Crediton & District

Rambles 2022

WALK REPORTS
2022 Walks
Decembers walk
We had a lovely walk today led by Tom and although short(5.5 miles) the hills made up for the length. They seemed never ending. Some walkers coming from Rackenford were delayed by snowy/icy roads but this side of the moors the roads were clear. Although very cold (-5 degrees) we had bright sun and the hills warmed us up immediately as we set off up Deerstalkers path, crunching our way along frozen beech leaves to have our mulled wine and mince pies sitting on the bank at the top of Whiddon Deer park. The wine warmed us as well and the carols sung by some walkers on Hazel's inspiration definitely put us in a joyful mood.
The views of the countryside and moors from there are absolutely stunning. Downhill from there(whew)to cross the River Teign we then headed along the Hunters' path a ways till another steep climb up and then through the Drogo gardens to the reception area where we sat outside on benches for lunch. Some took advantage of the loos and the cafe, one or two sitting inside in the warm whereas the rest stuck it out in the cold.
Too cold to sit there for long though so we then took the Hunters'path back down to Fingle Bridge. I hope those heading back to Rackenford madeit home okay.

Thank you, Tom and glad to know that the 5th!!! flask of wine was hidden in your rucksack disguised in its sock! Probably just as well we did not drink it!

Novembers Walk
Nineteen of us set off on the 7+ mile walk in damp weather from Moretonhampstead past the church and then following the path up to Butterdon Down for our coffee, nicely sheltered under trees (although it
was not raining at the time) with views across to Haytor. We followed the path around the down to the road and headed east to Willingstone Rock, omitting Cranbrook castle because of the weather. One advantage of the damp weather was that the colours of the bracken and trees looked stunning. The plan was for lunch near Willinstone Rock but as it was raining lightly we walked on to the stone circle at Mardon Down which provided us with excellent seating. It had stopped raining and the views from there are splendid. Karen Rickey gave a brief summary about her husband's father's time before D Day billeted with other American officers at Bovey Castle, the white soldiers in the regiment billeted at Moretonhampstead and the black soldiers(engineers) were camped at Mardon Down. They were not allowed weapons because of the segregation in the American Army so were allocated engineering jobs. Lucky for them in one way, I suppose. We walked through the remains of the earthworks produced by their practising building bailey bridges, digging foxholes etc. which was uncovered a few years ago by the historical society at Moretonhampstead. We walked across Mardon Down with it's wonderful 360 degree views.
Beautiful long horn cattle grazing were grazing there near the giant's graveyard. Finally down we went to Moretonhampstead with the most stunning views on the way. A great day out and with better weather
Octobers walk

14 of us set off from Chagford swimming pool in some drizzle but not enough for waterpoof trousers to walk up the steep climb to Nattadon Common and then along the beautiful path with such fabulous views going SE towards Thorn.
We stopped along there in a field for coffee against a stone wall under some trees with a wonderful view toward Easdon Tor and open moorland. The sun shone from then on to give a wonderful day but the trees did drip on us.
From Thorn we walked past Ellacombe and then through a fairytale wood alongside a brook to Horselake. Both stone dwellings are wonderfully attractive and very remote. On a footpath just after that we stopped on a sunny hillside for lunch and the inevitable chat about the state of our government and consequently our country.
Just after lunch Jo saw on her phone that Liz Truss had resigned to great hurrahs but now it is even more scary with BJ back on the scene. You could not make up this nightmare! We had another steep climb back up across Week Down Cross and then back down a lovely path with more stunning views to Chagford although the last section was rather steep Luckily being peaty it was not slippery. The autumn colours were lovely with the trees just changing and the bracken a wonderful russet colour and other times bright yellow.

Septembers walk
16 of us set off from North Bovey for a 7.6 mile walk in the direction of Foxsworthy Bridge where we stopped for our coffee beside the river Bovey. Although the river was low it still looked beautiful.
Unfortunately, as has happened in the past, one of the residents of thethree glorious stone and thatched cottages came along to suggest weshould not sit on the bridge even though a footpath as it is so narrow.
There is not a lot of traffic down that lane that goes nowhere! He also asked those sitting on the grass beside the river to move as it is private property.
Fair enough, I guess although rather ridiculous. He must spend his time watching out for walkers. I have checked with the National Park authority in the past and it is fine to sit for a break on the bridge enjoying the beautiful scenery. This behaviour just makes me stubborn and I will always stop there for coffee or lunch if convenient.
From there we walked over to Manton Rocks on a path usually easily accessible but very overgrown with bracken this time. Those brave enough and fit enough climbed up the rocks for the wonderful 360 degree views while the rest of us wandered along to Manaton churchyard for lunch.
After that there was an uphill struggle to Easdon Tor which also has spectacular 360 degree views including Haytor and also the sea at Sidmouth Gap. After that the homeward trek went along a stony track
which was difficult walking and then a steep downhill before a steep butluckily short uphill back to the cars.

We were lucky with the weather which was better than predicted with no rain showers, a cold N. wind but some hot sunshine! Although only 7.6 miles the second half is somewhat tiring, particularly for those who are aware of their knees and hips! Might give it a miss in future.

Augusts Walk
19 of us set off a bit despondently through a haze of unexpected fine drizzle but that soon cleared to give us a good day for some tough walking. We started out below Sourton Tor and the area which was used in the 1870's for making and storing ice underground. This was transported to Plymouth for the fishing industry by pony and cart amazingly. It must have been very much colder then! Not surprisingly the project lasted only 10 years.
We walked on to have a break at Shelstone Tor and then scrambled downhill to cross the weir and walk along the east side of the West Okement. It is beautiful along here although rough walking but no
broken ankles, thankfully. After inspecting the prehistoric oak forest, Black-a Tor copse, we climbed steeply but on a grassy track up to Black Tor where we had lunch. There are splendid views from here as there are on most of the walk. Black Tor consists of three granite piles but only one walker, Jerry inspected them all.
The rest of us were ready for lunch so stopped at the first outcrop. (A bit feeble!) From there more
rough walking along the ridge of Longstone Hill before the terrain becomes grassy but again the views are lovely to make up for the rough walking.
When we got to Meldon Reservoir which was shockingly short of water we were told by some workmen that they were taking the opportunity to place the pumps lower down. Otherwise there was a risk that if the reservoir loses more water the pumps would be pumping air instead ofwater over to the water treatment plant at Prewley Moor which supplies water to the South West. Looking at the reservoir I am surprised we have not had a hosepipe ban.
From there we took the easy route home over South Down on the Two Castles Trail. Although the walk was 7 miles only I think everyone felt well exercised.

July's walk
On a warm 21st July, seventeen of us, plus a variety of sun hats, shared cars up to Northam Burrows Country Park, North Devon and parked by the Skern salt marsh. We were met there by Don and two friends making 20 of us!!
We had an initial coffee overlooking fishermen on the incoming tide and views of Appledore and the rivers Taw and Torridge. One group opted to walk along the beach by the mouth of the estuary and another walked along the edge of the common to avoid climbing the slippery boulders of the pebble ridge which was a wise move as some found boulders were pretty tricky to climb. Luckily no broken ankles!
Another coffee and refreshments were had at the Burrows Centre whilst some enjoyed the fascinating historical exhibits in the lovely museum. After crossing the dried up Sandymere Pool we found that the tide was now too high to go along Westward Ho! beach so we entered the village from the Golf Links side.

We had a picnic lunch on the Seafield where most were able to find a welcome bench to sit on whilst pondering the ruins of the 'Psycho' house. The clear and glorious views across the sea to Braunton, Saunton and Baggy Point provided the backdrop with the beautiful Kipling Tor behind. Several 'newbies' hiked up the Tor to have a view from the scenic lookout and then joined the rest of us on the cliff path to Cornborough Beach. Here we took some group photos and headed back up to the old railway track coastal path and back into Westward Ho!. Most found the open-air, shady terrace of the Braddick's Pier Hotel to have cups of tea and/or cold drinks whilst a small group went for a refreshing swim in the sea pool below the beach huts. Hockings ice-cream van was another pit-stop on the way back through the village before the long, final walk back to the cars across the top of the Burrows. We had walked a total of around 8.75 miles and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Walk and report courtesy of Heather who used to own a chalet at Westward Ho!

Junes Walk
Twenty of us started the 7.5 mile walk uphill from Shapley Common rather than on the level from Bennett's Cross because of the number of cars.
Lots of parking at Shapley. Although it is a long hill it is fairly gentle with a number of bronze age enclosures to distract us on the way up. Lots of small dwellings which could help with the housing crisis!
Then we made our way down along Coombe Down to West Combe, admiring the view and the masses of bog cotton looking lovely which was over to our right fortunately and not where we were walking. We sat on the bank above the stream for our coffee break which was a delightful spot.
From there we walked to Lower Hookney and on to Heathercombe, doing an extraneous circuit of a grassy field on the way. I could see where we wanted to be across the hedge but could find no way out of the field. Realised finally that I had led us through an open gate into the wrong field instead of following the hedge, leaving it on our right and finding the stile further along. No harm done but it did mean a bit further till lunchtime at Natsworthy, a lovely spot where some people cooled their bare feet in the stream.
After lunch we walked along towards Grimspound past the memorial to the air crew who crashed on
Hameldown returning from France during WW11. Everyone knows Grimspound which is an amazing bronze age enclosure with many des res abodes to help even more with the housing crisis in Devon. The designs of some of the houses are still quite clear. From there up to Hookney Tor (with a great view back of Grimspound) and back down to Shapley with stunning views along the away.
During this walk there were lots of Dartmoor ponies with foals and cows with calves which is always a delight.

P.S. A huge woolly caterpillar some were wondering about that Janet has identified as an oak-eggar moth generally found on moorland.

Mays walk 19th
There were 18 congenial walkers who set off from Manaton to do the 7 mile walk in lovely sunshine. After a steep climb up to Hayne Down which comprises many enormous lumps of granite boulders but nevertheless is only a "down" we had a coffee stop admiring the the wonderful views.
This is also where Bowerman's Nose rests which I forgot to point out to the group! Then we went on to Hound Tor, Howell Lawn, Emsworthy Mire and to Becka Brook where we had lunch. Becka Brook is a stunning spot but even more stunning were the bluebells which smothered Holwell Lawn and the hillside walking back up to Greator Rocks.
The whole area was a sea of deep violet, a wonderful sight. Both Holwell Lawn and Emsworthy Mire are open to the public with the permission of the landowners which is generous of them and makes it easy to do a circular walk from Houndtor.
After walking through the medieval settlement, unusual for Dartmoor as most ancient landmarks are from the Bronze Age, we headed back to Manaton. It was a lovely day altogether.

April Walk Thursday 21st
A rather large group of 24 walkers met at Postbridge to walk via the bronze age settlement to Bellever Tor for our coffee stop. We passed an interesting kistvaen, a granite burial box with granite lid measuring about 3 ft. by 2 ft. and surrounded by a stone circle. Either the body was folded and put inside or cremated and the urn placed in the box.
They are found elsewhere but specific to Dartmoor is the position of the kistvaen which is usually NE by SW. So coffee then at Bellever Tor, a most beautiful spot with glorious views and room for 24 walkers to
shelter comfortably from the wind and face the sun! Then off we marched to Laughter Tor for lunch, also a lovely spot with lots of comfortable sitting, views and shelter. The last leg was down towards Laughter Tor Farm and through woods to Bellever.
On the way we walked through an area where dozens of trees were draped in the most stunning, sage green lichen. It is a sight to behold and someone noticed that suddenly there was silence as everyone was amazed by these trees. Surprisingly all 24 walkers ended up back at the car park after our 7 mile walk.
Here's to next month!

Thursday 17th march
U3A Mooramblers next Thursday, 17th March from Belstone meeting Crediton station car park 9:15 AM and WD 9:50AM
Eighteen walkers set off on a glorious sunny day from Belstone to do a different walk than planned. This was because I woke in the night considering if it was foolhardy to walk the route down through the woods from East Hill to the East Okement after the recent storms without having looked at the path. I had visions of climbing fallen trees and negotiating a washed out track.

Instead we walked south along the valley above the Taw, up to Higher Tor for our coffee stop and then struggled along the tors on Belstone Common. There was a brief spell of singing by our musical quartet which almost drowned out the army firing but unfortunately not quite. Luckily the guns quietened after awhile.

Apologies to those walkers with dodgy knees and hips. I do hope not too much damage has been done. Of course the views are lovely up top but tricky because you have to watch your feet all the time. After
inspecting the "Nine Maidens" stone circle (lovely ladies turned to stone after dancing on a Sunday) we had lunch down at a beautiful spot by the river at the ford, called Henry's ford by some and Chapel ford by others!

After climbing up to Halstock Farm where there were some very pretty, unusual sheep and lambs all looking like teddies we walked along the moors down to Cullever Steps with super views on the way of the river, Oke Tor, Steeperton Tor with its red flag flying and distant moorland.

The walk was 7.3 miles and quite a lot rougher walking than most of the walks have been or will be in future.

Janet has sent some super photos so have a look at the website to see them.

Thursday 17th Feb

Sixteen of us headed over to Shilstone Tor along the edge of the moor rather than across Throwleigh Common because of the very strong winds. This detour shortened the walk to about 5.75 miles but Barbara may have been pleased about that suffering as she is with a "knee". We were lucky with the weather otherwise though encountering some sun and just one sharp shower. So it was waterproofs on and then off again!

We walked through Shilstone Hamlet, a lovely spot with streams, ponds, geese, multicoloured hens, hellebores and other lovely plants (which only Janet could remember)and on to Moor Brooke for our coffee stop, another beautiful spot. Gidleigh churchyard was next stop to admire the blanket of snowdrops amongst the gravestones, a wonderful sight. Then down to Gidleigh Mill and along the footpath up to Provincetown where we were delighted by masses of the pale lilac wild crocuses just flowering.
I am waxing lyrical to distract from the last bit of the walk to Throwleigh churchyard where we had our lunch. There is an ancient path called Deave Lane which is very pleasant in dry conditions but today it was deep in mud, water and slurry so for those who gave today a miss you were lucky to have missed that and also some very muddy bits beyond Throwleigh Church caused by the cows that are still out or have been let out early.

So in spite of a short walk and too much mud there was plenty to keep us
delighted.

Looking forward to the March walk and seeing you all again.

January
There were 18 of us who set off from North Bovey easterly in the direction of Lustleigh Cleave in fairly sunny weather. What a bonus! We had to miss out Hunter's Tor to keep the walk to a reasonable distance
so walked down to Foxsworthy Bridge for our coffee stop. That is a beautiful spot beside the River Bovey with wonderful stone thatched cottages beside the river.
In the past though we have come across an inhabitant who preferred that no one uses the footpath there so he and I had a bit of a disagreement. As a result I think he (a Londoner, we reckoned) may have moved on as on that day no one disturbed the tranquillity.
From there we went to Manaton via Manton Rocks where the more athletic ones climbed up for the 360 degree view. We then had our lunch in the churchyard, using the benches, the porch and the stone
steps. We admired the beautiful church with its wonderful stained glass windows but were a bit wary as there was a freshly dug grave awaiting its inhabitant. Luckily we got away in time!
From there we climbed up to Easdon Tor with its stunning 360 degree views but rather a chilly wind as well. The downward trek was a bit of a trial because of the ground having been churned up by ponies. We had a good view of Bovey Castle on the route back down to the cars. I had promised 7.5 miles in
total but as usual it was a bit more- 7.75 miles.

Here's to the February walk when I will try to find some snowdrops!

December Walk
Hello walkers and Happy New Year. Our last walk in December was well attended again- 19 walkers! The weather was fine and Tom lead us on a 7 mile walk from Fingle Bridge. We struggled up the steep hill on the Hunters' path to the Drogo gardens for a coffee break where there was plenty of seating- benches and stone steps.
Then we walked up to the top of the Deer park where we sat comfortably on a circular earth bund with
a fabulous view to enjoy the mulled wine that Tom had provided as well as mince pies supplied by some of the rest of us. It was a very festive and enjoyable lunch stop. After lunch Tom led us into a beautiful and rather magic deciduous woodland via a secret passage between the stone walls which surround the deer park. That led on to the Deerstalkers' path and back down to the cars. It was a most enjoyable walk and thank you, Tom