WW 29th July 2026

 

Gutter Tor.

Just me and him this evening. The weather was still bone dry so a double crossing of the Plym was in order. Off on Edward’s path ( always a joy ) to Didsworthy Warren House, then following the track to the ford at the foot of the Shavercombe. No problem with the crossing. Up to Shavercombe Tor and on to the lovely waterfall, which did still have some water flowing but somewhat obscured by large sycamores. A steep climb up onto Giants Hill where it was decided to avoid the field of thistles. ( since when have we had thistles growing up here in the tussock). Hard going through molina grass which seemed to be twice as high as usual. Eventually short grass was found to lead us down to the Langcombe Brook and Plym steps. Another easy crossing. Then upwards to contour above Giants Basin and cross Drizzle Combe. Tracks fading again in the tussock. Now there was supposed to be the rising of a full Buck Moon at about 9.20 so we waited - after about 20min still no show. So we headed for the track to the cars in fading light. Then suddenly there it was, full, rosy red and impressive.  Needless to say we missed the pub. ( but not the moon ).

        Mike

TWW 28th July 2026

 

Today’s walk started from the massive viaduct in Ivybridge. We walked under the shade of trees alongside the river Erme. Soon we walked away from the dog walkers & people picnicking & our group of 10 had the trail to ourselves. We left the woodland, headed across fields of newly planted trees & on towards Harford Church & a long uphill lane to Harford Moor gate. We had coffee by the river & lunch was  perched on large rocks with far reaching views.

Our route took us through some squishy ground, surprising after such a dry spell but it was a swift reminder of what to expect when this wonderful dry warm spell breaks. Open moorland finally gave way to a rubble lane taking us back to Ivybridge. We had enjoyed another beautiful Dartmoor day but were ready now to put our feet up.

Thanks, Colin & Amber

WW 22nd July 2026

 

Still warm ...

From Merrivale Bridge, out along the track to Longash Farm. Met the new resident, very pleased that it is a young family absolutely delighted to be living there. Over Little Wonder bridge with quite a lot of water in the Pila brook. Along to the gateway with fabulous views to the forbidden tor. Up by Hucken and over the stile. The moor is very, very dry. There has been no rain for weeks now. Up to the tramway and round by the corbels. To the Blacksmiths Shop for a snack, as usual. Round by Sailor's Home Quarry to the railway line. A few people about this evening enjoying the fabulous views. A most pleasant breeze from the north arrived and we actually felt somewhat cool! Down and back, easily over the Pila Brook to the Longstone and stone rows. To the Dartmoor Inn - worth a try. They were packing up, mopping the floor, but made us very welcome. So we sat outside as the sun set, drinking our beer and feeding the midges.

A fine evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 21st July 2026

 

Heathfield Down, Cornwood.

It was still hot with minimal breeze as we set off up the road to West Rook Gate. We used to drive up here and park just before the gate, no chance of that now! Out onto the open moor with a short steep climb followed by a long slow drag up to Penn Beacon and a stop for a drink. Charlie thought this was as high as we were going, but no a bit further up to Shell Top. A bit of a breeze here gave some relief from the heat. Down past the settlement enclosure to try and connect with the track around the clay works. There was some difficulty finding a way through the gorse and deep gullies but we got there in the end. Following the white road as it reflected the sun in our faces there appeared a small path off to our right between some large ponds and a line of crags. So off we set contouring nicely just above the ponds but suddenly after the point of no return it became obscured by rhododendron, gorse and brambles. After a battle it turned into a small stream before emerging onto a major track next to a gate which had notices fixed to the other side saying NO ADMITTANCE and warning of numerous hazards in the quarry area - no mention of overgrown paths! Over the gate and down the road a bit to stop in the shade of a lovely oak wood for lunch. It was just left to walk down towards the road and turn left through Newpark wood and Sheraleers wood to the cars.

      Mike.

WW 15th July 2026

 

It was still 26 degrees as we headed up to West Down. More cars than a wet Wednesday in February. Dog walkers.

We headed over towards Highertown to the unusually dry path down through the woods to the river. Down down down. We met  a group of sweaty kids and adults pushing bikes up waiting for us to pass. Glad of a rest I guess.

On down  and along the ever lovely Walkham to meet the Tavy at Double waters. Instead of the usual coffee stop here we carried on along the river to where there used to be a fisherman’s shelter, long gone now. But no…….more bikers! Big boys this time, so we had to make do with a grassy patch before the spoil heaps. The river looked inviting enough for a dip crystal clear peat tinged water but we have to be back by 9 they said to check up on the football and so we were.

A pleasant walk in the relative cool of the evening.

Shame they lost.

Stella

TWW 14th July 2026

A select few arrived at the airfield and managed to cram into one car.  Just as well as there was only one space left in the main parking area at South Brent. 

All parked up, kitted up and sun creamed up, we set off on a warm sunny day, with thankfully a bit of cooling breeze.  Yes, it was up and then more up, and then just for a change a bit more up!  Apologies to those who were mislead by me saying the ‘up’ didn’t go on for long and was gentle – “honest”!!

The start was along the river to the beautiful Lydia Bridge – there were people taking a cooling dip, maybe we should have stayed and done so too.  However up the road we went and along the old drift lane, originally used by wool jobbers and clay diggers – it wouldn’t have been too bad? If the bl*%*^ horse flies had left us alone.  Finally escaped out on to the open Moor at the magnificent gates below Corringdon Ball, with the wonderful balls on top of the gate posts.  A stop for a cuppa in the shade of the gate walls and then to admire the Neolithic Chambered tomb – “oldest constructions of man to remain on Dartmoor” at 42m x 18m and 2.4m high.

Along to cross the East Glaze Brook, beautiful views across to Piles Hill.  Somewhere in the grass and bracken are several stone rows and even concentric stone circles but so well hidden it was difficult to make out.  Onwards to Glasscombe Corner and across the West Glaze Brook.  Contouring round and then down the valley, across the Scad Brook to find a small clump of trees providing some welcome shade for a picnic.  Refreshed, replenished and missing sun glasses located we continued on down to Owley Moor Gate and down another wonderful green lane to pick up the road back to Lydia Bridge.  More people swimming.  You have to get the consent of the County Surveyor to drive a locomotive across it, you know.

Feeling rather hot so no time to visit the lovely Church – it has something in common with Canterbury Cathedral.

Back to the car.  And yes, yet again, no medieval long house- though there is apparently a very well preserved one somewhere above Glaze Meet but too far off the route and definitely too ensconced in the bracken! 

Jane

WW 8th July 2026

 

I thought no-one would come.

I thought 10 min walk on my own and back home to watch tennis.
I thought wrong !
Two turned up, one a welcome visitor.
So, up the well worn track, past all the devastation caused by severe weather and the felling of timber. It doesn't seem to look any better, still looks like a warzone.
Several new tracks laid for the trampers. Too hot for them to be out.
Down to the southern edge of the Bellever plantation following the wall on to the open moors, still in dappled shade and cutting up the sheep track to the iconic Tor itself.
Stunning views, a gentle breeze for comfort, it must have been a sacred meeting place so many years ago.
Two young lads also appreciating it all, jumping down from rock to rock.
I felt a moment of absolute envy and then felt thankful I could still do it even if it's on my bottom !
A quick drink taking in the views, (food for the soul) and back down to the shady track and back to the car.

Two Bridges made us very welcome and back home to water the garden.

Brenda

TWW 7th July 2026

 

We are the INVINCIBLES !

Or are we the "MAD DOGS and ENGLISHMEN" brigade ?
All of that I reckon, but with a strong sense of self preservation too as we set off from the arboretum at Burrator.
This was going to be a mystery walk, go where you like as long as it was in the shade, as so it was !
Picking our way through the very dry arboretum, very pleasant, finding a way through the wire fence into Roughtor plantation.
Up a sunny, very pretty track back into the shade and found the rather intriguing Rough tor, well hidden with it's various "torlets"
There are about nine named outcrops but we stopped at, I think, East Rough tor with the interesting rock basin.
Down to the "hellish" mountain bike trail. How do those totally fearless bikers go down that?
We descended on our bottoms hanging on to tree stumps for dear life.
Down to the track and well deserved and much needed drink.
Across Narracott Ford, love this place, down the track and cutting off left to find the arboretum again.
All safe if not sound after our little adventure.
Back to the Burrator Inn for lunch which was "nice", and home !

Brenda

WW 1st July 2026

 

All a bit odd really - a parked van by the road, something under a blanket, a lady with a large bunch of lilies, all jolly suspicious. So slowed to ask if all OK - "Yes fine". So off we went.

A most pleasant evening after all that blasted sunshine. Cloudy and cool with really great visibility. Out from Whiteworks remembering when we were last here stumbling about in the dark. Not this evening, we could see Goldsmith's from the road. So out across a very dry mire and up the now quite well established pony track to the cross. Of course, lots and lots of orchids - seem to be everywhere. Up and over the wall into Whealham Bottom - such a wonderful name Whealham Bottom. Easily along the reave to the lonely incised cross and along. Lots of excited chatter in the far distance and a set of beautiful MSR tents. A super place to really wild camp. A large group of girls from Badminton School having a great time on their gold Duke of Edinburgh. So, so nice to see youngsters enjoying the moor. By an almost dry leat back to the car and on to the Prince. Absolutely empty - not even Bill; must be on his hols. So splashed out on two halves and a bag of crisps. Then a group of five youths turned up and took their pints out.

It still is quite odd to be in a completely empty pub. A really nice evening to be out and about on a favourite piece of moor.