Wednesday 23rd May Pork Hill

The hottest day of the year so far so it was surprising just how cold it was in the car park - with extra layers being applied.  We set off towards Cox Tor but didn't go to the top...

...instead we weaved across towards the gap between Great Staple and Middle Staple Tor.

Great Mis Tor was hidden in cloud...

...but King Tor wasn't.

We walked down to the Sett Makers' Bankers and Mike demonstrated how the men would work - kneeling at the 'bankers' to produce the setts (granite cobbles). Using a hammer and chisel the setts would be cut to size.  A single worker might produce 40 a day. 

The setts were taken to Tavistock railway station by cart. This work was done between 1870 and 1880 when there was much demand in the larger towns of the the southwest for kerbstones and small blocks of granite for paving town streets.

Just a short walk from here to the disused quarry at Merrivale which closed in 1997.

On the side of the quarry is an old Perigrines nest.










 

The blast hut overlooking the road.

We walked towards the forbidden territory of  Vixen Tor...

Where the landowner has banned public access with this really classy sign!

It is amazing what you can do with a telephoto lens these days especially if you can get in really close!

 We stopped for a break nearby and then saw these bluebell fields just over from Heckwood Tor.

Finally around Pew Tor before returning to the cars.  Drinks were in the Whitchurch Inn.  Some people have no consideration for others - they actually ordered hot chocolate after the bar lady had cleaned the machine - but she was most helpful.

With Stella, Mike, Sue, Keith Pete and Anne.