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.
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