My Dartmoor Walks: June 2011

Wednesday 29th June Belstone

There were only 3 of us for this walk (and one lone runner). A glorious summer evening with a cool breeze and perfect for a walk with fantastic views into the heart of the moor. We were ably led by Stella.

Through the village of Belstone and up to Belstone Tor

North towards Exmoor

Looking west to Rowtor, West Mill Tor and Yes Tor.

and on to Higher Tor

looking back to Belstone Tor

We took our break here to enjoy the views towards Oke Tor, Steeperton Tor.....

...and East Mill Tor

Whilst Oke Tor and Steeperton Tor were inviting they were out of bounds tonight so we turned and took the path down to Gulliver Steps

The East Okement River valley

We continued towards the Halstock Woods where we met Nigel and returned to The Tors for refreshment

Tuesday 28th June Noss Mayo

Looking from Noss Mayo to Newton Ferrers - which is one of those picture postcard places - always pretty even when the tide is out and the sun isn't shining brightly. Places with million pound homes, holiday cottages, lots of boats and an expensive pub.

We followed the road out along side the estuary under the trees

Past the ferry point to Warren Point and looking up the river Yealm.

Across to the church at Wembury....

.....and to the Great Mew Stone and Rame Head in the far distance

The old carriageway looking towards Blackstone Point

With a break for lunch just above Stoke Point.

St Anchorite's Rock had been our ultimate destination but we had gone far enough - this was for another day. So unusally we just retraced our footsteps - the views were just as spectacular the the other way!

By now the hazy cloud had lifted and we had bright sunshine - the sea was now really blue and sparkling.

Towards Gunrow's Down.

Back into the estuary - with just a glimpse of Dartmoor in the distance.

By now the tide had come in...

...and Newton Ferrers was truly a complete picture postcard again!

Walking today Brian, Roger, Colin, Amber, Terry and Rosemary.

Thursday 17th June Malvern Hills Worcestershire

Well it's not Dartmoor but I was on holiday - this is a very beautiful place - and I have been coming here for over 50 years!

Wednesday 16th June Peat Cott

We were followed out along the track to Nun's Cross Farm by students from Brislington Enterprise College in Bristol who were spending the night at the farm.

The weather constantly looked like it was going to rain but didn't.

Here we took the track up towards Crane Hill stopping at the stone with the cross engraved on it...

.....and then diverting across to the stone with the little cross set on top of it

Across then to Crane Hill where there was so much Bog Cotton it almost looked like snow..

...and onwards to Black Lane Post (which our very own builder has for some years had plans to replace).

Next through Fox Tor Girt before stopping for coffee at Fox Tor

A short walk down to the (apparently) badly reconstructed Childe's Tomb..

..before returning to the cars.

Wallking tonight Keith, Tom, Irving, Tony, Mike and Stella

Tuesday 14th June Postbridge to Sittaford Tor

So at 9.30 in the morning the car park at Postbridge was full of Germans - as usual they had beaten everyone - but the good news was they hadn't bagged all the parking spaces with their towels!

We started our walk by going past the famous clatter bridge which everyone comes to Postbridge to see.

Then we turned left to follow the footpath to the east of the river past Hartyland (where Roger had previously been responsible for installing the fire protection system).

We made our way up to Hartland Tor.

Looking towards Fernworthy forest with the sheepfold in view..