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