We started from a dry but chilly Combestone Tor. Across the road and upwards, gently, passing
medieval field boundaries and bronze age reaves. Stopping to inspect hut circles, cairns and
the fine RD,H/PUDC stones. Richard
Dawson, Holne and Paignton Urban District Council. These mark the 700 acres of Holne Moor that
was purchased from Richard Dawson for £11 per acre for the construction of
Venford reservoir that was completed in 1907.
There are 52 stones altogether – a project maybe for another day.
Onwards and upwards, crossing Sandy Way path to summit
Ryder’s Hill, pausing to inspect the trig point, Petre’s boundstone
(Buckfastleigh) and a Holne boundary stone. Then back a bit to seek shelter from the breeze in a convenient girt to
enjoy a cuppa. And to admire another BS
for Buckfastleigh, known as Bourne’s pit apparently – presumably where we were sitting,
no idea who Bourne was. 😊
On then above Mardle head, admiring the leaky dams being put
in to slow water flow – and there was a lot of water about, though fortunately
not falling out of the sky at that point.
A walk around the girts associated with Ringleshuts mine to pick up the
track to Horn’s Cross. A favourite
passing place – not looking too cross today.
And then our leader decided on a detour to try and locate
the Two Thorns Cross Socket – which despite some peoples claims this had
nothing to do with a well known Davy!
The socket could not be located and neither could the small triple stone
row – mainly due to the leaders navigation skills ending up backwards. A swift easy return to the cars – was that a
breakaway group already there? Did they
get fed up with the search for Davy? Or
just eager to get to the pub??
Off to the Two Bridges for lunch in the posh restaurant bit
– Sadly the Forest Inn is not open on Tuesdays until Easter.
Wot! No
Longhouses!!! No sorry (though I’m sure
you’re not!) not this time – maybe another day.
Jane