TWW 31st December 2024

 

An intrepid group of four met at Princetown car park with the intention of conquering Fur Tor and Yes Tor on this fine last day of the year. 

So off we set, fighting tooth and nail against the howling wind, along the long hard winding track.  Soon in the far distance , after a long arduous trek (all of 1 mile) the destinations where spotted.  Still a mountainous, treacherous, off piste, downward slope to be negotiated.  Then across the valley floor keeping a watchful eye out all the time for stray iron horses. 

A last final push up to the dizzy heights and Fur Tor was conquered!  Time for a rest out of the hurricane force winds and for a cuppa to fortify us for the return journey.  We decided it would tax our strength too much to scale the rocky peak of Yes Tor - so a friendly wave had to suffice.

Onwards and backwards now, slogging along our outward bound tracks to ensure we had a safe passage back.  At least the tornado was now behind us and aided our weary footsteps.  Still keeping a wary eye to ensure the iron horses didn’t get us we finally made it back.

Just time for a restorative pint and packet of crisps (or a mulled wine and mince pie) at the Plume.

A wonderful adventure of there and back (think I’ve been watching too many Hobbits this Christmas) to the wonderful Fur and Yes Tor – South of course!!

Jane

TWW 24th December 2024

 

A small group for the Christmas Eve walk. Were we jealous of those carrying out preparations for Christmas day?

Not at all, after all you have to get out when you can.

It was off down Dupath Road to visit Dupath Well, worth a visit for its history and also to call in at the Farm Shop, which we did and decided purchases would be made on the return journey.

Leaving the farm we then walked onto Welltown and a short climb to Cornea, a left turn then took us to the miners’ track down to Barrett's Mill to cross the mill leat with a steep climb to West Cleave and then along the road passing the path to the Silver Mine and West Harrowbarrow having decided to save them for another day.

At Mount Lodge we admired the old mine buildings which have been converted to housing including the engine house and taking a turn to the left we climbed the hill to return to Welltown and the farm shop where “Happy Wallow” sausages were bought before returning to Tamar Close To eat our packed lunch and enjoy mulled wine and homemade mince pies with clotted cream.

Peter

WW 18th December 2024

 

Tis' the season of goodwill to all men,

Or maybe not !!

But first , up the track to Crockern cottage in pouring rain and a wind which was determined to knock us of our feet. Not cold though !
The track/path to Wistmans is getting more and more worn away, almost dangerous in places. Trying to get out of the wind, we followed the wall up to the rather awkward stile onto the ridge. Mighty windy, we must have looked  like drunken party-goers lerching all over the extraordinary bog that seems to cover the whole ridge.
First Littaford tors loomed into view, then various piles of rock mostly unnamed then Bee tor and lastly Longaford tors
Thankfully turning down into the valley to the forbidden Wistmans wood, we thought we might be sheltered from the wind, but that was not to be and we struggled through the dodgy path/track back down to the track to the cars, one of us  deciding he'd had enough and fancied sitting in a bottom-sized puddle. Thankfully all was well and we contemplated a refreshing beer next to the fire in the welcoming Two Bridges in full Christmas mode.
Well. that was the plan!!
All the bedroom lights were on, so, good sign, downstairs lights on, no one at the bar, no Christmas cheer. Fire gone out !
Just as we thought we might help ourselves, some young lad hurried through and served us drinks and then asked " WHICH ROOM NO. ARE YOU IN"
Pardon, what ???

All three of us were dumbstruck
What shenanigan's do they encourage here !
Two er, older men, with an even older woman !!!
We tried to explain but no, they had closed the till for the night, this was 9-45 in the evening.
Then it was decided we could have our drink if we paid cash.
Raz waved an empty wallet in the air
Jon only had his phone wallet.
An hotel guest thought we were being treated scandalously and offered to help us out.
Then I remembered two fivers that I'd hidden away, just in case, you know.
This was ungratefully accepted although at their prices obviously not enough.
We sat down, thankful for a comfortable settee and laughed  in disbelief at what had just happened
Getting up to leave there was no staff to be seen , no-one to wish a Happy Christmas
Sure I saw Scrooge disappearing up the cold chimney!!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE XX

Brenda
Make walking on wed night a new year's resolution, it really is a helluva laugh. 😆😆

TWW 17th December 2024

 

Up and across Prewley Moor in the teeth of a fresh and chilly southerly wind the eight of us climbed to Sourton Tor, where, on such a clear day the views were superb.  Nearby, we looked down on Meldon reservoir and the villages of Lydford, Bridestowe and Sourton, while the high ground evident in the far distance led to some discussion as to whether we were looking at Exmoor or even the Quantocks.  A thin silver streak running along the horizon suggested the presence of the Bristol Channel.  From Sourton Tor we made  a steady descent towards Lake, making a short stop for coffee en route - observed only by a solitary circling but totally disinterested buzzard.   

Pausing at the London & South Western Railway’s Lake viaduct simply to admire the precision and beauty of its Victorian engineering, we pressed on across the Tavistock - Okehampton road towards Pool using a minor road and a bridleway.  The latter led us past the former Lake quarry, now flooded, and a somewhat forbidding nature reserve.   None of us were even remotely tempted by the thought of a wild swim!  From Pool a succession of footpaths led across the fields, past former farms and a marshy area which provides an annual display of orchids, to Sourton.   From here, following a short stop to admire the 14th century parish church we headed back along the Granite Way to the start - and a warm and welcoming pub.

Peter C

WW 11th December 2024

 

The wind had abated somewhat since the previous day, it was still cold but far more bearable. Off to Pew Tor Quarry to look for the phantom goldfish - AND THERE THEY WERE, we counted six in all. After that excitement it was up and over Pew Tor and then on to Heckwood Tor. After traversing the six constituent parts we dropped down to the track from Pew Tor Cottage. (No more sixes tonight please, two is enough.)

Down over the stream and then a bit of a surprise - the gate into Vixen Tor was found to be openable, so in we went to touch the hallowed rock which was definitely not in “Improved pasture”!

Time was running short by now so following an old leat to start with, we crossed the valley bog. Unfortunately somewhere near the stream one of our crew dropped into a wet muddy hole up to her thighs - just carry on with determination. A track led to Windy Post, round Feather Tor, up over Pew Tor again and back to the cars.

Arriving rather later than intended we were made welcome at the ‘Witty’ which we shared with two others (thank goodness it wasn’t six).

A fun night. 

TWW 10th December 2024

 

From High Down car park, down the track towards the foot bridge we strode.  The wind was cool and full in the face!  After a short distance one decided discretion was the better part of valour and headed back to the cars!  When we reached the river, the steppingstones were well clear of the water (though some still opted for the bridge).  Perhaps the miner’s ford would have been passable after all.  We headed southeast to Doe Tor Farm, and then up to Doe Tor.  Halfway through the ascent another decided they should have stayed at home and retreated back to the car.  On reaching the summit, we paused for a photo-shoot by the flagstaff before heading off along the line of the range posts across a rather boggy area (was it the best route?).  On reaching drier ground, we headed north towards the Wheal Frederick mine workings.  A hollow in the streaming works provided an ideal place to stop for coffee, protected from the chilling breeze.  Suitably refreshed, we crossed Doe Tor Brook to look around the smithy, buddles and dressing floor of the mine. As we were on the west side of the brook, we continued northwards till we reached the bridleway to Bleak House.  Turning westward on a gentle downhill gradient with the wind behind us, we were soon on Brat Tor.  Despite the wind, some opted to climb up to the cross while others stayed at a lower level. Then it was down to the River Lydd, over the steppingstones (or bridge) and back to the cars and on to the Fox and Hounds. There we were in for a big surprise as the bar was full of Santa clauses.  Well actually a squad of Royal Marines in fancy dress (some of it quite revealing) getting “warmed up” for the Mess dinner later in the day.  Fortunately, they were soon supping up and heading for the next hostelry on their itinerary, leaving us to enjoy lunch in peace!

Phil

WW 4th December 2024

 

Quite a dilemma; pitch black, blowing a hooley and tipping it down. Still better set off, hopefully no one else will be daft enough to turn up and I can scoot off home. Oh No!, there they are - the usual suspects; there must be a very special name for the sort of people who enjoy going out on nights like this. So, out we go, to the railway passing the newly cleansed ditch - nice. And along, of course checking the Meavy bubbler is still functioning. Out by the end of the woods and up to seek out the track. So, steadily into the wind and rain, albeit quite mild. A hint to beginners; if you don't put your anorak hood up in this sort of weather you tend to get somewhat wet. Eventually the whole hole is spied and round taking care to avoid the drop. Down to the ruined buildings, which seem to shrink each year, to find a bit of a lee. Back on the track and onward. Just why is this track so hard on the feet? It must have just the right (wrong) balance of bumpiness and granite. Surprisingly no one at all to be seen - mind you there could be thousands out there and we would not have spotted them. And when we thought we were all alone a slight pause and a peer into the ditch and there it was, a Great Diving Beetle - brilliant. Back, fully drenched, to the PoW which was buzzing. The usual warm welcome and they didn't seem to be bothered that we turned the lounge down the steps into a swimming pool. A very nice evening to experience the best that the moor can offer.

TWW 3rd December 2024

 

Had a fantastic day of weather. Started at Bel Tor corner & headed uphill to a cross dedicated to a 19 year old soldier. On to some big cairns & a slippery walk downhill to the river at Shallowford. Pretty walk along the West Webber river & through woodland leading to Ponsworthy. Got stopped by a man in a car below Sharp Tor who wanted to know where we were heading & that he was the owner of the tor. The final challenge was to navigate a deep bog & a sweat inducing hill leading back to the cars & a much needed lunch at the Plume. Colin says that he is sorry about the mishap with Anne’s legs!

Amber