WW 26th August 2026

 Morwellham.

No driving tonight so off a bit early. Up the hill to Morwell Rock, crunching through the freshly fallen leaves, more like October than the end of August. On along past Pleasure Rock and the other outcrops to take the lovely little path to Chimney Rock. These places were popular excursions for the Victorians who came by train or boat from Plymouth. The low sun over Cornwall shining on the trunks of the trees giving a wonderful enchanting effect. All was quiet so far. Down to the track by the river where things were rather different. Notices everywhere - PRIVATE -NO ADMITANCE - CCTV CAMERAS. One can only ignore such rudeness! What is wrong with these people, this is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, it should therefore be open to all. So it was on to the weir, low tide but much less water flowing over than normal. The gate further along the track has been replaced by a new one with all the above mentioned signs attached, plus barbed wire wrapped round the top rail to prevent anyone climbing over. Sad souls!

Up in the dimming light past Morwell Rock again, to arrive home with a full moon shining down on our cottages. Magic. Torches next week I think.

Mike

TWW 25th August 2026

 

Despite the heavy rain some had experienced in the Tamar valley, it was dry on Dartmoor, though a fresh breeze sent the clouds scudding across the sky.  From the Peat Cott quarry we headed down the road to Whiteworks then out onto Fox Tor Mire (which was really rather dry).  A well-worn path led us to the red pole marking the crossing point on the stream.  Safely across the makeshift bridge we continued on the path, bypassing Goldsmith’s Cross and heading up to Fox Tor.  Too early for a coffee break, so after admiring the view of Child’s Tomb and Fox Tor Farm we continued to Fox Tor Girt and found a nice, sheltered spot for a brew.

Suitably refreshed, we picked up Black Lane (not much of a lane!) and followed it south to the “Post” on the watershed then followed the course of Blacklane Brook across Blacklane Mire towards the second marker post.  By now we were again on a well-defined path that curved around across the old tin workings and on to Ducks Pool. We located the memorial and letterbox, let the ducks out for a breath of fresh air, signed the book, and posed for a photograph.

Heading westward, we crossed the “pool” (dry as a bone) and headed up to Great Gnat’s Head, where we discovered the origins of the strange rectangular features that appear on the satellite view of the area – peatland restoration.  Downward to the Abbot’s Way and on to Plym Ford, where we found a sheltered spot for a slightly late lunch.  By now the sun was shining brightly and it was starting to get comfortably warm.

Across the ford, and up the other side of the valley found us on a pleasant track to Nun’s Cross and from there back to the cars.

Phil

WW 19th August 2026

 

One of those evenings when you just know something is going to happen. A nice showery day, lots of lovely clouds, a good breeze and an 8:30 sunset. Pork Hill, the perfect place to go. A pause to let a large herd of ponies take the track. Fabulous visibility, so gently up to Middle where a 'wild' camper was failing to inflate. Onward to Great. Signs of a shower heading our way, way out west - but, seemingly making no progress. On to Roos to find a bit of shelter from the incoming rain. And then it happened, slowly at first, just a bit of vertical rainbow, and then the full effect, brighter and brighter. Time for a quick snap, find a suitable rock for a pic and, out of nowhere, a completely soaked bloke arrived and took our picture. How lucky can you get? All cold and wet by now, quite the novelty. Down to the workings and on to Beckamoor Dip where lots of ponies were gathered. Plenty of grass there and a few puddles in the dew pond. So, maybe for the first time, a chance to stand on the island. Up to Cox for the sunset and down the wide, wide track. All brown grass here, not a blade for the ponies. Back to the cars to put on the heater to warm up. On to the Whitty in good time where we were treated to a bloke at the bar demonstrating golf swings to a young lady and she responded by teaching him how to play polo - you couldn't make it up.

What a truly fabulous evening!

TWW 18th August 2026

 

Bagga Tor.

The original plan for walking from here was to circumnavigate Standon Tor but on a recce it proved rather long and a bit rough going in places. So on to plan two.

Setting off from the car park a short trip up to the top of Bagga Tor for fine views of the surrounding lower land, all the higher ground being in cloud. Through the gate and a steady climb up to Lynch Tor which almost cleared for us. It was then a fairly long tramp through the mist on a one rabbit track to White Barrow. Just as we were getting there a farmer zoomed by on his quad - not sure how you check on stock in thick mist! On along the track to follow the wall which was a picture with the purple heather growing all along the top. The standing stone was still standing when we got there so it was on up through the thurfurs to White Tor ( bit of a misnomer there as all the rocks are black). A slightly sheltered spot was found on top for lunch, now clear of mist. On down through rocks and then dwarf gorse bushes, with talk of long houses and diamond mines over in the rough ground to our right. Finally we arrived at the gate leading down the bridleway to Higher Wapsworthy. Out onto the road for a brief stop to admire the recently renovated Lower Wapsworthy - very smart. A bit of a drag up the road in the now warm sun to the cars. A good alternative walk with varying terrain and varying weather.

    Mike

WW 12th August 2026

 

Where to go for the eclipse? Somewhere high up, clear views over Cornwall, nice and quiet ... Belstone of course. And that is just what everybody else decided. Belstone was absolutely rammed, cars parked everywhere and loads of people walking up to the ridge. The enterprising folk from Dartmoor Lime Company had even driven their pickup all the way to the flagpole to get out their deckchairs. Still it was quite a sight. A really nice partial eclipse with the moon nearly covering the sun. I suppose it did get slightly darker and it certainly was cooler - mind you that might have been due to the nice, brisk breeze. Out along the lovely ridge and down to the main track. Along, along to check on the bubblers, a nice new gate but no developments at all. Back to the village which was steadily emptying. So, that's it until 2090 - hope I can remember where I put those eclipse glasses.

TWW 11th August 2026

 

Unfortunately I was unable to lead the walk as we were looking after Meg, my son’s very elderly dog. She’s blind, deaf and incontinent so I didn’t like to leave her all day. I hope someone does the same for me when I get to that stage.

Starting from the  village Car Park behind the Church and Pub (shame the pub doesn’t open till 4pm on Tuesdays) they took the footpath down past the allotments to Rectory Wood and on through Drewston Wood to finally pop out on the road to Fingle Bridge. They made good time so had to wait a while till the pub opened at 11.  Drinks and cake duly enjoyed they headed west along the north side of the river Teign through Hannicombe and Whiddon Woods. 

On past the Weir and salmon leaps to Combe footbridge.  Notices asking people not to swim or allow dogs in the river to protect the spawning salmon were often ignored. Too many dogs and careless owners equals too few salmon I’m afraid.

Lunch was taken at Hunters Tor with wonderful views over the valley. Then on along the top path past Sharp Tor before 

turning up hill across Piddledown Common following the Two Moors Way signs back to Drewsteignton.

The general consensus was that it was a good walk for another hot sunny day with new ground for some.

Stella

WW 5th August 2026

 

A WONDERFUL WOODLAND EXPLORATION

It was a bit chilly when we got out of the cars at the tiny hamlet of Zoar. Wind-proofs  donned we set off on the usual route past Creason Farm down the lane past Chilly wood and on to Hill Bridge. A beautiful bridge with gaps for flood water as the Tavy can rise up to 7ft, not now though. The river was very low and unusually quiet, even the birds seemed to have gone to bed. Starting along the leat we soon turned down to the more challenging river path. An interesting looking diversion took us into the old woodland past huge rocks (when does a rock become a Tor?) We soon popped out onto the river path again by a waterfall and swimmable pool. A perfect spot for a cuppa and maybe a swim walk another time.

Next we found the lovely Royal Ferns and the orchid field. A few dried flower heads of Devils Bit Scabious, Saw-wort and Knapweed remained but the ground was still surprisingly damp. Another interesting little path into the wood lead us back up to the leat and finally out onto the sunken Green lane that was once the main road between Peter Tavy and Horndon.

Past the houses onto the road we saw a man with a camera, what was he doing? A piece about the risks of Moorland fires for ITV he said. We might be on the tele he said. But no, we ended up on the cutting room floor I guess.

A pint in the Mary Tavy Inn was a refreshing end to a pleasant evening.

There’s always a little adventure to be had.

Stella

TWW 4th August 2026

 

Well that really was the most pleasant weather. Who would have thought we would relish a walk in the rain? A fine team set off from Postbridge with the promise of cooler weather and showers. Out along by the East Dart to the gate to the open moor. Great visibility made it easy to spot the vital stile on the skyline. And the rain came in with some relishing the opportunity to be cool and wet. I wonder how long that novelty will last? Over to the waterfalls for a welcome break for elevenses. By a very low river to Cut Hill Stream which really was just a ruddy dribble. Very neatly up the range posts with the soft, bouncy ground making for easy going. By the peat pass and round Cut Hill as Fur Tor hove into view. A pleasant, brisk breeze made a nice spot for lunch. Signs of squalls rolling in from Cornwall but they all just missed. Time to head back the same way - all very nice. To the cars after a long walk in perfect conditions.