My Dartmoor Walks

Tuesday 19th April Fowey to Polkerris

An excursion to the seaside!

From the car park we took the long footpath down to Readymoney and then up on to the coast path to get views out across the estuary

Then along the path and up and down to the small beaches along the route

Into the woods below Gribbin Head with the blue bells fully out....

...the wild garlic...

...and wild orchids

Past Gribbin Tower

For lunch in Polkerris

Then across country to Fowey and a special bus stop

Walking today Linda, Terry, Rosemary and Harry

Wednesday 13th April

We set off from Four Winds to the long Stone Row to the West

and then to the Standing Stone.

From here we crossed the stream and up to King Tor. On to Swelltor Quarry and then over to the railway line. We followed this for a while and then up to North Hessary Tor. On the way down we came across a group of soldiers on Hollow Tor before returning to the cars.

On tonights walk Irving, Tony, Jon, David, Mike and Stella

Tuesday 12th April Hamel Down

A bright sunny day but with a cool wind and outstanding views. We all started from Bennets Cross - the main group going directly to Birch Tor through the many Girts in this area. Bud and Brian went their own way through the old mine workings.

Looking back towards the Warren House Inn

From Birch Tor we joined the Two Moors Way for a while before going to Shapley tor. From here we followed the ridge to Hookney Tor.

Looking towards the Warren House Inn from Hookney Tor

Next to Grimspound and up the steep slope to Hameldown Tor

Just as we started along the ridge a whirly bird came to entertain us - we half expected Bud and Brian to get out........

To our left Hound Tor, Honeybag Tor, Haytor and Chinkwell Tor.

We stopped for lunch above Widecombe in the Moor.....

....with Haytor, Saddle Tor and Rippon Tor in front to our left

A little while after this we went down to the the road by Gamble Cot and followed this to the medieval village of Challacombe

Where there were many spring lambs

The return route took us to the edge of Soussons Down and up past the remains Golden Dagger and Vitifer Mines

Finally back to the cars

Walking today Terry, Rosemary, Colin, Amber, Charlie and Bud and Brian

..and finally congratulations to Terry pictured after completing the Tavisock half marathon on Sunday

Wednesday 6th April Gutter Tor

The RV was Gutter Tor CP but we didn't go to Gutter Tor!

There was some playing with the boomerang before we started but it wouldn't come back.

After a briefing from our leader we set off for the track....

...and onwards to the first of our river crossings.

It was here that Tom made quite a splash.

Next across to Shavercombe brook for a brief stop at the beautiful hidden waterfall and our second river crossing.

Onwards for our final river crossing at Plym Steps and then a short break at Lower Hartor Tor. Up to Higher Hartor Tor and back to the cars. Not only did we have daylight this week but a setting sun and perfect conditions for an evening walk.

Walking tonight Tom, John, Irving, Mike, Keith, Sue, Charles and David.

Tuesday 5th April Sharp Tor and Dick's Well

A typical 'Dartmoor' day for a walk in the rain and cloud! We set out towards the ford but cut across the field and then toward the stepping stones on High Down. It was at this point that Rosemary had a breakdown - well her walking stick actually - it had gone limp. Terry got out his special tool out which included pliers and aided by our own man from the emergency services attempted an on the spot repair but it wasn't to be - the stick was determined to stay limp!

We turned right along the River Lyd towards the memorial for the young Captain who died in the first world war.

What a beautiful poem he wrote on his last visit. Clearly he loved this place as much as we do and how sad he didn't get to enjoy it as we do.

We followed the Lyd for a while until we found a place to cross and then followed the Walla Brook before taking a direct line................

.......up the steep slope to the Cairn in between Hare Tor and Sharp Tor. By now it was very wet. Shortly Sharp Tor appeared out of the rain and cloud.