WW 1st April 2026

 

Lovely and light to head up Joey's Lane, such a relief after a long dark winter. Quite cool but all very nice to ascend Sheepstor - always a good spot. Down the back with the track clear and along. No sign of the Pink Moon but I am sure it was helping light the way. Down to the corner and round - what is that? A huge dung beetle dragging some food into its burrow. More down for a nice cuppa at Deancombe as the owl hooted. By now the light was easing so time for headtorches as the mist and mizzle came in. Then two sharp eyes reflecting on our beams, then two more. Seemed too sparkly and sprightly for sheep - could is be a fox. No, two roe deer slowly heading into the trees - nice. To the road and then up past Narrator Farm onto the contouring track round Sheepstor. Soon(ish) back to the lane gate and to the cars. After 9.30 so a slight hope of a pint. The Burrator Inn was open and welcoming as those in red joined us. So, we did get a drink! And even stayed until we were virtually thrown out.

Nice to be back in these light evenings - so many to come.

TWW 31st March 2026

 

Leaving home in heavy mist I was expecting a challenging and limited visibility route finding walk ahead of today!  However, to my joy, arriving at the RV, The Warren House Inn, the sky had cleared, it was pretty warm too, so really good to go for a rare dry walk.

From the main road we cut up to what I assumed to be an old mining gert before turning right to follow the path running parallel to Hurston Ridge and onto and across part of Chagford Common. This eventually took us to the edge of Fernworthy Forrest and the road surrounding most of Fernworthy Reservoir.

On the adjacent green overlooking the water, there were some convenient picnic benches that fitted the bill for our morning cuppa and a birdsong serenade, plus, a piece of birthday cake and a homemade scone kindly supplied by two of our group – very tasty indeed!

Calories loaded, drinks drunk, we picked up the path surrounding the reservoir, noting that there was no water over flow down the dam face which was a visual shame. However, we carried our disappointment with us and followed the path until the road again, before turning right and ever upward into the forest, passing the ‘rearranged’ (by past Victorians) stone row along the way.

Soon we were back out onto open moorland again, and a view that would do justice to an African Savanna, only the lions were missing thankfully!

Now keeping to a well-trodden path we could see on the horizon the Cairn on Water Hill, our marker that was to lead us back down to the Warren House Inn and some well deserved liquid and solid nourishment.

Charlie

WW 25th March 2026

 It was forecast to be very windy and cold so a low level walk seemed sensible, as it happened the worst of the weather had blown through. I used to run this route the other way round with a few extra hilly bits thrown in back in the days when I lived in Horrabridge. Lots of water erosion on the riverbanks and numerous trees down in the woods since then.

On along the Walkham in fading light to Grenofen Bridge then following the river upstream on the other bank, past the lovely funnel falls, as far as double waters. A short stop for a cuppa whilst watching a few bats flying up and down the river, I would have thought it was still too cold for them. On up the road past Bucktor to the top of the hill with a bright quarter moon and several stars now showing. Next following the track with the huge tractor ruts towards Denham Bridge but turning right to find the path down to old railway bridge over the cycle track. And so on to the cars.

High hopes of a pint in The London Inn but just after 9.30 and all was in darkness. Maybe things will improve in the summer!

      Mike

TWW 24th March 2026

 

That was a walk in the clouds.......and the drizzle and the WIND, oh the wind! No wonder no wonder the rest of the world was sitting at home in the warm.
But us oldies don't do that, do we? We have to show the world we're better than that!!
So, down the steep up/down hill to find the sad looking Leapra  Cross, on through the fields to the timeless West Coombe farm, now showing signs of tidying up the decades of rubble and old metal.
The ash house has been cleaned up and now used as an animal shelter. More fields to the organic farm where there are HALF chickens roaming! Pardon!!   And a very friendly smallish cow called Tessa who loved the top of her head tickled. More fields and mud, ancient gnarled trees, a very windy coffee break and through the calmer path to beautiful Heather Combe.
Then the inevitable climb upwards, no time to look for three fishes but out on to the brake into gale force winds and ever increasing low cloud.
Slight difference of opinion as to whether to slide right or carry on but eventually we reached the corner of the "lacy" wall, still standing, and then a straightforward walk back the cars.

And all the time getting wetter and wetter.

Warren House was not too busy, always efficient, food mostly very good before setting off home to warm up.

What fun!  We must do it all again sometime.

Brenda

WW 18th March 2026

Warmest day of the year, so pop up to Princetown for a nice balmy starlit walk. BUT, it was absolutely perishing!

Never mind, got to be done. No need for torches to head out along the wide track to Hart. It is a really popular way with plenty of mud. The light gently eased and all the stars popped out - very nice. Down to the hairy stone as the ISS soared overhead - a perfect sighting. And to think that for nearly six hours two astronauts had been space walking to fix the solar panels. A reminder of just how clever folk can be if they so choose. Up to Cramber with the lights of Plymouth glowing and the Eddystone on the blink again. Straight into the strong easterly now so it was well below freezing. The trig point hove into view (thank goodness) and a snipe shot up. Along, along to South Hessary which seemed a long way into the sharp wind. And down the track to the Plume. All lit up, doors open and a first - Bill was sat there nursing his pint. BUT, it was actually shut - closes at 9pm apparently and not due to extend its hours until the 1st May.

Hey Ho, but a most pleasant, starlit walk.

TWW 17th March 2026

 

A bit disappointing that several couldn’t make it. So a select group of 7 congregated in Pentewan Car Park. The day promised well with mild air and the occasional glimpse of sun, alas not to last but it didn’t rain. Across the busy road to find the footpath by Barton Farm which had been obliterated by huge tractor wheel tracks. Up, up briefly into New Road Plantation and out onto a a very gloopy track to cross the road into a very well appointed caravan park with lovely views out to sea.

As we’d missed coffee at the lovely Little Bay Cafe - not open till May, we had a very nice interlude in the Heligan cafe. Heading down through Heligan woods we glimpsed an enormous and magnificent Fox ready to pounce. Brilliant!

Arriving at Mevagissey we were greeted by a chilly wind however it was very pleasant sitting on the Quay watching the boats eating our fish and chips. While one seagull with a gammy leg was playing the sympathy card another attacked from behind to nick a bit of Raz’s fish.

Time to head back along the coast path. Spring was very defiantly sprung with primroses, celandines, violets in full bloom and the three cornered Cornish leek just coming out. The blackthorn was in full flower while the leaves of the hawthorn were that lovely fresh Green.

All in all a good day out.

Stella

WW 11th March 2026

Wow we could actually see the shape of the surrounding land as we set off. Evenings are drawing out.

Across to the Yellowmead track by the amazing survival tree, and then up to Hollow Tor. The mast at North Hessary always seems near from there but always takes ages to get to.
After a clamber up the Tor to admire the clarity of the evening in the chilly breeze it was on a compass bearing to get us to Foggin Tor Quarry. Staring down from the edge in the dark was like looking into the Grand Canyon. Down to the track and then south for a few yards to pick up the old Princetown railway track to take us round to just below King Tor. Down to the stream and back up to the cars.
The chosen pub was The Witty (given up on Princetown ) and it was OPEN - first evening pint for at least a month!
      Mike

TWW 10th March 2026

Cold East cross was living up to its name COLD!

Off we set across the road and up past up past The Nut Crackers (now defunct as the Logan stone was toppled by vandals back in the day).

Up to Rippon Tor with its panoramic views. Those in the know pointed out the recumbent cross just below the tor, it looks as if it was an attempt to carve a cross which had failed! On down to Hemsworthy gate and up to Top Tor where shelter was found for a cuppa. On then to Pil Tor and Tunhill Rocks to find the stony track to Blackslade Ford. Following a muddy track along the wall past Williams Well (always a disappointment, difficult to see and only recognisable by the corrugated iron surrounding it). Down through the wood, over the lovely stone bridge and then up across Buckland Common on a deteriorating track which finished as a rather prickly experience. Following the wall to Buckland Beacon - another fine viewpoint. A quick look at the Ten Commandment stones, the lettering now easily readable due to the fairly recent renovation. Back along the wall to follow the boundary stones to the cars.
At the Rugglestone our table awaited us, despite the lack of a £50 deposit. The food was good and no fuss with the service. Always nice to visit.
      Mike

WW 4th March 2026

 

Well, where to go? With a full Worm Moon due, and needing a totally guaranteed open pub, Peter Tavy seemed a good choice.

So out from the quarry with a surprisingly cool east wind. The odd star out and glimpses of the mast bode well. Up the rubbly track and out onto the open moor. Along, along to Stephen's Grave as the mist started to appear. Up the old track and on. Heading up to the ramparts when a terrifying shout was heard. "Halt, advance and be recognised!" We were all terrified. But we soldiered on (HoHo) and never saw a soul. By now all was mist as is usual on our evenings. Into the hill fort and then, quite suddenly it appeared. A really beautiful orange moonrise - aren't we lucky. Totally mesmerizing as the mist swirled around. Too cold for a cuppa so down, down seeking out the wall. To the gate to Grass Lane and more down to the road. We even met two other evening walkers. Over Broadmoor Brook and the pull up by the wall. Back to the cars and on to the promised pub. Only just past half nine so absolutely guaranteed a pint. BUT, the Peter Tavy Inn was all dark and locked up. Bother, will we ever get a pint on a  Wednesday evening?

But it really had been a super atmospeheric evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 3rd March 2026

 

Jon got his legs out!

The weather forecast a dry day so we set off in light rain. From the Scout Hut, up the Eylesbarrow track, peeled off to Lower Harter Tor where we had coffee with a 360 degree view.
Somebody mentioned the Three Wise Monkeys?
On again to the spectacular antiquities of Drizzlecombe. Ditsworthy Warren & Edward’s path back to the car, collecting dozens of spent cartridges & flares before sending Brenda in to the Scout Hut to repatriate them to the army personnel. Seems that she was lost for words after an encounter with an attractive young man! Back to the cars & sojourned to the Walkhampton inn for lunch.

Amber & Colin

WW 25th February 2026

 

Always an adventure to set out from Whiteworks on a winter's evening. A real pea souper so those pesky piskies were well up to their tricks.

Down by the huge boulder and wanderingly about to the vital gate. Into the mire and a new stream crossing point - pretty good with a nice rock to help. Up the pony track, who knows where into the gloop. Surely Goldsmith' s must be there somewhere - but no, must have gone for winter maintenance. Up and over the wall and into the gert to seek shelter for a cuppa. For a brief moment it appeared as if the mist was lifting - but not to be. Round and tussockly about to Whealham Bottom Cross then steadily up to Hand Hill - always a nice find. Down back to the Nun's Cross track, over the leat and even more wanderingly back. Into Princetown where all was shut up as usual.

A proper Dartmoor evening.

TWW 24th February 2026

 

For a change it was over the Tamar and into Cornwall for our walk starting in Rilla Mill to explore the River Lynher, the Colquite Woodland, Stara Wood, Sutton and Plushabridge.

We were fortunate to have a day without rain, something unusual this year. Our walk started through the Colquite Wood looking down on a very full Lynher down the valley passing old quarries climbing to Uphill having passed Westcott House. The roadside adorned with snowdrops and the occasional daffodil. It was then down through the wood to the bridge crossing the river allowing us to explore Broad Wood and climb to the shelter where the volunteers gather who maintain the community owned woodlands, where morning coffee was taken.

It was then down again to the bridge to cross the river and continue through Stara wood until we reached a County Bridge which we crossed and then we mounted our first stile to allow us to follow the river along it on the righthand side which eventually took us back into Rilla Mill.

The walk continued  climbing short but steep steps and the increasing number of stiles to take us out of the valley again, as we crossed three fields to enable us to

walk through Sutton, passing Sutton House, and the through the fields to drop down to Plushabridge before crossing more stiles and fields to return once more to Rilla Mill and The Manor House for lunch.

Peter M

TWW 17th February 2026

 

Ten intrepid souls met up on a cool but dry day.  First stop was Cadover Cross for a photocall and then we were off on the search for lettered stones and, of course, longhouses (this is my walk after all).

Around and along the ridge, of Wigford Down, searching vaguely for the first ‘L’ stone which didn’t seem to be where it was supposed to be so we settled for a rather fine cairn and cist instead.  Onward then to cross over the Neolithic enclosure banks (yes I know, everyone thinks it’s an Iron age Hill Fort, but it now seems it’s not!) and out to the Dewerstone Hill Tor.  The weather was even fine enough for a clear view of the sea and the Plymouth Breakwater.

Some very interesting carvings on the tor – examples of early graffiti maybe, though one says “Carrington – Obit Septembris MDCCCXXX”.  – Dartmoor Poet Noel Thomas Carringotn who wrote ‘The Banks of the Tamar’ and ‘Dartmoor’.

Back along the ridge to finally find a ‘L’ stone.  L for Lopes recording the boundary between Lopes (Maristowe) and Scoble land.  Following these through some lovely gorsey brush we then emerged at ………   wait for it…… a longhouse.  Coffee had been ordered but there was no one home so we had to resort to sitting on the banks and enjoying what we had brought with us.

Feeling refreshed we attempted to find some more ‘L’ stones whilst wading through some gloriously muddy boggy bits.  Pausing only to give Urgles Cross, in the distance, a quick wave.  Having reached the road we had another vain search for a bench mark before heading down the road to find the first of the next lot of stones ‘BA’.  We followed these up the hill and visited a second Longhouse (someone got really excited!).

The “Peak” of Wigford Down was reached and another fine cairn visited.  No more Ba Ba stones (not a black sheep to be seen) – BA for Buckland Abbey – not the ancient variety of Abbey but marking the boundary of the Drake family’s ownership of Buckland Abbey.

It was then a straightforward meander down, past the old clay pits, now fishing ponds, and back to the cars.  And onwards to the Walkhampton Inn for another fine lunch.  The weather had been good to us with no rain, but no sun until we were sat in the pub, but we were grateful that we only had wet feet and the rest stayed dry.

Jane

WW 11th February 2026

 

Well that was a" stilish" walk, and by that I mean too many of them, wet, slippery, rotten and wobbly!

Are they really all necessary?
Anyway through the slippery, Spidey woods, the Cowsic river raging just below until out on the track to Beardown farm, past the empty and very dark campsite and up to the rather smelly woods and past large smelly cows.
All's well and out to the moors, a track was chosen and followed.
The dark seemed to get darker and there was a bit of confusion as to which direction we needed. As you know I only like "Down"!
A bit of toing and froing we found the desired gate, in the middle of a bog and from there the foot bridge over the leat.
Following the path, very reasonable condition considering past weather conditions.
This is another path that seems interminable until reaching woodland above Crockern cottage.
Finally out on the track past the farm, deciding to "trespass" on their very potholed driveway and back to the cars.
Two Bridges Hotel in total darkness, both entrances barriered off, no geese to be seen.
So, one shut, two to go, on to the Plume, also shut. On to the Prince, always open, No also shut!!
There's definitely something wrong with the country if all the pubs are closed.    HELP !!
Brenda

TWW 10th February 2026

 Will we be back in three hours? That’s the limit on the car park unless you pay double. Ever confident I said yes.

Quite a pleasant morning, not too windy and some blue sky in evidence. Off over the dam where we could see a couple of men in an inflatable doing work on the reservoir outlet. Round the path on the south side of the reservoir and on past Vellake Corner where the Okement was thundering spectacularly down the ravine. Past the enclosure and on towards Black Tor Copse. The selected path up toward the tor was so wet it was easier to walk in the tussock at the side. A stop for coffee in the lee of the tor, then pressing on ( ever conscious of that three hour cut off ) along the rocky track which was completely submerged in places. As we rounded Longstone Hill the rain which up toward then had been quite light, suddenly turned very heavy, fortunately it was mostly behind us. Down the steep path to the dam which at its steepest was slippery enough for Olympic snowboarding.
On to the White Heart which was very welcoming with good food and busy with locals - just what we needed.
Mike

WW 4th February 2026

 

Now that was dark, I mean really really dark, d-a-r-k. And windy, I mean really really windy, w-i-n-d-y. But, somehow, the promised rain never turned up. 

Out from Ringmoor and round by Brisworthy Plantation to the wall. Along, along seeking out the track when the stone circle popped out - that was nice. Following the track faithfully, over the ford and by the wall to seek out the vital gateway. Up to Legis which just about emerged from the blackness. Over the fence by the wobbly, pony eaten, stile and on straight into the easterly. And over to Ditsworthy Warren, the only place for shelter and a warming cuppa. The moon was scheduled to rise but not a peep, not the faintest glow. Along the refurbed track and up to Gutter. No sign of soldiers this evening, must be just too dark and windy for them. Along, along and a lot more along the interminable track back to the cars.

On to the ever reliable Burrator Inn - which was shut. So on to the ever reliable Rock which was welcoming and open. 

And then as we left the pub the heavens opened yet again. A grand evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 3rd February 2026

 

13 people braved the weather today. With heavy showers forecast, a leaden sky & very squelchy under foot we headed around Cox Tor towards Peter Tavy with a very slippery, muddy descent towards the disused Peter Tavy swimming pool where we celebrated Colin’s birthday with wine & muffins. To our consternation we learnt that the footpath via Godsworthy farm was a quagmire of cow poop so a quick re routing steered us clear of that navigational nightmare. Still a lot of water & mud on the ground after 2 months of rain & storms but we managed to cross the streams though not everyone kept their footing on the downhills. The last stretch was up the flank of Cox Tor where the wind caught us full on & a nicely refreshing rain shower to finish off. The day rounded out nicely with a visit to The Old Police Station in Princetown for mammoth portions of fish & chips.

Amber & Colin

WW 28th January 2026 - annual dinner

 

TWW 27th January 2026

 

Divide and Conquer ?!

Not the usual start from Sourton Church, but instead heading south down the A386 a short way before crossing the fields to Cleave and the old A30.  The stile here provided a bit of a challenge to those of lesser stature and mobility!  A short way down the road we turned onto the lane past Quarry Cottage to Sourton Quarry.  This limestone quarry originally produced building stone but in the 19th, century was producing quick lime for agricultural use.  The quarry was abandoned in 1906  when it suddenly flooded, and it is now a nature reserve leased by the Devon Wildlife Trust.  Onwards and upwards till we reached the road and headed for Lake. Crossing the A386 and followed the footpath under Lake Viaduct where we found a sheltered spot to stop for a brew.

Suitably (?) refreshed, we set off to ascend Lake Down.  However, some found the climb a little too challenging and opted to return to the cars via the Granite Way.  Others carried on up to the ridge and then on to Sourton Tors. The wind was really beginning to blow at this point and the short hail shower was really quite uncomfortable, though at least the wind was more or less behind us.  From here, some opted for the direct route back to the cars while others (well one of us) followed the planned route via the ice works to reach the cars not long after the others.

From there it was a short drive to the Fox and Hounds for a well deserved lunch.

Phil

WW 21st January 2026

 

It’s so much harder in the dark!

Just do my familiar route from Merrivale the opposite way round I thought. Easy!

So up to the end of the stone rows. Why is it so rocky and hut circles? We got there but at the other end. Then by a circuitous and very soggy route down to the stream which tonight  was a rushing river. All made it across safely and on to the wall to lead us to the path up to the railway line. Missing out the planned climb up to King’s we went west to find Hucken. The Piskies were at it again so we missed the main bit but found the ladder over the wall into the fields to explore the rest of the dramatic rocks that make up the Tor. Down through the woods we heard the roar of the river Walkham long before we saw it. Along the track which was more stream than path. It was good to see lights on in Longash Farm with warnings of children and animals but nothing about naked men!

We soon saw the blazing lights of the Dartmoor Inn. Not worth seeing if they were still open at 9.15 so on to the Whitty which was open after their New Year break.

Very Nice.

Stella

TWW 20th January 2026

 

Well, that was wet, wet and even wetter. T'was windy, windy, and more windy at the top of Bellever Tor!

We do seem to pick days to walk that nobody, nobody in their right mind would ever do. Do you think "age" is making us a bit stupid ? Or is it because we've seen it all, done it all and just don't care anymore? I think we just love a challenge and to be outside whatever the weather. Of course we like to be "alone" on the moors too, don't we?

We parked up at the incredibly small car park and struggled up the waterlogged track, surrounded by fallen trees, chopped down trees and mud, mud and more mud. Finally out on to the track that leads to southern boundaries of Bellever Forest, a little respite here  from the wind and out to follow the track/wall to the large galvanised tank that always has the most clearest of water. Small delay whilst Huey negotiated the locked gate and off up the track to Laughter Tor. Not the way I wanted to go but silent glum faces and a mutinous atmosphere made me aware I'd better watch it !!

Quick photo call and glancing look at the two memorials and we turned down again by the wall to get back to the relative calm of the forest. Found a lovely damp mossy bank to have a belated drink before setting off up the slippery steps and up the track to the most beloved and popular tor on the moors. Don't think the spiritual gods of Bellever wanted company today. It did it's best to blow us off. Back down the well worn track and back to the relative calmer forest.
Getting back to the cars just as it started with horizontal hail turning to sleet.

Back to the near empty PofW. They did their best to please us, but we were still wet and cold so left the socialising to those that only joined us for lunch!

I've decided against doing any more walks this winter!!!!!😉😜

Brenda

WW 14th January 2026

 

A True Classic: Cox, Dip, Roos, Great, Middle, Little.

Well, it seemed as though it would be another damp, gloopy, misty evening. But at Pork Hill a few brave stars had popped out, a gentle southerly breeze and quite good visibility. Up to Cox, always a nice spot although usually a lot windier. Down through the thufurs to Beckamoor Dip - a sacred pool. Nice views with just a tinge of light. Round and up to Roos without its red flag. Great Staple Tor clearly visible with the lights of Plymouth behind. Up and on to Middle. Some plinky plonky rain tried to arrive - you know the sort of rain you can really only detect with your hood up. Over to Little and across the brook and back. Just as the proper rain started to arrive.

All in all, rather a pleasant evening to be out to all the so, so familiar places.

TWW 13th January 2026

 

Another rainy day loomed and hoods up as we left the Arboretum carpark and trudged towards the first farm at Narrator. Mossy shapes below the dripping trees revealed more questions than answers. Who was WIFF, letters carved on a boulder, above a small incised cross in what would have been a garden plot ?

Was it "wife" ? Or a pet. Or maybe the unfortunate son William Jackman struck by lightning in 1882. The last family to live there were the Watkins. They supplemented their income greeting summer guests. They reported an abundance of snakes, indoors and out ! No connection to guests!!

Here too the last known pine marten in this area was seen in the1950s.

Moving on now past the low ruins of farm buildings and the upturned granite trough and up along the grassy track beside the Roughtor Plantation and with Sheepstor behind us. The weather had brightened nicely and using committee guidance we picked our way down into the Narrator Brook Valley floor and over the stile at the bottom and a faint track up into the complex of Outholme/Outcome Farm unmarked on the map except for "blowing house". Lived in by Crebers 1741 'til 1849. This was a lovely spot for birthday flapjack and cuppa, lichen bunting all around and low walls on which to pitch. (Dartmoor Explorations gives a detailed photo essay on this intriguing site, unbeknown at time of visit.)

Along the Narrator Brook valley side and over the lively flow up to the diminishing Combeshead Farm with its sturdy convenience !! Last inhabited farm in Burrator catchment. William Pengelly refused to leave until he died in 1931.

Across to Deancombe now where enough evidence of buildings for a good sized hamlet were found. 

Staddlestones, a knife grinder support and a trough suggest a thriving community. Farming and tin mining supporting generations from the 14th century. 

Off along the track now to the well preserved barn at Middleworth Farm and to finish the walk off, a quick scramble up to the stunning tors of Little Down and Snappers and their beautiful views across Burrator Reservoir.

Still dry we drove off down to the Walkhampton Inn where we had a lovely lunch and 10 clean plates showing our appreciation !!

Anne

WW 7th January 2026

 

Now that was quite a change. After four days of lying snow and ice all back to normal. Nice and misty and gloopy to set out from Oakley Cottage. All the snow has gone - who knows where? Steadily up to Pew, which loomed large, and down the track, across the leat to Feather. To Windy Post - always a nice spot whatever the weather. Along the leat for a nice cuppa sat on the wheelwright's stone. Round the bend by the aqueduct. Perhaps crossing the leat a bit too early as the pixies tried their best. Windily down to the Vixen Tor ramparts where the super strong locked gate could easily be opened. But no; down and round. Must have gone underneath Heckwood I suppose. Dim lights of Pew Tor Cottage showed the turning point back to Pew and down. So, goodly time for a refreshing pint in the Whitty. But, NO, all well shut up for a winter break.

A pleasant, mild, proper Dartmoory evening.

TWW 6th January 2026

 

What a lovely day for a walk. Cold but sunny, and crunchy underfoot with a sprinkling of snow on hard frosty ground. Five healthy souls gathered at the Tamar Trails Car Park having negotiated slippery roads and driveways to get there.

Taking the first left we descended steeply down uneven steps through the remains of the Bedford United Mine. Interesting holes and tunnels. Through beautiful mixed woodland. Still and quiet, very different to when it was working in the 1800’s.

Popping out on the nice wide path with icicles hanging from the rock face along the river past Blanchdown Farm. Then turning right onto an unmarked track we climbed up into the sun and out on to the bare arsenic spoil heaps. Lovely views over surrounding farm land but not a place to stop for coffee so on up to the main path to find a welcome bench. Then despite the dire warning of death we explored the Weal Anna Marie Calciner Complex.

Then on up to find Jon’s swing. Wonderful!

Back down for a quick stop at the Old Mine Office with a photo of my lovely, late next door neighbour Phil Hut who was head forester for the Duke of Bradford. He and the Earl developed the Bradford / Hut planting plan so that there was continuous cover in the forest despite regular commercial felling. He was a prisoner of the Japanese working on the Changi Railway in the war. An amazing man. He was determined to live to 104 like his mother but disappointingly died just before his 100th birthday.

Back to the car park in good time and on to a very nice lunch at the Blacksmiths.

Stella