunder woods and started the steep incline to Braunder farm and back to the station. We had done well and deserved our break at the pub (Jon had his coffee!). Thanks to the intrepid three – great company!

Liz 

WW 24th April 2024

These long, lazy Spring evenings are just so, so nice.

Out from Joey's Lane with the sun still high and out onto the moor. Round under Sheepstor to the always muddy track beneath Roughtor Plantation. The cuckoo beckoned heading towards Combeshead. And a really fantastic sunset; it just managed to pop out from behind the clouds in time. Up the track where the soldiers train and on to Sheepstor. All very quiet and peaceful - just where is everyone? So a bit of a shock to be woofed at the top of the tor - a lone camper enjoying the evening. Down steeply and back to the lane. No glow-worms this evening, perhaps next time.

All most pleasant.

WW 17th April 2024

 

Well that was a most pleasant day - washing on the line. The forecast for the evening was drizzle by 7pm gently turning to rain - but what do they know, whenever have they been right? Full of expectation of a superb sunset and a nice bright moon.  So, out the door and up to Pork Hill. And into the cloud and soft mizzle. Could the forecast be right - No.  Along, along and up to Little as the cloud got denser and on to Middle. Great was nowhere to be seen but steadily it emerged from the gloop. Of course on to Roos for a nice cuppa and a superb chocolate cake with cream courtesy of our visitors - thanks! By now, right on time, the mizzle steadily turned to proper rain - no matter. Down to the the dew pond and up through the thurfurs. Slowly, very slowly the trig point decided to emerge. So, downety down towards the car park. On the way a wonderful purple oil beetle - good spot. Eventually the car park peeped out and then, a blasted gritter heading up to Princetown - funny weather we are having. So on to a very quiet Whitty to settle in the settles for a catch up.

A most pleasant, real, proper evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 16th April 2024

 

Northerly winds again and a sharp shower sent us scurrying to the banks of the Yealm and the rooty path through the garlic groves. Bluebells still a little shy , snowdrops and daffodils gone.

On along the super muddy Erme-Plym trail and to Yealmbridge,  where large retired vehicles and lobster pots languish behind very secure gates.

Turning left at the toll house, and over the road bridge to join the footpath through a most interesting collection of Snawdon Mill's repurposed buildings and a diversion into the Mothman's gallery.

Coffee stop on footpath steps before crossing bullock field and onwards to the Weir bridge stopping only to admire a secretive orange tip butterfly. A steep well worn rocky climb up to Worston and on past Winsor.

Down now to the mossy double bridge at Lotherton and left into the swamp lands where a bridlepath lurked under deep black gloop. Eventually safely out into sunny green meadows by the Yealm we joined the lane through Yeo Farm and marched with good appetite to the generous table at the Rose and Crown. Some even had tartare  sauce  with their meal but not the contingency in France !!

Anne

TWW 9th April 2024

 

The north west wind doth blow
And we shall have rain, sleet and snow
What will us walkers do then
Poor things
We'll walk on the moors
To keep ourselves warm
And hide our heads under our hoods
Poor things.
         My version of the North Wind 1805
The biting fury of storm Pierrick met us at Combestone Tor CP, the wind knocking us sideways as we tried to balance on one foot to don our waterproof trousers, not because of rain, but for extra warmth.
Up to Horn's cross where the farmers used to collect their sheep and cattle.
Venford comes into  sight on our left and further on the track turns down just before the quarry workings below Holne Ridge.
Lovely views from here as we follow one of the many streams  round these parts. Crossing railway sleeper thoughtfully laid across said stream  for us we zig-zagged our way down to the road. Thankfully now a little respite from that north west wind and the bouts of sleet, hail and rain.
We are surely  a tough group , nothing beats us
That reminds me of a song!!!!!!
Tea/coffee was enjoyed in the shelter of a wall and the sun appeared to warm us up. But time was going on and so did we...... Up to Bench tor, again breathtaking views. The headless man of Birch Tor joined us for a photoshoot!!  True, the camera never lies you know.

Straight down to Venford Brook, lovely little waterfalls and the picturesque ford crossing. Several inches of water, but we all strode across not flinching when our boots filled with water.  All except two big wusses  who went tree climbing to avoid H₂O.
Safely over straight up the other side and followed the Holne Moor Leat with its pipeline from the Swincombe reservoir to Venford reservoir , getting very worn and suffering from landslides. Reaching the pretty clapper bridge decisions needed to made, straight up to the the cars or carry on through to Ash farm and up.
Straight up to the cars was the decision. Much stopping and groaning from me  but suddenly we were there and on our way to the Forest Inn for lunch.
Not many customers and a strange set-up involving two card readers but still very reasonable lunch and jolly conversation.

Well, that went well I think!!
Oh and we saw a purple oil beetle, rare so they say.!

Brenda X

WW 3rd April 2024

I said it would be a short gentle walk, and so it was. No battling through undergrowth, climbing over tree stumps and walls or wading through rivers - easy peasy.

It was the usual misly drizzly evening but light - thanks to British Summer Time. We slipped and slid along the nice little path by the Tavy but not into Hollowell Wood this time, back along the road past Hallodene to find the track up to Shutecombe.

Following the footpath over the road and through the lovely Rectory Garden looking spring like with primroses and daffodils. Then on down to The Olde Plough, quite busy with several groups of diners. A beer and a nice chat and home early to bed.

A very pleasant evening.

Stella

TWW 2nd April 2024

A downed tree started the walk, most of which was dry but very grey skies & muddy. Brenda’s almost got washed away by a wave at Wembury & as we left the beach the rain began. By the time we reached The Odd Wheel for lunch we were soaked & coated in mud. Went back to the cars to clean up before presenting a cleaner group at the pubs posh restaurant. We had a bit of a wait for food but it gave us time to make rude remarks about Jon’s holiday snaps of blue skies! Lunch arrived & we were all very impressed by the standard of delicious food & huge quantities. Jane had to take half of hers home as she wouldn’t have got through it before pub closing time! The walk may have been unremarkable but the lunch became the star attraction.

Amber & Colin