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.