Tuesday 29th March - Lustleigh

Starting from Manaton a walk of two halves, bright sunshine at the start as we took the usual obstacle course up the hill to Manaton Rocks with this fine view across to Haytor Rocks on the left and Hayne Down on the right.

Then it was down through the woods to Foxworthy Bridge and this 'picture postcard' house.

Along the track up to Hunter's Tor for a coffee stop.

This was the view across to Bovey Castle....

... and this was the view across to Easdon Tor

Along the ridge to Sharpitor and then down to Lusleigh - the group became a little detached at this point.

The forecast rain had started by the time we arrived for lunch in The Cleave.

Raining as we left for the return leg and Peter kindly posed for us on the village May stone which interestingly records the names of all the May Queens since nineteen fifty-four.

Through the woods again and down to the...

...the footbridges across the River Bovey where the old log bridge is now barricaded off, the new bridge is by the side of it.

Of course, if you can get past the barricades then the old bridge still works.

Then it was up the side of the river valley, probably one of the steepest climbs on Dartmoor and everyone was pleased to get to the top where there is another 'picture postcard' watermill

From here it was a long the track past the underground house. There has been some development work nearby in the garden and this new sign has been erected. Probably everybody needs a sign like this!

Finally back to Manaton - raining and dull compared to the sunshine at the start

With Terry, Jon, Stella, Anne, Laura, Jane, Dianne, Peter, Pete, Charlie and Darren.f

Wednesday 24th March

A cool clear night and an almost full moon as we set off from Two Bridges. One of us thought the start for the walk was in a different place and was seen speeding past the starting place.

We headed up to Crockern Tor under the moon.

On to Littaford Tor where Jon saw an Iridium flare at the appointed time at about 26 degrees. By this time he had caught up with us.  Then it was up to the top of Longaford Tor with this view towards Princetown. Next it was down to the weir.

As can be seen there is not much water coming from the hole (bottom left)

Jon and Mike decided that this needed to be sorted......

...and soon restored a proper flow.

A brief break for coffee and we went up the steeper bit to Beardown Tor. Back past the farm, through the woods and on to the Prince of Wales.

The landlady gave us a free bowl of 'spicy' hoops. In fact there were very, very spicey and we were unable to finish them.  With Mike, Peter, Pete, Jon ans Mike

Tuesday 22nd March - Wembury

A fine sunny morning for a trip to the seaside. Eleven of us met at Wembury.

Along the coast path towards Heybrook Bay. The muddy patches on the path had dried out and the surface was beginning to crack after two weeks without rain!

The Great Mew Stone.

Then it was down onto the beach for a walk on the sand and shingle and an opportunity to remove some layers.

Further along we took our coffee break but didn't have time to make any sandcastles.

Plymouth comes into view.

We took the footpath up through the holiday centre in Crownhill Bay. Higher up there was a fine view of breakwater with Rame Head in distance.

Through the fields.

The muck spreader had been out, the footpath had been covered in it and so had stile.

Past the walled garden of Langdon Court.

Through the holiday chalets and back to ...Wembury

Where lots of children appeared to be having fun on a nature day.

Lunch was at the Odd Wheel pub in Wembury where the service and food were excellent.

With Anne, Stella, Brenda, Amber, Colin, Jon, Terry, Roger, David and Charlie.

Monday 21st March - Beardown

A late afternoon walk by way of a recce for the walk I will be doing on Wednesday evening. There were two fire engines at the car park at Two Bridges.

The reason for the fire engines was plain to see. The concern must have been that the swailing might get out of control and reach the woods on Beardown Hill.

There was a very strong breeze which was fanning the flames and I would estimate they will probably 15 feet high in this photograph. During the last two weeks the strong north and easterly winds have dramatically dried out the surface of the moor and conditions are probably perfect for carrying out the swailing.

This area is just along from where the flames are and has been blackened by the fire. Interesting to see the scrub trees in this area are unaffected.

I continued up to Crokern Tor. Ter Hill is in the distance and the large black area is another area where swailing has taken place.

Looking across from Crockern Tor to Bellever Tor.

I continued along the ridge line towards Littaford Tor. The sheep by the stile had been looking at his friends on the other side of the wall and was trying to work out how to get across to them.

Further along to Longaford Tor.

I turned left to head down towards the weir. This is the view looking back down the valley with Wistman's Wood on the left.

A new stile has been put in place of the old double ladder type stile. This is much easier to get across.

One side of the old ladder stile had been left in this hole in the wall.

Down to the weir and it was easy to cross because the water level is low.

I took this as I was crossing the weir. Longaford Tor is top left.

A very typical Dartmoor scene looking up the river.

Next was the steeper bit to get up to Beardown Tor.

Beardown Tor with Great Mis Tor in the distance.

Heading back towards the woods on Beardown Hill.

Lots of cattle on the track.

Beardown Farm.

The leat joins from the left.