Off we set from Prewley with a promise to visit the Meldon
Wildlife Family Festival. Some had
dreams of hot dogs, coffee, flap jack and ice cream but before that we had to
do some walking, to earn it! Sourton
ice works and Tor were in our sights (and hopefully the only main uphill of the
day) but first a detour round the pipe laying works – well the sign did say
pedestrian access this way but it lied so down, round and up again – all to
avoid the rampaging diggers.
Ice works were passed, the Tor summitted and views admired –
including the pipe trail heading off over the hills towards Cornwall (hope it
had got a passport). Then onwards
towards Shelstone Tor for a cuppa (bring your own). A tricky, wet and boggy descent to the weir
to cross the West Ockment - really should try and recce walks I’m sure things
would go much more smoothly then!
Heading off round Meldon reservoir – why did some decide the
path up the hill was the way? There was
such a lovely level, clear path to follow.
They eventually rejoined the sensible two when the sheep decided to
stop. Onwards passing the dam and to our
destination of the Festival at Medon Quarry.
And lo and behold there was coffee, hot dogs and ice cream (how did they
know) but sadly no flapjack. Picnic
lunches were abandoned for the delights.
Time to have a wander around various displays and stalls and much was
learnt about, amongst other things, curlews.
It was lovely to see so many young people and their families enjoying
the joys of Dartmoor, in the sunshine.
Time to leave, a bit of wandering around until the
footbridge was finally located. Then a choice arose – back along the Granite
way or the West Devon way – which is shortest they said? So it was the Granite that won the day and a
nice flat easy route back to the cars – still no rampaging diggers but some
archaeologists investigating.
Lovely walking weather some sun, some cool breeze, one small
brief shower and 7 ½ miles of glorious Dartmoor.
Jane