Tuesday 16th June Hay Tor

The warmest day of the year so far. We set off from the car park just below Saddle Tor. Contouring around the tor to take the footpath down to Emsworthy. We could hear the cuckoos clearly and then one was spotted in the tree just ahead of us. Unfortunately, I don't have a zoom lens capable of doing it justice.

This area of the moor is very pretty and accessible and probably the most visited part by tourists.

It was then down to the barn and what remains of Emsworthy Farm.  There are lots of derelict outbuildings and this was clearly a significant farm in its day. This walk had been arranged to see the bluebells in this area but they had gone past their best - we were probably a couple of weeks too late..

But, the foxgloves are now starting to come out.

We took the lower path out of Emsworthy......

.....through the wet bit.

To the new clapper bridge which has been constructed over Becka Brook where we had a group photo.

Near this is an impromptu swing and both Terry and Laura had a go.


















Up to Holwell Lawn and then across to Greator Rocks for a coffee break.

Over to the Mediaeval Village....

....and down the steep path to other bridge across the Becka Brook.

Up the steep climb up to Smallacombe Rocks - here looking across to Haytor Rocks

Over to Hound Tor

There were lots of ponies on the tor. This little pony was having a good scratch on the rocks.



















And was then joined by their friend.

Across to Holwell Tor and quarry.

The points on the granite Tramway.

Over to Hay Tor, which on a warm sunny day is probably one of the busiest places on Dartmoor.

Saddle Tor and back to the cars.

Lunch was at the very busy Rugglestone Inn with ducks and chickens wandering around the garden.

With Jon, Terry, Brenda, Jane, Ann, Laura and Eleanor.