TWW 24th June 2025

 

Now that made a very nice change.

With the forecast of mist, drizzle and a cooling breeze, out from Belstone Green. The general consensus was that it actually was raining - but never mind. Along the road to pop out onto the moor on the gritty track. Round as the mist came and went - but mainly came. Soon we were at Nine Maidens, confusingly also known as 17 brothers. Neat tracks led us down about and over to Scarey Tor where the East Okement could be heard rumbling below - no one seemed keen for a dip. Steeply up to the top track to Winter Tor where good shelter was found for a cuppa. Back and across the track up to Higher Tor which certainly loomed large out of the mist. Along the ridge ticking off all the Belstone Tors and Irishman's Wall. A wee track was found to take us east and down. Through the gate to check on the tractors - all much the same. And back to the cars and The Tors. Rather an odd menu - American? The sensible had very nice looking starters whilst the rest had to make do with huge dinners.

A very nice, proper Dartmoor day to be out and about.

WW 18th June 2025

 

Where else on one of the longest Wednesdays? 

Just such a fabulous boggy marsh. Everywhere another beautiful flower. The perfect time to go with the orchids still blooming and the asphodels and St. John's Wort just coming in to flower. Fabulous!

TWW 17th June 2025

 

A sunny Wembury greeted five and a dog. A great day for exploring the many footpaths and lanes beginning with the path up to St Werburgh's. A peek inside revealed three musicians and a rather Tudor sound amongst the carved benches and complex monuments. An elaborate interior for the church's humble and understated exterior.

A gentle climb north along Footpath 20 aka Churchwood Valley's cool woods, soon to open into meadows and even a few meadow browns confirming the grassy route! Grassland gave way to crops and turrets of Langdon Court came into view. 

A "variation of navigational choices" around Home Farm led to a brief separation but all back together for the short road section and then Footpath 17 Smockpark Lane which could be renamed as Snail Lane !

This led us around HMS Cambridge and eventually skirting Heybrook Bay village and time for coffee.

We dropped down to the coast path and with this easterly approach there were superb views of the Mewstone and Wembury. Not so peaceful when HMS Cambridge's Gunnery School firing practice shattered the calm or when Wembury Point's Holiday Camp's keep fit classes moved to the music of the 30's and 40's.

Appetites for lunch increased our speed towards the café and of course a beach route could have been rather smelly!!

Rolls, coffee and ice-cream finished off our countryside and coastal journey.

A lovely day.

Anne

WW 11th June 2025

 Another beautiful warm, sunny, quiet day. So a bit of a surprise to find a strong, cooling breeze as we set out from High Down. And on the tops hints of mist. Down to the Lyd stepping stones where a large group of cubs had been having fun in the river. Softly round finding the trods to the magic tree on the side of Arms Tor. The sun was high in the sky with beautiful waves of clouds over Cornwall. Steadily up towards Great Links as the mist came in and out and as we approached, the raven took flight. A nice sheltered spot was found for a well deserved cuppa. Down, down past the spoil heaps; clearly the source of the stones for the large cairn. Over to Brat and down the nice track back to the ford and cars. On to the Castle Inn, not been there for a while, which as usual for a Wednesday was super busy with quiz night and diners. A pub that knows how to make it all work.

This was the evening of the Strawberry Moon rising about 2230 so a bit late for us. Hopefully all those wild, moon swimmers had a nice time. A super evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 10th June 2025

 

Another "so, so" walk which had exciting moments.

So, across the track to the iconic Postbridge clapper, already busy with tourists, past the East Dart, closed until wed evening and up the lane leading to the Lydgate House hotel.
Path was much drier than I expected, and grass not so wet, didn't really need gaiters.
The path turned into track, where later later in the year, the hedges will be laden with blackberries, and there, was our first surprise.
A small herd of very large South Devon Cows slumbering across the track. I think they were resting, getting ready for the ordeal of producing the next generation of prime beef !!

Some brave souls, one with dog walked straight through while the wimpesses negotiated a small bog to avoid them !!
On to the ancient tenement of Pizwell farm, mentioned in the Domesday Book and formally known as Pishull, sounds like somebody had one to many.
Apart from a herd of South Devons they also have myriads of irridiscent green mint beetles feeding on, er, mint! Truly amazing!
On on, for a well earned break before following a muddy track over Cator common
Strange bit of countryside totally out of keeping with the rest of Dartmoor.
Out onto the road past the Christmas trees in varying stages of growth and to the Wallabrook bridge formerly a clapper and and the old sign still there, but almost unreadable now saying that was a salmon spawning site (try saying that after a few beers) and please don't dam the the river. Wonder if the salmon still go there now?
Bit of a long trudge to Bellever bridge passing the C stone now easily found, now the gorse has been given the chop.
Quick discussion about missing clapper stone/s and photos taken and off over to the fabulous hay meadows where we were treated to the wonderful sight of many Lesser Butterfly orchids, declining in numbers due to habitat loss.
The sight of these was the icing on the cake for me........... Apart from the pasty and ice cream at Postbridge stores...,.....of course!

And the rain stayed off!

Brenda

WW 4th June 2025

 

It is always good to go somewhere you haven’t been for a long time.

So setting off from Cadover Bridge car park, no one picknicking, BBQing, or swimming-probably due to the cool breeze, off along the pipeline walk. There seems to be no record of when it was built, but a remarkable bit of engineering, just digging the level along the valley must have been a major job let alone the laying of the two lines of salt glazed pipes. Apparently they had to be regularly cleared of china clay sediment by pulling scrapers through from the still visible inspection pits - I bet that was fun!

Following the pipes through the lovely National Trust Oakwoods to come out on the road below Shaugh Prior, it was down the road to Shaugh Bridge, crossing the footbridge to follow the River Meavy to eventually come out at Dewerstone cottage, now obviously used as an outdoor centre, with evidence of use that day, with all the wetsuits, helmets etc. laid out to dry on the fence.

Out to the road to the loud calls of a peacock, then up the steep hill through Goodameavy (where the well healed obviously own property) eventually finding the track across Wigford Down, over the top, down past the fishing lakes to Cadover Bridge.

Back to The Rock for a pint where the “boys in red” appeared but had morphed into the “ladies in red”- good to see!

Mike.

TWW 3rd June 2025

 

HOUND TOR

You know I like flowers, it’s orchid time!

Mizzle, drizzle, mist as we drove across the Moor. Not looking good for my first walk in months. Out of the cars, much discussion about over trousers, decided not so off up to Hound. Then two minutes later all hell broke loose, sideways cold, cold rain gusting wind. Most stopped to review the over trouser situation. Brief shelter behind an inadequate hawthorn then up to find a nice cleft in the multi topped Tor. Then it stopped!

Down and around to find the gate onto Holwell Lawn. I promised nice smooth paths but this one got narrower and steeper down to the lovely granite gatepost bridge over Becka Brook. Too early for coffee so up, up, up to Holwell Tor to find a sheltered spot. The mist was lifting so we had views too, then we could see one of those nice smooth paths I promised to lead us round and down below Emsworthy Rocks to a gate into the Nature reserve. No owls in the barn just a frog in the pile of discarded  twigs but a young Redstart was heard. Emsworthy again didn’t disappoint with Ragged Robin, Water Forget me not, Bog cotton, no flowers on the Bog Bean yet but swallows swooping down to drink from the ponds.

Then our favourite picnic table although slowly sinking was just the spot for lunch. An Adder was disturbed from his rest in the sun. We are so lucky to have all this wildlife on our doorstep.

A nice gentle climb through the woods to inspect the Snodderbottom Heath Spotted Orchids. Just coming out but lots more coming between the squidgy tussocks. Wonderful!

A nice day out on our Moor.

Stella

WW 28th May 2025

 

Another of these long, long, beautiful, big sky days.

With the sun high in the sky out from Holming Beam and down to the bridge. The recent rain has made the ground pleasantly soft. Gently up to the Beardown Tors and gracefully round to Lydford Tor for a cuppa. Miles and miles of open moor and not a soul about - just where are those hoards of 'wild' campers? Along to seek out the Lych Way and through the gate. Across the ford and up to seek our goal - all well there. With the sun still high, sensibly round keeping to the ridge to the wall corner. The flat earthers have certainly been busy - soon there will be no bumps at all. Along the refurbished track - a true model of pothole filling. Back to the Prince of Wales, which had a few folk in, for a refreshing pint.

A most pleasant sunny evening.

TWW 27th May 2025

A small but select group of four musketeers this week met outside The Olde Plough (STILL sadly closed on Tuesdays) for our annual circular tour of the Bere peninsula. It was jury service preventing Jane from joining us last time, this time she was present but had an important appointment at the optician’s. This was really fortuitous as the weather gods had not been available when I petitioned them, hence it was pouring with rain during most of the walk.

Undaunted, we strode purposefully past the church and village well and up towards the station. Here, the leader took the radical decision to omit the muddy fields walk and we made our way by road past farms and bee hives at Ormonde house. Opposite this, we plunged down to the Pokelogan (house up a creek) at Liphill Quay. Here I had hoped we would find some estuary birds, but we were disappointed.

We re-emerged on the road to Weir Quay, where the hedgerows are a mass of pink campion, cow parsley, elderflower and blackberry blossom. There are hops growing too, apparently there since the Benedictine monks from Buckland Abbey planted them for holy brewing purposes….. Sadly, there was no sign of the myriad butterflies and other insects usually busy there.

Rather than sit in the rain for coffee, we took shelter in Fern Cottage (chez Rowley) and collected Bella for her walk, in the pouring rain. We cut through old mine workings up to Cotts, then through fields, over Furzehill bridge and past the rather strange farm at Wottons. A couple of muddy fields and apple orchards later, we emerged at Harlings farm where a café is reputed to be opening dreckly – now June apparently, but had been promised for March…ah well, next time.

Despite being soaked, the musketeers were in good spirits and we made muddy progress through Hallowell woods and down to the Tavy. It should have been lunchtime, but we agreed that a car picnic was the answer and Jane had time to get to her appointment. We clocked up 7.5 soggy miles and Bella about 4 – she slept for the rest of the afternoon.

Many thanks for the cheery company, Jane, Phil and Raz. It was great to be able to lead a walk after eight months.

Liz Rowley

TWW 20th May 2025

 

From Zoar, via the Methodist Chapel (no orchids today ☹)  to Horndon.  Down the lane to the leat.  Along to Hill Bridge across the fields and up the road to Baggator Gate.  Taking the Lych Way to Standon Steps and then to Willsworthy Bridge.  A shortage of time prevented a visit to Wheal Jewell Reservoir, so it was straight down the road to the cars and then to the Mary Tavy Inn for Lunch.

Warm sun shining,

Cuckoo cuckooing,

Babbling of the stream,

Hawthorn trees laden with white blossom,

A purple haze of bluebells,

Lime green stems of bracken erect like soldiers on parade,

The staccato bangs and pops from the firing range,

Spring has sprung on Dartmoor.

 

Phil

TWW 13th May 2025

 

Had the plague hit the walking group? Only three people for a Tuesday walk. Injuries, illness, holidays, visitors, etc all getting in the way.

Off from Coumbestone Tor downhill to find the track from Coumbestone Farm, over the lovely little clapper bridge, much appreciated by Jane. Up to an unusually large hut circle then down to follow the pipeline track through the beautiful oak “temperate rain forest”. Emerging out into the open, a cuckoo made a very close appearance, flying from bush to bush just in front of us. Onto cross Venford Brook and on to Bench Tor for a cuppa.

Back along the line of tors to the car park to follow the fence to the far end of the reservoir. A short climb to gain an old leat which initially made a good path to follow above the valley. A bit of tussock across Holne Moor to pick up the track to Horns Cross and the cars.

The Forest Inn was open and philosophical about three people rather than eight turning up for lunch and we managed to negotiate the system of paying for food and drinks separately.

A beautiful bright day to be out on the moors.

Mike

WW 7th May 2025

 

Up on wonderful Birch Tor as the sunset sky gloried. The Warren House was dark with no cars outside, but as we descended all the outside lights popped on. Hope ...

From Bennett's Cross on yet another beautiful evening. A nice, new track took us round the gerts before dropping us into Vitifer Mine. Of course the track was still running with oily water as we rounded by Golden Dagger. Round to Challacombe to the pond for a cuppa. Lots and lots of birdies singing as we sat. But what were they? Of course being super modern and technological wizards Merlin soon identified them all - chaffinch, thrush, pigeon, blackbird, chiffchaff, sparrow, warbler: the ring ouzel seemed a bit optimistic. So by the cottages and lion hoping for bluebells. But they are still hiding, be at least two weeks until they are on full display. By the warren house and llamas and the most pleasant track to Bench. So down we went and all the lights went out. Fully shuttered as we went by and the East Dart was well dark. So back again to the Two Bridges for a most comfortable pint.

These long, long evenings are just so, so ...

TWW 6th May 2025

 

Well what a truly superb day for a walk - beautiful sunshine and a nice cooling breeze.

From the far end of Fernworthy and up the forest track past Froggymead. To pop out, where there used to be a forest, overlooking Teignhead Farm and a cuckoo sang. Over the lovely clapper bridge up up to Manga Farm track to the ruins; a super, sheltered spot for a cuppa. The farm was only occupied from 1810 to the 1870's. Then a tricky contour above the Teign gorge to seek out Manga Rock. Finally finding a rock with 'GP' inscribed we knew we were in the right place. Up and up to the wall corner and soon over to Watern Tor which made a fabulous place for lunch. The cooling wind encouraged us on to the magnificent Thirlestone. Gently down to the wall and down, down to Manga Rails, nice to see plenty of water in the Teign. The rails were replaced by the National Park in 1991 and further refurbished in 2014. A plaque records 'RAILS REPLACED BY DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK RANGER SERVICE JUNE 1991'. Steadily up and down and up and down and up to the forest and round. Past the amazing beech tree and back to the cars. A super duper day for a walk on the moor.

But, once again we were left wondering where all the wildlife is. We saw a few skylarks and a buzzard but nothing like the songful Dartmoor we expect in May. 

WW 30th April 2025

 

How does an ordinary walk become extraordinary !!

How does a "so so" walk  take on a very different outlook? It was the eve of Beltane, so maybe the change of seasons made a difference.
'Twas a beautiful evening to be out walking, blue sky, magnificent sunset, far reaching views..... but NO birdsong, nothing, total silence, no birds. No skylarks twittering their warnings above their nests. No sheep either.
We did see an awesome army helicopter, very loud,  passing BELOW us in the valley  the late evening sun glinting off the gun metal body.
Sometimes it pays to be up high !
Short drinks break taken before making our way down to inspect  the ethereal Wistmans Wood, 
Darn it I've given the game away !
No signs of illegal BBQs, partying or weeing on the sacred moss this evening., just one solitary song thrush singing at the top of its voice.
The track seems to have had much repair work done which made it somewhat easier to walk back to the cars.
All this without getting headtorches out of our rucksacks.
Welcome drinks at the Two Bridges, served as always by po-faced staff . I don't think they really like their jobs.
Sometimes evening walks are just different!!

Brenda

TWW 29th April 2025

 

A beautiful day to explore another patch of the Bere Peninsula and  treats in store at Rumleigh House.

A late start from the station with some of us becoming diverted and delayed by Denham Bridge's closure and a parade of giant agricultural vehicles in narrow Pound Lane ! 

Nine folk (including our member from Gloucestershire) and two dogs departed the station and up around New Road to join the footpath across the fields into Bere Alston. There, a shop stop worked well, then through the park and along the footpath at The Down. An ancient stone stile to climb and soon the path began to descend. 

What a view ! Tors and more ! Our path now a track curved past young orchards down into Leigh Farm's spacious yard and more (more elderly) fruit trees.

Leigh's long lane led us to Hunter's Oak and we continued along that flowery lane, and over a milestone marked crossroad. Our track was now a bridlepath and a pile of weathered logs formed a hasty snack stop with a superb view over the Tamar Valley. 

Down to Little Gawton and left for the somewhat sketchy footpath through Slymeford's horsefields to follow a narrow, nettley edge of field path running parallel to a nice driveway. Not wanting to find the gates at the end locked we persisted through nettles but next time....

Rumleigh's high roofs now seen and the driveway swept us round to the graceful view of Georgian/Victorian slate hung genteelness.

Our visit (in aid of St Luke's Hospice) surpassed all expectation. At this point we were joined by our "walking wounded" members, so good to see.

Our hosts were delightful and generous with their time and efforts. We learned of previous owners wealth sources and ventures, explored the walled garden, had "light" refreshments including sandwiches, savoury tartlets, chocolate brownies and Victoria sponge.

 We were led through meadows on mown paths. Ghosts of greenhouses loomed through tangles of vegetation, by the river we stood on the site of an old Quay, "found" a limekiln, an overgrown and silted up dock and the remains of a summerhouse. Lovely trees framing views and spring foliage and flowers all around.

Soon, with goodbyes and thanks, we left to return to the station through steep lanes and a total of over 7 miles recorded.

Anne

WW 23rd April 2025

Driving to the RV via Denham Bridge the banks and woods were carpeted with bluebells. Early? I don’t know, I don’t keep a diary.

Setting off across the dam at Burrator and over the wall into the woods we were going to be in for a treat. But no, not a bluebell in sight, lots of leaves, amongst which Brenda spotted a solitary flower poking its head up.

So along through the beautiful oak woods, over the Sheepstor brook cascading down to the Meavy and on to the stile in the corner where there were indeed a few flowers but they all need more time.

On down to the lovely Yeo Farm, over higher Meavy bridge then following the footpath across a couple of fields with a stop for refreshment sitting on a granite roller. Back into the woods following the wall in the direction of Dousland until the wood almost ran out. It was then a matter of crossing the old leat and the road to pick up the dismantled railway in a world of bright yellow gorse glowing in the fading light.

Back to the cars and on to the Burrator for a pint. (No over priced steaks on the board tonight.)

First night walk without the use of torches- is that a contradiction?

Mike

TWW 22nd April 2025

 

It was good to visit The Range again today in promising weather, no not that Range, Willsworthy Rifle Range of course in quiet mode for the month of April allowing six TWWs and furry friend to take on a beautiful route.

Following the tarmac access road, we made our way upward to White Hill where two people on horseback walked past, furry friend ran over to say a personal up-close hello, riders smiled, horses were unmoved all was well on this occasion.

Doe Tor was our next point to reach via the Wallabrook Head that was pretty dry for this time of year. The Doe Tor summit provided the perfect spot for our cuppas out of the breezy wind, with spectacular views to boot.

Refreshed, we went upward to the peak of Sharp Tor. At 519m a warm up act to Chat Tor at 542m. A Tor not the most scenic, but how could we not make a visit to it having come this far!

Hare Tor followed for a picnic with yet another view not to miss, each of us sucking in the outdoor occasion whilst munching our chosen foods, perhaps thinking it was so good to be able to be there.

Down from Hare Tor, Ger Tor was next on the visit list, easy to get to via a bone dry and well-trodden path.

Leaving this Tor we were on the homeward stretch, back to the firing range. Our route though was not the easiest under foot, but no problem on this fine day. The path would eventually take us to the ford over Willsworthy Brook, but before the stepping stones of the ford we passed through a gap in a stone wall adjacent to a protruding and upright stone that actually looked like the head of a cat, well for some of us it did! Some even wondered how far the stone went underground, who knows? We do know though mystery surrounds such thoughts!

Crossing the ford safely, furry friend decided to ‘find’ the bottom half of a lamb’s leg – with hoof and wool still attached, a snack for later he must have thought. By the time I got home it was magically gone, to a dark warm place no doubt!

Anyway, up from the ford we soon came ‘full circle’ on our walk as we were back on the outward access road leading back to our cars, another walk completed across glorious Dartmoor.

Charlie

WW 16th April 2025

 

Just, one of those sublime evenings. Where I suppose in reality nothing much happens; it is all so, so subtle. To spend two hours enjoying the sunset is fabulous.

Out from Oakley Cottage in bright sunshine and wanderingly to the quarry. Despite all the rain of the past 24 hours almost empty with green algae. Last time we visited there were 30+ smallish goldfish and now there seem to be one or two great big ones - how can that be? Hope they survive. Up to Pew and down to the dew pond which was quite healthy. Onward to Heckwood as the sun gently eased and down. Up round Vixen Tor - of course we did not go in. To find a really super benchlike rock for a cuppa and to gaze at the light show. Up to the leat and round a bit before taking the old track to Windy Post. On back to Pew when discretion led us to don torches. To the cars and to the Whitty - which was rammed. It was quiz night.

And; if we had got there two hours earlier and if we got all the questions right, then the jackpot decider question would have netted us £245. Wow.

So, another really super evening walk - thanks Dartmoor.

TWW 15th April 2025

 

When we recced the walk it was a lovely day. Since then it has been both dry and, sunny & warm but today started  with a heavy rain warning which ended the summer of 2025. We started off in the rain from Cadover but still had visibility to admire the china clay works! Along the way we came across several bronze age settlements, stone rows, pillow mounds & even the round remains of an unused flag pole base supposedly for Devonport but still in good shape & intact. The rain eased during the hike until the final section of uphill towards the cars. Lunch was at the Burrator inn & better than a wet sandwich on the moors.

Colin & Amber  

TWW 8th April 2025

 

A bright warm day and low tide at Cotehele Quay as we wandered slowly past primroses and reedbeds before crossing the bridge over the river Morden. After pausing a while below the limekilns we continued up the hill, turning sharp right on to a broad track, gaining height through the woods. 

There were stunning views across the Tamar as we skirted a lush field before reaching Bohetherick and the first of several roadside stalls. Flowers, eggs, vegetables and first purchases were made. A coffee stop at the Who'd have thought it pub, and not far until more temptations at a roadside stall where even leeks were purchased. 

Through St Dominick to another stop, this time at the beautiful Grade 1 listed church of St Dominica.

(She was daughter of an Irish king, and landed at Halton Quay with her brother Indract in 689. He was murdered near Glastonbury whilst returning from a pilgrimage to Rome but Dominica stayed, having founded a religious settlement near Halton, marked as "Chapel" on OS map.)

Moving on, an elusive footpath to be found, and then down the steep track to Radland Mill, the ghosts of daffodil fields still amongst the trees. A choice of routes back to Cotehele Quay, so along the Morden Valley, over Boar"s Bridge and past Cotehele Mill to hot pasties and good company back at the quay side.

Anne

WW 2nd April 2025

Postbridge.

An old classic we haven’t done for a while. Classic walks are classic because they are usually good!

Leaving Postbridge on the steady climb up to Broadun Rocks the usual mud and squelch seemed to have completely disappeared, how often can you say that at the beginning of April?

On to the waterfall hoping for a spectacular sunset but the sun rapidly dropped behind the hills and the lack of cloud meant no reflected rays. A short stop for a drink by the much diminished falls. Following the old leat for a while we dropped down to find the gate which led us toward beehive hut. A short hunt for the track up through the furze bushes to gain the ridge to Heartland Tor and a pleasant bimble back to Postbridge.

Initially the East Dart looked hopeful, all lit up outside, but in darkness inside. So on to the ever faithful Prince of Wales which had the door locked despite the activity inside. Brenda bless her managed to blag her way in - she does seem to be good at that!

Mike

TWW 1st April 2025

 

“The answer my friend is blowing in the wind” ... .and it certainly was blowing on today’s walk, a strong easterly to accompany the TWWs; the answer, an effective kit layer was essential as we set off!

Our walk today was a pretty basic ‘route one’ walk, starting from Princetown up the marked track, past South Hessary Tor. With distant views to the right of Hart and Black Tors, we progressed to the site of Whiteworks, the disused tin workings of a bygone industrial age. The real bonus as we walked down the road to Whiteworks for me was the view to our right of Fox Tor Mire and the distant Fox Tor itself, both crystal clear in the morning sunshine – an outstanding view for all.

We used the Whiteworks ruins as the seated stop for our cuppas, carefully avoiding the fenced off deep former mine shaft that must have led to a place none of us want to end up!

Refreshments finished we continued upward and across the small Strane River and on the now dry grassy path that would take us nearly past the former Swincombe intake works site and to the Dartmoor Way where we turned left, again on the clearly defined path that gave us sight of the distant TV mast on atop of North Hessary Tor.

Although the wind was as keen as ever, the sun tempted us to delayer, but still too cool for that. With Royal Tor now to our left we looked for a ‘sheltered’ spot to have our picnic. The best we could find was what looked like a girt at Cholake Head, at least it was dry and slightly out of the wind!

Now we were on the home straight after our picnics, aiming for Bull Park and the rocky path up to New London and the main road in Princetown, a path seemingly getting hotter with each step as we neared the village. However, before the village there was an opportunity for a glance into the ‘Crock of Gold’, an ancient cist just off our path below Royal Tor. The cist, so it is said, once contained a chieftain’s gold robbed out long ago, but we nevertheless still glanced in hope!

Charlie

WW 26th March 2025

 

A frog he would a-wooing go

"Heigh ho" said Rowley
A frog he would a wooing go
Whether his mother would let him or no........

It truly is that time year and I can't stop going on about it.
This evening on our walk from Leeden Tor down past Ingra to the bridge to nowhere and on to the old railway track, round the curve by the rail turning point round a bit more to the left hand gate which leads down towards boggy land and towards the pretty ford.
So, there in a large puddle an abundance of frogs, some single, some twosomes and one threesome!
What would his mother have thought of that!
The one in the middle was croaking for help I reckon, he was slowly being squished!!
Cut throat business this mating!!
We watched newts, tadpoles, whirly gigs. Fascinating! The tadpoles won't last long, the newts will grow fat on them, but that's another story.
Back up to the track towards Routrundle, an interesting signpost information us to leave any post in the box behind us.
These country folk never cease to amaze !
Conversation turned to refreshment and quickly to the appearance of ISS.
So, nowhere to sit, we watched it sail over to the south of us and did a bit of stargazing.
Refreshment forgotten, we forged on to the cars and the "nearly always open" burrator inn, for beer, crisps and chat
So very nice,  come on you guys, it's lighter now, you never what's coming next !!!

Brenda
A frog he went a wooing go
Whether his mother would let him or no .............

TWW 25th March 2025

 

Well that was a marvellous day out.

Up and out early to travel across the border to Pentewan Village. Still winter charges in the car park, £1 all day, not bad.

First to the ever welcoming Little Bay Cafe for Coffee and Cake, slight disappointment, No meringues. We discovered that the proprietress used to be a headmistress whose parents owned a patisserie in St Austell, so teaching’s loss but our gain.

Fully fortified we started up hill to find the coast path, east this time. Lots and lots of steps but beautiful views over blue sea and sky. Spring was definitely in the air. Lots of primroses and violets on the banks. After many - many ups and downs we entered The Vans, a pretty wood with newly renovated steps by the National Trust, down to a bridge and converging of the paths. We went right towards the sea to find a little beach, perfect for a coffee stop. Nice house, no one  seemed to live there, holiday home maybe visited once a year I guess, shame.

Back onto the coast path, to find a photo stop by a huge monument stone dedicated to ‘The voice of Cornwall’ AL Rowse CH. ( Companion of Honour) along with Judi Dench apparently. Poet and Historian. Time was getting on and the pub was calling so no time to explore Black Head.

Unfortunately it was up, up again the footpath leading straight into someone’s back garden?  But no, soon we popped out onto the road at Trenarren. Again some very nice houses, some actually lived in. Then down, down back to the Vans to find a path back up! Over the ‘Defective Bridge’ actually totally collapsed so most paddled through the stream. Then on up a wonderful old sunken lane with high banks covered in primroses to pass a house with feral children and hens to the road back to Pentewan and the very nice Ship Inn.

Great! I think we’ll come again.

Stella

WW 19th March 2025

 

Froggy went a courtin' ... no Miss Mousey for him!

Still plenty of light to set out from Kit Hill - no need for torches, for a bit. To do the traditional round - widdershins. All super dry - don't suppose it will rain in March now. Round to the quarry, no wild swimmers but certainly signs of life; even a few tadpoles. Windily round and up to the stack with really fabulous views. Facing due west was out of the wind and a jolly good spot for a leisurely cuppa. No moon so all the stars, and planets, were out. Satellites zoomed here and there and right on time the ISS soared over, some time since we have seen that. Down a bit and steadily round to South Kit Hill Mine. Reading the noticeboard is sounds like a huge amount of effort for little reward. Keeping going round then up the trackway to Excelsior Tunnel. It all looked securely gated. Hard to believe it was used as part of research for the ending of nuclear testing. (No nuclear devices set off here.) Soon back to the cars and on to Callington.

Super nice to see Peter and Kath and a very warm welcome in their 'pub'. Progress sounds steady if frustratingly slow. It must be very hard when you have been just so active and super fit. Best wishes to both.

A most pleasant evening out in that Kernow.

TWW 18th March 2025

 

What a great day for a moorland walk!

We set off from Bennett’s Cross with 10 TWWs and one four-legged friend, the sun, plus a cold easterly wind that came too, both vying for our attention as to who was the most powerful on the day to put us off, neither succeeded!

Our walk followed the Two Moors Way, beginning with us skirting Hurston Ridge on our left and to our right, out of sight, north Walla Brook. This path nicely took us onto Chagford Common and the site of a long double stone row that gently sloped down in the direction we were to take before reaching Hurston where we had our cuppa at the side of a small lake. Some V.I.P TWWs secured upgraded seating and a picnic bench for the stop, others had to contend with the economy class log to sit on, however, both sections of us enjoyed the peaceful environment equally.

Leaving this ‘Tranquillity Base’, we moved on and through Lingcombe, then via a trackway to Jurston, on the way passing buildings, some that had been renovated to high standards, others were ‘work in progress’.

With a big step up a stonewall into an adjoining field, we moved onto Lettaford, passing areas set aside for organic food growing or animals, such as sheep, chickens or Jersey cattle.

The fields lead to a stile adjacent to the main road and Leppra Cross, to move onward to Moor Gate and West Combe that seemed to be missing the usual running ducks, but still had its typical farm look with faded once useful stone buildings, rusting implements of a past era and an assortment of present-day utility vehicles.

We were now faced with a long steep climb up to Combe Down. It was on this climb that we stopped by a small and derelict farm building for our picnic, partly out of the east wind sat on dry (for once) mossy stones. By now we were too hungry to worry about our companion from the east as eating took priority now.

At least the picnic gave us the fuel to carry on across the Down to the top and down following a wall to cross the Firth Bridge Road to pick up the continuing dusty path, keeping Birch Tor in sight to our left and eventually back to where we started at Bennett’s Cross.

Thankfully the ‘10’ + furry friend made it back safely to look forward to another TWW route in the future.

Charlie   

WW 12th March 2025

 

A return to old stomping grounds for me. 30 years ago I would have been running round here twice a week. Now it’s a slow walk with poles!

Setting off in the direction of Double Waters we eventually came to the track down to Grenofen Bridge - what has been happening here? - huge ruts carved through the soft ground - farmers on tractors or off roaders? One thing is for sure it will never recover to the nice grassy track it once was. On down and over the bridge to turn right on the path to the cycle track. The walkway before Gem Bridge has been completely rebuilt at some expense, very smart. On past the big swing so beloved by Terry, then over the bridge to find the track diagonally down towards Magpie bridge. Always boggy here but the huge viaduct seemed further from the car park than usual. Keeping to the right above the boggy ground in the valley bottom it was up, up to the car park.

Despite being the only ones in the Farmers' Bar of the Rock we were made welcome and served pints to round off the evening.

Mike

TWW 11th March 2025

 

They do say it’s a good idea to recce a walk before the actual day.  Well for once this had been done and a goodly chunk of the proposed route was discarded – well actually sank without trace in an impenetrable bog.

So on the day we set off from the Old/New Inn car park at Widecombe forewarned with some ideas of where to go to make up for the lost section.  Well the old adage came back to haunt me – no I hadn’t recced these bits.  Oh well.

Back to the beginning.  Up the road, stopping to admire the ‘Miol’ stone marking the distance the French paroled Officers were allowed to go from the centre of Widecombe.  Then up onto the open moor – and yes it was ‘up’, lots of it and very steep – sorry it wasn’t just an attempt to kill off the group, honest!   Finally the heights of Honeybag Tor were achieved with magnificent views on this cool but occasionally sunny day.  The unrecced idea was now to head to Hedge Tor however viewing the down and then up the leader decided to abandon this.  

On then down and up to Chinkwell.  And yes, the idea was to try and find the unrecced DS stone marking Slades Well.  A bit of wandering around and then this too was abandoned, though one intrepid explorer did manage to find the marker and provided photographic evidence once they caught up.  A welcome coffee stop on the top of Chinkwell and then on.

Down past Bell Tor, across the road to visit Bonehill Rocks before heading on to cross another road.  The next point was Top Tor to admire more views then to Pil Tor.  Skirting back above Hollow Tor and viewing down on to the previously abandoned route of the impossible bog.  Picking up the road down into Widecombe, passing the lovely restored Northway Farm looking mighty fine – I can remember when it was a true Dartmoor farm complete with brood of puppies in the barn. 😊  And I’m sure it was originally a Medieval longhouse!

A welcome drink and lunch at the Old/New Inn – one day I will remember it’s name and find out why I get it confused.  There was a little wait as an unexpected coach party had arrived.   And yes, I will try to remember to recce everything in future, honest!

Jane

WW 5th March 2025

 

Well that turned into a proper weird, spooky evening.

The stars and the Worm Moon were shining brightly once again as we set off from Dunnabridge. Out along the Postman's Path by Brimpts mine to find a track toward the menhir. All fine as Lough Tor Man stood proud with the moon and Jupiter above. A perfect opportunity for astral navigation; so with a clear sighting of Polaris off we set. But, of course, as soon as we did the mist crept in and all the planets and stars disappeared. Nevermind, soon up to Laughter Tor and across to the wall. Down, down, down hoping to hear snuffling and squeaking from the boar. Over the stile and a quiet cuppa - but nothing. Note to self: must check on precisely what boar poo looks like. Round the tracks and up to pop out beneath Bellever Tor. Soon at the top with the planets and stars back again - where had they been? Heading back and it got a bit strange. All the stars, planets and bright moon shone so clearly but we were enveloped in mist - how can that be? Care needed to get back to the car and on to the Two Bridges. The bar was deserted but a commoners meeting was taking place so we were easily served. Sitting by the remnants of the log fire a strange object. Turns out it is a clockwork roasting jack, very interesting. And home, still in the mist with stars above and an owl sitting in the road. Luckily we did not see a black cat.

Another real, proper, Dartmoory evening.

TWW 4th March 2025

 

Sometimes things all line up perfectly. - I am not talking about those planets we have all been gazing at, but the fact there was no firing on the northern ranges, the weather was sunny, the sky was clear, and there was virtually no wind. How good was that?

Now I am not a man enamoured of track walking, but we nevertheless set off from Rowtor car park in a southerly direction following military roads, and with a few turns eventually ended up at Dinger Tor. This was so enhanced by the views of distant tors to identify that all that hard surface was hardly noticed.

A stop for a coffee at Dinger then on to some softer ground for the gentle ascent of High Willhays. The usual talk of which was highest, High Willhays or Yes Tor ensued, as wherever you view the two from it is always Yes Tor which looks higher. On reaching the summit of Yes Tor we sighted across the trig point and there it was High Willhays standing a good 2m higher. Then it was on down to West Mill Tor, Rowtor and the cars as the air started to become less clear.

A pint and a cheap ‘Spoons’ lunch in the White Heart.

What a superb day out!

Mike.

WW 26th February 2025

 

To a world of frogs, stars and planets.

A cooling nor' wester greeted us at Leeden Tor car park but the promise of a starlit evening was too good to miss. Up Leeden and on to find the track down to Lydford Tor. A tad early but the tramway bridge was a sheltered spot for a cuppa. Venus still super bright in the evening sky with the other planets lining up. A good time to see them as we will have to wait until 2040 for another planetary alignment. Up quite easily to the railway track and round. Frogs and frog spawn everywhere - goodness me they have been busy, hope a frost doesn't catch them. The cars made it quite easy to find the track to Devil's Elbow. Over the road to inspect the work to slow the Meavy - seems to be working a bit. Out by way of the rifle range to Hart; the moor is just so, so wet at the moment. Down the wide track to the metal bridge under Black and along the leat. Soon time to wander back up to the road and cars.

All that frog and planet spotting meant we missed the pub, but worth it on such a nice evening.