TWW 28th January 2025

 

We gathered near the very expensive and very closed Dartmoor Inn for a walk planned to span both sides of the Walkham. Due to two days of extreme weather the river was in full flood with no chance of a crossing, added to which there was a strong west wind blowing, so an alternative route was hastily planned.

Up past Merrivale Quarry, closed long ago by asset stripping big business. Lots of set makers benches were passed on the way up to Great Staple Tor. ( they must have been hard men who worked them.) Staying in the lee of the tor we contoured round to face the wind on the way to the rather full dew pond. Next down and round below the clitter on Roos Tor. Where unfortunately Anne slipped and injured her wrist. What a long way it seems to the end of the enclosed land! It was then up to the restored stone circle which is now looking very unrestored with more stones lying down than standing up. Down towards the Walkham and the old enclosure with its multiple hut circles. Just a matter of following above the river latterly on the old leat and the track to the quarry.

The Whitty was closed for annual holidays so off to the ‘Spoons’ for a cheap pint and bite to eat, all impressed by their 10min. food delivery policy.

  Mike

WW 29th January 2025

It was the end of my challenge of walking two miles a day in January in aid of Cancer Research so I celebrated by walking my usual morning walk for my first Wednesday Walk for months. No nasty brambles, no fallen trees to climb over, no getting lost in the undergrowth, just a pleasant ramble around the woods.

Out from number 10, left up the hill to the farm passing the first patch of primroses heralding spring. On up, up the track to Morwell Rock. I have to say it’s now somewhat easier than when I started on January first. Every morning just as it’s getting light I have been accompanied by a Robin hopping in front of me on the path. There were two this morning so I guess he brought his new lady to meet me. Spring is definitely on the way.

A quick look out over the metropolis of Gunnislake and Delaware then turning right along the Tamar Valley AONB cycle track now clear of trees felled by last weeks storm thanks to the Morwellham path maintenance man with his snips and nice quiet battery operated chain saw.

Over the bridge to the Canal Portal, sad to see the deterioration the wonderful mechanics that controlled the flow of water along to Canal Cottage to operate the incline railway and the other way to the reservoir to feed the electric power station by the river.

Over the road past the reservoir the woods were quiet, dark and friendly to at last pop out onto the road. The Ship Inn now sadly closed for winter or maybe ever?  But there was the advantage of no light pollution to spoil the dark sky full of stars and planets. No satellites tonight.

Then back to the wood burner for beer and crisps. Very nice to be back.

Stella