TWW 30th June 2026

 

A basic route today, and as always, our RV, Combestone Tor, gave us it’s typical weather, black skies and a cool wind that promoted us to put on an extra layer before we descended down to the fields adjacent to Combestone Farm.

At the access gate to the field full of sheep, a distressed young sheep looked us in the eye for help – its mother was on the other side of the gate and it wanted to be re-united for a delayed breakfast. So, gate duly opened, the young sheep dashed through. We were touched to see the sheep do a ‘thanks mate’ leap, or maybe a mid-air klick of its hooves as it passed us!

From the farm we picked up the track where we passed an amazing display of wild orchids still in bloom, concentrated in a semi-wet patch. The track was a bit stoney rough, but at least mostly dried out from recent hot temperatures.

We stopped for a cuppa and snack on a grassy bank over looking Luckey Tor below and Sharp and Yar Tors in the far distant over the deep valley where the River Dart was starting its long journey. At one point during this stop heavy drizzle started, only to quickly stop for the sun’s return.

The track eventually took us to the Water Works and Venford Reservoir where we picked up the gated path by the side of the water, After we had ‘read’ all the gate warning notices / picture of dogs, that basically meant South West Water just about tolerated dogs. I didn’t explain this to Huey!

Leaving the reservoir via a style and an improvised escape hole in the railings (dogs only), we cut the walk slightly short to detour through thick bracken in the general direction of Horn’s Cross. This took us to a small steam where we had our picnics and Huey had a chance to cool down in the cool water and to play with a tennis ball, lost on its way to Wimbledon no doubt, but ‘served’ as a plaything whilst we ate.

By the time we reached Horn’s Cross the sun was in full heat as we looked at the heavy calibre bullet pock marks on the Cross’s granite surface, a reminder maybe of a different type of heat that would have been present during 1944.

All downhill now from the Cross, and back to the cars, have dodged a few showers, but thankfully no bullets, but a decent walk!

Charlie

WW 24th June 2026

 

So, where to go on a sultry, humid evening with no wind ?
Grenofen Bridge! that's where.
Under the trees, next to the river, relatively level. Perfecto !!
All went well,  the world, his family and pet dogs, all enjoying the coolness of an evening dip in the River Walkham before it joined the Tavy at Double waters.
The steep bit by Buckator was surprisingly not too bad and the track levelled out until breaking out through the rocks to Double Waters.
Off with shoes and socks and feet in water whilst refreshment taken.
Ah bliss!!
A few midges about but the fish weren't jumping and it was too early for bats.
Even the babies (fish) weren't interested in our feet like they usually are.
Quick discussion as to whether to return over the bridge and up hill or return the way we came.
We thought there was a fire but 'twas only a BBQ next to the river.
Most exciting thing of interest was a shiny Dung beetle or Dor beetle trying to rock a dollup of dog poo backwards and forwards. It gave up after a while and scuttled off in a proper strop.
So a rather pleasant evening.

Brenda

TWW 23rd June 2026

 

Now that was actually somewhat warm!

An early start for our holiday. To the super quiet Barbican for the 0915 ferry; a wonderful trip across the Hoe and on to the Royal William Yard. A short wait, then a transfer to another ferry to Cremyll. Round through the fabulous gardens and up the steep hill to the Barrow Centre. Nice time for a slight snack and a coffee. Up, out and along round the tracks to the top of the hill. Where a huge enclosure and great big circus tent is being set up for the Morvala Festival. Looks great and just £100 for a full weekend. Somehow we found a way through the fences to get to Maker Church. Thank Goodness!, all so nice and cool, we must have spent nearly a quarter of an hour cooling down. But all too soon time to head back out into the heat. Through the fields to the beckoning tents of Maker Heights. To The Canteen for lunch and what a fabulous place it is. I don't know anywhere you can get a better, beautifully presented luncheon. Nice time to head steadily down to Kingsand and Cawsand. The ferry soon gravelled its way up the beach and we set off home. Three ferries - what a place to live.

Back to the Barbican and the very welcome embrace of an air conditioned car. 32C it said and I can well believe it. What a nice day out!

WW 17th June 2026

 We parked in the unusually empty car park of the Rifle Volunteer. Sad to see such a good pub closed. So many closed. It seems only the big chains can keep going.

So on down the ancient footpath to Sylvia’s Meadow. The gate had been left open for us by Stuart, East Cornwall Reserves Officer.

A bit of a disappointment, the Orchids were rather sparse, just a few Butterfly and Heath Spotted. The grass was very long, I guess because it was no longer grazed by the donkeys since the Donkey Park closed. So with very wet feet we headed on down to Calstock.

There’s always something going on in Calstock. Stopping for a quick coffee we watched some locals putting rowing boats away as others played bowls in the village hall plus the usual crowd enjoying a pint outside the Club.

The tide was in so it was a pleasant stroll along the river. Twitterings in the reeds were identified by Merlin as Reed Warblers and more twittering further on as Sedge Warblers. Sharp eyed Brenda managed to catch a glimpse of them and Raz spied a tall Heron. Apparently glow worms can be seen later when it gets dark.

We found the youth of the village in the Tamar watching the England and Croatia match. Very lively there!

Stella

TWW 16th June 2026

 

An indeterminate dawn and swirling mizzle preceded our Sheepstor/Ringmoor walk but clearing skies and a dry ascent from Park Inn parking (Joey’s Lane).

At Maiden Tor we turned right and soon a large pillow mound to be viewed. A lovely dry place to be a rabbit in the 19th century until it wasn't  !!

The Sheepstor Warrener's early abode came in view, possibly only used seasonally in latter years when the Ware family were accommodated at Ditsworthy farm.

A kite soared overhead and chattering "Activity Week " children skirted boulders below the tor. 

More evidence of pillow mounds along the track and a hunt for vermin traps at the base of Sheepstor "held off" for when the bracken is lower !!

Following the Longstone Leat and then the fine corn ditch bordering Yellowmead farmlands we descended towards Yellowmead circles and as mists swirled above destination Gutter Tor we stayed down in the circles for a cuppa.

A misty ascent of Gutter Tor to the trigpoint and a quick visit to the longhouse not far from our route to Ringmoor Cottage. Down Portland Lane to Sheepstor and a quick visit to the church and evidence of the Ware family who farmed rabbits at Sheepstor and Ditsworthy. Celia commemorated in a stained-glass window, she was the village teacher, young wife of warrener William and we saw evidence of many Wares buried in the churchyard.

Their entrepreneurial farming activity sustained for many centuries.

Back to cars and into the valley now where a Nicholas Ware was once landlord of the Royal Oak.

A pleasant and efficiently delivered meal and a return of the rain.

More moor farms next time !!

Anne

WW 10th June 2026

 

Now that was absolutely fabulous, all this damp, cool weather had been just right for the early summer flowers. Such an unprepossessing piece of land, looks like a useless boggy, overgrown field. But, it is just full, full of flowers. The orchids were everywhere, in glades. So much to see, so many to spot, so wonderful. So slowly, slowly, slowly down we went, stopping all the time for a new delight. Just time to drop by the reservoir and round to Norsworthy Bridge for a cuppa before heading back up to the leat and cars.

On to the Burrator Inn which was very busy, for a cooling draught.

Fabulous! 

TWW 9th June 2026

It was good to see all had followed the instructions and arrived at the right car park in Bude without any problems. 

Michael and Linda came to see us all before we started the walk. Unfortunately they were unable to join us having made prior arrangements before I put up details of the walk.

The start was via the Co-op car park and unfortunately the leader missed the sign post hidden behind a camper van so after a quick turn round it was off across the golf course to walk through the upmarket holiday parks to the north of Bude. With the early departure to get to Bude and early coffee stop was required and the coffee shop in the first park provided just what was needed.

It was then on through back lanes into Poughill to visit St Olaf's Church and its large graveyard which goes back to the 13th Century. Onwards through the recently sown fields and country lanes to eventually arrive at Northcott Cove where lunch on the beach was in order just at high tide. Lunch was accompanied by myriad of Sand Martins flying in and out of their nests.

Lunch over it was then along the cliffs to have an ice cream and then the Sea Pool where discretion was the better part of valour and swimming was abandoned due to strong and cold winds. It was then a short walk back to the car park.

See you when we are back in the middle of August.

Peter 

WW 3rd June 2026

 

And quite suddenly there it wasn't.

Quite a shower as we headed to the Fox and Hounds, but all calm on arrival. Out to the moor past the fields where lots of work is taking place. Just what is going on? Could it just be tidying up or are there other plans? And at the top the most beautiful stone wall being built, a true work of art. Along and down wondering if the Lyd would be passable but all just fine. Gently up with great views and heavy showers powering past to the north and south. Up to the most fabulous hawthorn and on to Arms. Little Links beckoned and the track made height gain easy before contouring round to Little, clearly visible on the horizon - and then it wasn't. Heavy rain on our backs pushed us along easing just as we turned into the wind. Down toward Great Nodden to find shelter with the most fantastic crepuscular rays and patches of sunshine. By the Lyd to easily cross the ford and back up to the main track. To the welcoming Fox and Hounds in good time for a refreshing pint.

A very nice evening to be out and about.

TWW 2nd June 2026

 

An intrepid group met at the Airfield to share cars – the start of the walk was from a small space along the road so only room for 2 or 3 cars.  We all managed to squeeze into 2 cars – so good to go. Off we set through windy lanes and found space to park – phew! no one else was there.  Out we all jumped and headed on up to New Waste!  Those of you who remember will know that there used to be parking here but a certain Landowner decided he didn’t want cars there ….. so hence the need to fit into small spaces on the road,

Anyway, we passed the Water works and made it on to the open Moors with wide views back down to Plymouth and the sea.  At this point the rather cloudy and windy weather decided to add a rain shower and water proofs were donned.  And then, of course, it stopped!  Heyho – on wards and upwards to the lonely Hillson’s House perched on top of Stalldown Barrow.  Who was Hillson? An abandoned child found out on the Hill – hence his name?  Did he live there as a hermit or was he a clockmaker ….. who knows.  However it made a good place to pause for a cuppa with wonderful views and to contemplate the remote wild south Moor which we rarely get to visit.

Across to the magnificent stone row – it may have originally been longer, but still impressive.  A wander on then over somewhat tussocky ground – sorry! – to skirt Ranny Brook head – yes it was a bit soggy in places – and pause to visit the lonely cist. Passing through the bronze age settlement with numerous hut circle to head to the Yealm.

Yes, I know it was my walk and therefore people assumed there would be no water crossings – all I can say was that when we recced it there was considerably less water and even I got across easily.  Hmmm…..  not so this time.  3 waded across an alleged ford – very wet feet.  1 tried a crossing that led to slightly wet feet.  1 made it across safely and dryly.  1 “leapt like a gazelle” and also made it dry.  And then there was 1 who went for the full immersive option, oh dear!

After these adventures a stop for lunch, a nice view of the Steps and a bit of a dry off was called for.  Refreshed we headed on and down through the beautiful Dendles Waste and Wood.  Following the track and out onto the road we then wended our way back and steeply up (sorry about that Brenda!) to the waiting cars.

In the end the weather was good walking weather – sunny intervals, a bit of breeze and only the one or two light showers.  Oh yes, and not a single longhouse!

Jane