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