We headed almost due north from the car park when we found this cairn.
Across the little Piles Brook, this is looking south-west with Tristis Rock just visible.
Then it was down to Piles Copse, a most delightful place where you can camp if you want to, as long as you obtain permission. With the river babbling away it seemed like an idyllic spot.
We came out of the woods to follow the River Erme for a while. No defined path in places and with the boggy bits it was slow going.
Looking back.
The weir.....
...but what is this large cylindrical object under the water just before the weir?
We stopped near here under a shady tree for lunch. Since I had to be back for an afternoon appointment I decided to leave the group and make my own way back. I headed out of the valley up the steep slope in a due easterly direction. This is looking further up the valley.
Soon I came to the 'Puffing Billy' track where I was able to make good speed.
Whilst I had left the others behind I intended to complete the route set out by our walk leader. So it was on to the Longstone. This is an ancient menhir and is marked on the map as being recumbent, although at some point it has been put upright. It can now be seen at an angle, presumably as it returns to the recumbent position!
Not far from this is Hobajons Cross - an incised cross.
Finally it was on to Spurrells Cross. One side of the cross has broken off and it is clear the top has been re-affixed to the lower part.
It is not far from the cross to the cars. I felt sorry for this sheep which seem to be bearing a Mohican hairstyle. Clearly it had not been shorn of its fleece and must of lost most of it naturally.
With Terry, Stella, Brenda, Jane, Jon and Charlie.
