Tuesday 25th September Vixen Tor

Back to Dartmoor after a break and whilst the weather has been good while I have been away it was back to typical Dartmoor weather.  Glorious autumn sunshine with heavy showers and we had the waterproofs on and off all through the walk.

Starting on the side of Pew Tor and over the leat on the new bridge.

Next stop the little quarry to see...

 ...a rainbow

Then to Sampford Spiney where the Alpacas live.

Down to the steep hill Ward Bridge and Roger realised he had left his walking stick behind and went back up again.

Along the path towards Davey Town...

...with Vixen Tor on our left

 Then on to the main road before picking up the leat to take us back to the cars.

 

The Tuesday pensioners lunch in The Whitchurh Inn was excellent and very good value.

With Rosemary, Terry, Charlie, Brian, Roger, Chris and Linda

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.

Tuesday 13th December Yellowmead Farm

A night of storms, gales and high winds.  A heavy shower turning to snow and sleet on the drive to Princetown and Roger delayed by a fallen tree.   So some concern at the start about walking conditions but the sun was shining at the car park at the begining of the Yellowmead track.

Along the track to Foggintor...

 To what remains of the little hamlet that existed during the quarrying days.













All that is left of the lower walls of the stables set against the huge spoil tip behind.

On to the disused railway line that leads around King Tor (looking back at Foggintor)

  From the railway line down to Hucken Tor.

Looking across to Vixen Tor

Then along the track to the farm at Withill. Our path was blocked for some time as the farmer was using the track as pen so that the calves could be seperated. Eventually the task was completed and we were on our way.

Looking across to Ingra Tor with Leather Tor in the far distance.

On the road for a while before turning left at the cross roads towards Criptor and then back up to the railway track by Ingra Tor.

The short cut to take us back to Foggintor Quarry and return to the cars.

Across to Merrivale quarry and Staple Tors

Whilst we could see rain showes all around during the walk it didn't rain on us!!

Lunch in the Prince of Wales, but war broke out when we tried to leave.  Henry the cat was trying to come in as we were trying to get out.  Now we all know Henry is in charge and he wasn't moving for anyone including Huxley or Mackie - drawing blook on Huxley and going for a full bodied attack on Mackie.  Fortunately they all lived!

Walking today Charlie, Roger, Terry, Rosemary, Paul and Bud.