The forecast was for light rain and a gentle breeze all day! We headed off from the Quarry Car Park along the track to Crockern Farm, with light rain and a fresh breeze on our backs. Up the path to Crockern Tor and into the mist. Along the ridge past Littaford and Longaford tors. The planned deviation to visit the stone row was aborted, and we continued to Higher White Tor. Our search for a sheltered spot for a brew took us over the wall, and behind some rocks. The breeze was still fresh, and the rain was still falling. Suitably refreshed, we followed the wall downhill to the West Dart. Sadly, the water level was considerably higher than it had been for the reccy, and the chosen crossing point was no longer tenable. Walking further upstream failed to identify an alternative crossing point, so it was time to adopt plan B, and stop for lunch! A picnic in the rain tends to be a fairly short meal, and it was not long before we were on our way again through the mist in the direction of Wistman’s Wood. Although there are plenty of paths in this part of the valley, none seemed to be going in the right direction, and we zig-zagged first uphill toward Longaford Tor, then downhill towards the weir, before we eventually found a path that took us to the wood. The rain had just about stopped as we assembled by the Buller Stone for a quick photograph, before making our way back to the cars. It was still raining. Conclusion, the weather forecast is sometimes right.
Phil
What a Grey Day!
Feedback already received stated that the walk
was - well, Epic! I suppose Odyssey fitted the bill better as maybe this walk
was a wander too far?
In mist, light wind and drizzle, drizzle and wind being our faithful, if unwanted companions for most of the day, we left the RVP to proceed upward to pick up a path along Hurston Ridge to head towards Fernworthy Reservoir. Surprisingly, under foot in this section it wasn’t too wet.
At the reservoir we took the skirting shoreline path, past a small, but superb hut circle example and down to the base of the slightly overflowing dam wall. On the other side of the dam we stopped for a cuppa seated on the dam wall and reservoir edge on a classic Dartmoor day. There was a sign nearby stating not to go onto the top of the dam as there was a ‘Danger of Death’ so we didn’t venture any closer as we were all too young to die yet!
Once fuelled up, we were soon around the reservoir to cut up through Fernworthy Forest near to Froggymead and its stone row just off our track that we stopped to admire.
We soon turned off this track and up to Tom’s Hill and Hemstone Rocks that no one could see as they were hidden by trees, to soon be confronted with a scene of destruction with masses of conifer trees blown over in a recent storm. However, as the trees had fallen like a box of scattered drinking straws dropped across our path, we had to climb over or go under trunks to continue our walk. Those of us (not me) with a more flexible disposition dealt with this with aplomb.
Before leaving the forest to enter open moorland we decided to shelter under the pines to be well shielded from the prevailing weather to have our picnic - a good decision!
The key target of the day was to visit The Grey Wethers stone circles, albeit restored, but still a magnificent and isolated site to see, this was achieved after our stop, but we had come a long way to do this which meant a long up and down walk to get back back, but we made it after a bit of cursing and aching joints and limbs.
Today’s walk was a long one, perhaps too long for the terrain chosen, but we made it!
A Grey Day was had by one and all!
Charlie
Rock and Stroll – Parts 1 & 2
1st of May, and they were gathering ...
Off along, past the school and down the lane. The stepping stones looked rather green so over the bridge to Marchant's Cross. Down past Yeo, looking very fine this evening. Over the stile and up with barely a breath of wind and no sign of rain. Up and over the tall stile and there they were - resplendent. As good as they have ever been. (This year they have managed to beat the rapidly growing bracken.) So, with the pungency enveloping us, slowly up joining the yellow dots. Definitely time to linger so an early cuppa on a most convenient log. Round by Sheepstor and a quick pop up the lane to enjoy the dam. The reservoir was particularly still. The solitary (now) goose has not found any Canadian friends yet; hope they turn up soon. Into the woods to the big dam and round. Down, down, down past the lambs and out by the school.
When we got to the Royal Oak a large gathering outside - it was Border Morris just having finished their dances to welcome Summer. Into a very quiet pub for a pint and a chat. The dancers tumbled in and we were expecting our usual reverie. But no, they have got some new members, people who can really play music and sing beautifully. So a most pleasant folksy evening - they even gave us a big bowl of chips which, somehow, we manged to polish off. Won't here a word said against them!
A most pleasant evening to welcome what will surely be a blistering Summer.