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.