TWW 30th December 2025

 

THE WRONG WAY ROUND

Had a thought as I waited in the car park, ‘do it the other way round’, so we did.
It was bitterly cold with a stiff breeze blowing from the north-east. So suitably togged up, off we set along the track then following the fence to find the track over Black Dunghill. On to Horse Ford Cross and then the plod up to Conies Down Tor to find a bit of shelter for a cuppa. On then to Cowsic Head where the rest of the group were treated to a brief demonstration of my charade skills honed over Christmas. There was a suggestion that I do another at Beardown Man. Sorry definitely NOT in that cold.
A bit of zig- zagging to try and find tracks from Devils Tor to Lydford Tor, always a difficult one. From there down to the valley and along the track past the lonely tree to Cowsic bridge and up to the cars.
The Plume of Feathers was as busy as I have ever seen it, so a good job we had a table booked. Considering how few staff were on, the food came out in reasonable time and was good. The Prince of Wales now needs to up its game!

Mike

TWW 23rd December 2025

 

An intrepid group set out from the small car park beyond the Warren House Inn, well we think we did – there was a lot of murk around and not much view.  Across the road and up through the heather to, what may be, King’s Oven – or is that really the cairn on the top of Water Hill?  There is a debate as it is unlikely the Perambulation of 1240 would have sited an industrial complex (even if it existed in 1240) on the slope of the hill rather than the prominent landmark of the cairn.  Any which way we found the place and also ….. wait for it…… a rectangular feature that may be ………. a medieval longhouse!!!!  Woohooo!

Well, onwards and upwards, across Chagford Common until eventually, and thankfully, the stone row emerged from the mist. (Was I glad it was where I thought it was? – yes!). We stopped briefly to pose as Christmas elves perched on the stones and then headed back, roughly along the Two Moors Way. A welcome stop for a cuppa in a gully sheltering from the breeze.

Then down and across the road to visit Bennet’s Cross – yes he was as grumpy as ever – then on to wend our way up to cairn on Birch Tor.  All this was a bit hit and miss with very limited visibility and definitely no views.  Dropping down it cleared a bit and it was good to get out of the chilly breeze.  We found and passed by the ruins of Vitifer mine, across the stream and a last push up the hill to the cars.  Just a short hop up to the very busy Warren House Inn for a welcome lunch with the usual prompt service.

Jane

WW 17th December 2025

The evenings are drawing out - allegedly. Not much sign of it this evening.

Very dark and wet to set out from Tamar Trails - just one dog walker packing up to go home. Everywhere completely awash which makes it all look very clean - that and all the arsenic. No sound of an owl, just as well as a tiny mouse scurried out of the torchlight. Round the tramway to the calciners and up to seek out what must be one of the very best swings. Round and down on the very familiar trail. And back. A nice, properly wet evening to be there.

Next week the whole day will be drawing out, hopefully a nice cold, clear, dry winter to come.

TWW 16th December 2025

 

Exploring Callington’s History

Well what a surprise after what seems like weeks of rain it was a dry day!!

Starting from the FREE carpark we set off to Pencrebar to find the childhood home of a former Labour Leader and Plymouth Argyle fanatic, Michael Foot. The farm was also the site for the Foot’s Barn Theatre, unfortunately no longer in existence and there is no indication of where on the farm it was based.

It was then onto the Stagecoach road between Callington and Liskeard which descended to Callington Newbridge where the River Lynher was roaring through the bridge having carried many fallen tree trunks to block the bridge’s arches.

Crossing the main road we then followed the river through the woods where it seems the dogs are encouraged to swim in the river with there own access areas. It was then time for a quick drink before crossing the road to climb Cadson Bury Down to Cadson Bury Fort, an Iron Age hill fort created between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. And behold the sun came out to enhance the views.

The return to the start took us back up the Stagecoach road where everyone agreed the ascent was easier than the descent and if the road is anything to go by it would have been very uncomfortable which ever way you were travelling.

The walk finished it was off to The Swingletree for lunch.

Peter M.

WW 10th December 2025

 

Now that really was quite something ...

The day before had been so, so stormy but all was calm and mild at Meavy School, although the roads were still rivers. Out along and over the bridge. Round the bend at Marchant's Cross and up the lane. Yeo Farm was looking very Christmassy as we headed up the track by the fields. The bluebells are well tucked in but some shoots hinted at life to come. Over all the stiles and out under a full starlit sky. Soon at Sheepstor village and onto the dam which made a very peaceful stop for a cuppa. By the edge of a fully full reservoir where lots of quite large fish seemed to be resting near the edge. Over the roaring dam and down the water board track. The gate was not locked so in we went and down, down to get the full effect of the waterfall - what a sight! Along the muddy track and back to the cars for the usual warm welcome at the Burrator Inn.

All this rain has made some wonderful sights.

TWW 9th December 2025

I've said it before and I'll say it again!

When the going gets tough
The tough get going!
I think we were the only toughies out there.
So, meeting at Hexworthy Bridge, we gazed in awe at the white torrents of crashing water hurtling down the West Dart river, calming at the bridge where it spread out across the stones, where in summer children play and swim.

Over the fab bridge, over the wall stile and up and up behind the cottages and the "shut on a Tuesday" pub we finally  arrived at the Sherberton tarmacked track and down on the track to Fairy Bridge.
Easy peasy so far.
The moors looked almost unrecognisable, new rivers and streams, new islands and lakes .
So much water and nowhere for it to go, gurgling holes appeared, water trying to drain away. Like giant plugholes !!!!!
Let's see how the fairy is faring in this wild, wild weather. Think said fairy has left for warmer climes!! I do hope she comes back soon.
The bridge itself was crossable, but the far side a lake so, no go for us!
Decided to go as far as Swincombe Intake and Dam for a coffee break, but, no luck, all newly fenced off and gate padlocked.
That's it, had enough and retraced our steps back to the track and main lane.
Usual confrontation with local farmer who hasn't realised it's the season of Goodwill and back down the winding lane to the cars. Still safely on dry land, thankfully.
The Plume welcomed us warmly, service efficient and we ate hungrily!

Well we survived, we really do go out in all weathers. We could write a book!!!

Brenda

WW 3rd December 2025

 

After rather a pleasant day the forecast was for rain. But, actually it turned out rather nice with the almost full Cold Moon pushing through the clouds. Out from Norsworthy and up to Snappers with plenty of visibility. Down Tor was a bit cool as a solitary paralumen popped over Gutter Tor. Steadily up to Hingston Hill where the stone circle and row was as impressive as ever. Over to Combeshead to find shelter for a cuppa as a few drops of rain fell. Gently down to Cuckoo Rock and the most welcome contouring track down. Back to the cars and on - all most nice and uneventful. But, just what is that in the road? Whatever can it be? Running ducks - not something you see every day - although a dear wise 4 year old tells me they could just be normal ducks who were running. So, to the Burrator, as tastefully decorated as usual, for a pleasant pint.

TWW 2nd December 2025

 

The first edition of this walk was met with closed car parks, trails closed, tracks impassable due to forestry vehicles & mud to knee level.

The new & improved course set off from Dunnabridge pound under a threatening sky & days of torrential rain. Eight of us valiantly paddled our way to the top of Bellever Tor, took the Lych Way to Bellever where we had a somewhat sheltered spot for elevenses.

Our return journey along the Laughter Hole track was somewhat drier under foot but the heavens opened & by the time we reached the cars we were all soaked & looking forward to a warm welcome at the Plume of Feathers. The temperature had dropped to 3 C & the rain was now accompanied by sleet/snow. Lunch felt extra good!

Colin & Amber