WW 26th June 2024

Wednesday 26th June 7pm 24C - wow that's warm! A clear blue evening to set off from the big car park and head down to the leat. Along, along by the wonderful Black Tor Falls and over the steel. Gently over to Hart Tor Brook and the next steel crossing - this one looks like it might not last much longer. A very warm trod up to Cramber Tor for a nice cuppa and views afar. Down the well worn track and back across the brook. Cotton grass everywhere and lots and lots of orchids. There seem to orchids everywhere this year, perhaps they are extending their range. To the enigmatic hairy stone and up to Hart with the sun still high. To the slight track to seek a way across the Meavy only to startle a tiny frog - sorry. This valley is where the heavy horses are hauling timber to drop into the stream to slow the river. Soon it may be even more boggy. To Black Tor past yet more orchids and over to the road. And then, very, very slowly, as is its way, the weather softly changed. The sun eased and the mist rolled in. By the time Leeden was gained visibility was jolly poor. The wild campers seemed well prepared with a huge bottle of water and a cool box. So back to the car park.

A very warm, very Dartmoor summer's evening.

TWW 25th June 2024

 

A beautiful summer's day for this walk, which we began at Halton Quay after a car share from Calstock.

Blue skies, blue river, Pentilly Castle in view, huge limekilns hiding under ivy, historical chapel.

Up the leafy hill towards Bohetherick, old orchards, cottages with rose festooned walls, llamas amongst the cherries. And not too much "up". 

Down past the eucalyptus groves and strawberry stall to the bridge. "Tiring" stuff and a rest had to be taken with coffee and cakes at Cotehele Quay !!

Suitably revived we strolled along the shady rocky riverside path to Danescombe where pottery and book stall were inspected before covering the last mile to the welcoming Tamar Inn and lunch.

Anne

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WW 19th June 2024

 

ZOAR ZIG ZAG

“I think I’ll go round the other way for a change” I said

“We could have a look at the reservoir that feeds Mary Tavy Power Station” he said

“And walk along the canal from there” he said

There’s “no path on the map” I said

“I’ve run along there before” he said!

So off we set along the road to Horndon village calling in at the old Chapel. The organ was still there dilapidating gently in the grass. A few orchids, maybe Heath Spotted, maybe Southern Marsh. I’m even more confused even after my days tuition at Pudsham with the DPA. Half as many this year as usual apparently.

Then down a lovely old sunken lane to find a gate into a field to find a large pond with views over to Standon Down. A wonderful spot, the still water reflecting the trees and undergrowth around it. No way out so back up the track.

“Here’s the canal he said” but no path. Up and over gates, back and forth across the canal through fields with panicking sheep. Finally over another gate almost back where we started onto the  track leading down to Horndon Bridge.

It was getting late so we powered along the very nice path along the canal with a small detour into the woods on the other side when a very nice notice unusually stated Public Access Welcome! So finally to Hill Bridge Weir. Then back up another old sunken lane past Chilly Wood finally popping out onto the Moor to be greeted by more sheep or were they goats?

The Mary Tavy still open - Phew! And a pint of ‘Whistmans Cider’ “very nice” he said.

Always a little adventure to be enjoyed.

Stella

TWW 18th June 2024

 

Well we did spot 3 out of 4 and I am sure the 4th spotted us.

A really beautiful sunshine day with a lovely cooling northerly breeze - perfect. Out from Cold East Cross and along the well worn track to Welstor Rock. Over to Buckland Beacon to check on all Ten Commandments and we had not broken a single one today - mind you no trace of an ox or ass. Back along and then down a mown track, could be a butterfly sanctuary, onto the fossatum to cross Ruddycleave. The foxgloves in full bloom. And there by the wonderful Bowden Farm were three comfy, mossy boulders, perfect for a cuppa. The Lady of the Manor came out to wish us well - how nice. Then up and along the most perfect potholeless road to the orchid fields. All was just right with lots and lots of lovely orchids. We spent ages and ages searching, and despite having inside knowledge, only found 3 of 4 - never mind. But Eagle Eyes did spot some Meadow Grasshoppers - that's nice. Out to the main road to seek a way across Pudsham Down but it all looked far too prickly for us. So down the road to sit by the bridge and ford for lunch. Then the inevitable climb back up to the cars.

Really nice out there now Summer has decided to turn up.

WW 12th June 2024

 

Here we go then, starting at one of my favourite places, well almost. What's happened Ephraim's Pinch seems very different, almost unrecognisable. It has been given the Chelsea chop.
No wonder Ephraim is still trying to attain the unattainable.
So, we followed the road past the pinch and there, there was a beautiful herd of deer, surprised to see humans in the evening light. They slowly disappeared into what little woodland is left, and we carried on, turning to pass past Soussons Farm and to the well worn track up to the fields. Whoa!! One huge bull with a large ring in his nose, swaggering his way through his female mates, fortunately not interested in us, phew!! Flirty cow swishing her tail around his nose took his fancy. We strolled on quickly whilst he was distracted.
Down and up to the field to Raz's delight, the old bit of machinery just dumped years ago but always interesting. We moved it hoping it would roll downhill, we stood like disappointed children when it didn't. Made by Deerings of Chicago US of A no less. Must have been pricey unit in its day. On, on up to an upside down stile! Honestly! Crawl under it instead of over it.
Walking on to Golden Dagger to have some light refreshments we were set upon by droves of mossies, they certainly knows how to spoil things. Raz thought he heard the murmurings of a nightjar, wow ! A sighting would be marvellous.
Crossing the valley and back into Soussons, good nightjar country, we did indeed see a nightjar.  Flying low from a tree to possibly her nest in the scrub. So exciting! What next?
Well nothing, just a long trek through  the woods to get back to our cars.
The Plume was shut as it was Wednesday, so it was back to an almost empty POW. Never mind, we were made welcome and enjoyed our chatter about next week's orchids
All is well with our world.....🤩

Brenda

TWW 11th June 2024

 

POLPERRO TO LOOE

It all went well. The sun was shining, everyone was at the bus on time, and the bus itself was on time. The cold north wind was blowing down  the valleys, but not a problem when you are on a bus. The walk from the bus stop down to Polperro harbour is always a joy, all the houses with their own little bridges over the stream then the lane getting narrower and quainter as you progress. A quick look at the house on props and then on to the coast path for a gentle walk to Talland bay where we were lucky to get a table outside the lovely cafe.
Anne had requested a visit to the ancient church, a hard climb up the road from the beach, but well worth it. Lots of old carvings, interesting graves, and a detached tower linked to the church with a fascinating covered way.
Without losing too much height it was on to Looe on a very busy section of coast path.
Plenty of steps going up and down (the biggest flight was actually DOWN Brenda, I counted them all).
As promised, fish and chips for lunch in Looe before returning to the very expensive car park - although someone managed to time his exit to correspond with work on the paystation and got away scot free.
            A great day out at the seaside.

Mike

WW 5th June 2024

 

You have to take your chances when you can. No firing on Merrivale and the sun well into the North West. So a golden opportunity to head out from Holming Beam to check on the cross. Not so long ago it was tipping it down most every day, but now the moor is remarkably dry(ish). Out along on a very cool evening to the track that steadily disappears. Above the Cowsic with a few cows and sheep. To pick out the errant dolerite. And there it was, all just fine and looking super in the bright sunshine. Somewhat lumpily down to the fabulous stepping stones for a warming cuppa. Up by the ancient farmstead to the Lych Way. Through the gate and there, in front, what looked like a most pleasant track just above the boggy bit. And most pleasant it was too. Soon at the bridge and the climb back to the cars. The Prince of Wales as welcoming as ever. Bill was there and he didn't even mention you know what.

A very pleasant summer's evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 4th June 2024

 

It wasn’t quite what I planned but it worked out ok.

Out from Belstone Green following the lane along the river. A little play on Terry's tractor. Amazing it hasn’t been taken away to be ‘done up’, then out onto the Moor. Colder than expected, a chill wind and rain threatening so I decided not to do the Tors.

The Bubbler was inspected, it doesn’t seem to have been repurposed yet. No bodies anyway.

The next objective was Cosdon Beacon without “killing” Brenda. We had to get across the fast flowing Taw! The ford was approached with trepidation by some but it was fine, flat concrete underfoot hardly damping our boots. A very nice path beckoned and we started up White Hill following various quad bike and animal tracks. A chilly stop for coffee among old settlement remains then on along and up till we finally came to the main track up to Cosdon. A fine bit of navigation even though I say so myself.

Next to find the best way down. There was a bit of bog and tussock but what’s a Dartmoor walk without? And there were orchids and butterwort.

At last back across the river and the final push up.

The Tors let us in even though it wasn’t raining. The food was good although there was a load cry of disappointment from Brenda when she discovered that the huge bowl delivered contained only a small helping of soup. Ever the diplomat our Bren!

A good day out.

Stella