Crediton & District

Rambles 2023

Walks in 2023

Decembers walk
Tom lead 22 of us on the annual walk with mulled wine supplied mostly by Tom but also by Richard so thank you, Richard and mince pies supplied by other walkers so thank you to those walkers as well. The walk ended up at 7.68 miles as Tom walked a different route to the one I had anticipated.

We went along the valley which I find stunning in fairly clement weather stopping for coffee before climbing to the ridge to walk along to Oke Tor where we had our Christmasy lunch- eg mulled wine and mince pies and plenty of both as well as lovely views. There followed some pleasant singing with even a bit of harmony led by Hazel- thank you Hazel. Returned along the army track and down to Cullever steps where we stopped alongside the river which looked lovely for anyone who wanted to actually eat their lunch or just have a drink and a rest.

Back to Belstone after several walkers tried out the odd phenomenon with walking poles crossing over each other while inside the stone circle at the Nine Maidens. Many were surprised that it seemed to work and found it quite odd but there were a few skeptics..The chapel tearooms were open as it was Friday but I am not sure if anyone went in.

So have a lovely Christmas everyone and see you in the New Year.

Octobers walk
Well done to those who braved the rain today. On Wed. the forecast had been okay for today, Thursday 19th Oct., until this morning when it had deteriorated. It was then too late to cancel the walk. We did manage 6 miles from Chagford swimming pool, steep uphill to Week Down Cross where we had a dry coffee stop sheltering from the wind and with a lovely view.
We then got drenched heading down to Thorne but found shelter for our lunch amongst the trees beside a babbling brook just before reaching Horselake. It is an enchanting spot looking quite mysterious because of the weather but we managed only half our lunch before getting drenched again even under the trees. By then I decided we had been hardy enough so shortened the walk and headed back down the way we had walked up.
Here's to better weather in Nov.

Sept Walk
This short(5.5 miles) but strenuous walk was our yearly outing to the seaside. Unfortunately it was unavoidably delayed from the summer months so no one opted to swim. Also, I nearly decided against the seaside cliff walk because of the poor forecast and previous heavy rain but luckily we had wonderful sunshine nearly the entire day and the paths were not slippery.

We walked up the steep cliffs and down to Sandymouth for a coffee stop at the cafe. Unfortunately it took a while to serve 15 of us but we were not in any rush. From there up and down more cliffs to
Duckpool where we had a glorious lunch stop on the rocky beach in full sunshine. The scenery along these cliffs is stunning and the sea looked wonderful with its huge crashing surf.

Although we returned on the same route the view was a bit different and even more lovely. Eveyone apart
from Louise who had travelled on her own decided against tea at the cafe.

Altogether it was a great day out and we were happy to welcome three new walkers to the group- Anne(who has walked once before), Serena and Gillian.
See Pictures to the side.

August Walk
The group of 11 walkers convened at the National Trust carpark at the top of Salcombe hill for a walk along some of the South West Costal footpath on Thursday August 17th.
It was a short walk from the carpark to coastal path and it afforded some glimpses down onto Sidmouth. We then veered inland through the woods to avoid the precipitously steep descent into Salcombe Mouth, before climbing up to the top of the Higher Dunscombe Cliffs. We then tracked the coastal path and dropped down to the beach at Weston Mouth for lunch. The overcast conditions and bracing breeze deterred the potential swimmers, but it provided a welcome break before climbing the path up through Weston Combe and the Donkey Sanctuary. We then visited the charming Norman church in Salcombe Regis en route back to the cars, covering around 5 or 6 miles in all.

July Walk
Fifteen of us set off from Prewley Moor in good weather to do a rather taxing walk of 7 miles walking below Sourton Tor over to the weir that crosses the west Okement river.
We stopped at Shelstone Tor for coffee and a lovely view but then had a difficult downhill to the river. It is always boggy along the river although very pretty towards Black-a-Tor Copse, an historic oak forest with the stunted trees growing among the boulders which are covered in moss. After a drink and rest there we tackled the climb up to Black tor which is a grassy track most of the way but a bit tricky towards the top.
The tor consists of three distinct, large granite outcrops. We stopped at the first for lunch but a few people explored the other two. Obviously the views from there are stunning and also lovely back to the reservoir. However the track along Longstone Hill was very stony with not much dry ground alongside to escape the stones. In very dry weather it is a bit less uncomfortable.
We were briefly distracted though by a horseman riding an American ranch horse with western saddle, just like the cowboys. He was on his way to round up and move his cattle. Previously I have come across three horsemen up there with their cattle moving them to new pastures. Eventually the track thankfully turns into soft, grassy walking.Then down to the reservoir and back along a path on South Down.
I think most of the group were quite tired but hopefully were pleased to have done the walk.

June Walk
This walk from Lustleigh was meant to be led by Liz who kindly choose and recced it but she was ill so it was led by me. Luckily it was fairly short so I thought my foot could manage it which it did! Amazingly we managed to park all four cars in Lustleigh without too much difficulty.

14 of us set out on a hot, sunny day towards Hammerslake. I felt shade would be appreciated so took the shaded footpath rather than the road up the steep hill. On the path there was a large boulder across the steam to negotiate but Colin was standing by to help anyone who asked. Thank fully there were still 14 of us when we met the road. It is quite a slog from there up towards Sharpitor so we were glad to stop near the top for our "coffee" in the shade with good views across the valley. To be honest I thought we had reached the top so was disappointed to find wehad more hill to climb after coffee but everyone wanted a rest by then anyway.
Walking along the top towards Hunters' Tor should be splendid and it was but the bracken was so high you could not always see the wonderful view. We stopped for a quick drink at Hunters Tor from where you can see Bowerman's nose clearly as well as Hound Tor, Greator Rocks and Haytor. The consensus was to find shade for lunch so we ended up down in the cleave sitting in the woods beside the river beyond the
infamous Foxworthy Bridge(where the owner always annoys us by trying to persuade us to move on!). It was lovely there and cool.
We then tackled the long uphill trek back along the cleave and then steep down to Pethyridge and Lustleigh. Liz is correct that the uphill there in the cleave although a long stretch is quite gentle but we all found the walk fairly tough even though only 6.4 miles. We were all glad to have tea and cake or ice creams as chosen by some in Lustleigh.
It was a lovely walk and thank you to Liz for sorting it out! I hope you are now all better.

Mays walk
Good Morning, the lovely weather continues ..Summer is here. So here are some of the highlights of the walk!

18 of us ultimately took part ….as what May become an annual migration from Crediton , up to the wilds and distant lands of Exmoor.

We all finally met at the Memorial Stone on the Ridge Road, which is up on the Moor itself, with views in both directions, further into Exmoor and across back into Dartmoor.

The first part of the walk, took us North Easterly across the Moor itself, heading towards a bridge over a large steam. There are numerous tracks across the Moor, so a chance for ‘maps and OS maps’ to be used
to ensure I was not leading them into a land of Trolls and Wild Beasts!.
The highlight of this part was coming across a small herd of beautiful Exmoor ponies with their foals…and a majestic Stallion, protecting the whole herd ( I will try and share the video).

From the Valley bottom, we did the first ascent up to Hawkridge, a small hamlet, with a lovely old church, and a graveyard having stunning views across the valley. Here we had a coffee stop, around a single tree and bench in the centre.

The second part of our journey, then took us across some high pastures (Exmoor is more a ‘patchwork’ of pasture and Moors than Dartmoor). We then descended down into the River Barle Valley. The weather has been drier recently, so although quite a steep descent at the top on stony ground, everybody got down safely.
We then had a peaceful river walk along the River Barle, to our lunchtime destination ‘Tarr Steps’. The Tarr Steps is an old packhorse medieval bridge, which often has many of its huge flat stones and
boulders dislodged. This in fact was the case, meaning most people took a peaceful position on the South bank. A few of us did some clambering across the bridge (I still do not know if a ‘book’ was running, on who would fall in!). Safely across, a small number of us were rewarded by a pint of Ale (gratefully supplied by Colin)..or an ice cream. Having consumed our rations, we then traversed back across the broken bridge.
Returning to the rest of the ‘hardened drinkers ‘ whom we thankfully, had left behind, to avoid, unbridled singing and general falling about on the way back (ps , I have made the last bit up)

So , back to the story…we then did our second ascent , starting our return journey, heading to ‘Tarr Post’. It is not widely known that nearly half of Exmoor is in fact in Somerset ! ..and this post marked
the boundary. From here, we could look back South across to where we started and back to the memorial stone. However our journey would take us on a circuitous route, so we could cross the river at one of the few bridges across. Hence we had another trek across pastures, down intothe valley bottom.

Our last and final stage was the third and last ascent, which had a few little ‘rises’ in it . To ensure we finished the day completely blowing away the cobwebs and sharpening our appetite for Tea and Crumpets on return home. We again reached the Ridge road and then back on the Moor trekked across the top back to the cars .
We were truly blessed by the weather , and as always a lovely bunch of ramblers enjoying the great outdoors.

Kathy we hope to see you back on the next one in June…..Have a lovely
rest of May , in this sunshine 👍

Aprils Walk
Thursday 20th April saw the ‘dirty dozen’ enjoy the Belstone walk that had been postponed from last month. The walkers were blessed to find a day of glorious sunshine ( a rare commodity this year). Having said that , when exposed to the icy breeze, it was clear summer had still not arrived!
The group followed the main path by the river to the east of Belstone Common, then tackled a long steep path tracking the Irishman’s Wall ( so called after the Irish labourers who were believed to have built it ) to the top of the ridge, before enjoying a well-earned coffee break in whatever shelter they could find from the wind on Higher Tor.

The next mission was to locate the Nine Maidens a stone circle marking the sight of a Bronze Age burial site. Nobody stayed to see if the maidens appeared for their dance at noon. This is the time that nine maidens are said to appear each day for perpetuity as a punishment for dancing on the sabbath.

It was then a descent down to the East Okemont river for a picturesque picnicking spot by the footpath. After lunch the group particularly enjoyed the beautiful river path that leads to Okehampton. Having crossed and re-crossed the A30, various minor roads and footpaths led them back to the starting point.
It was a lovely walk, greatly enriched by the perfect weather and perfect company.

March Walk
Postponed until next month.

Feb 2023
The walk was v pleasant but a bit longer than planned (7.5 miles). 11 walkers set off from Bridford village hall car park at around 10.15pm on the 16th February in sunny and warm conditions and headed for Kennick Reservoir which together with the adjacent Tottiford Reservoir provide water to Newton Abbot and Torquay. This involved a steady climb up a green lane which starts from the Bridford Inn with lovely views over the Teign Valley towards Haldon. Passing Lower, Middle and Higher Hole farms we paused for coffee near the Quaker burial ground at Clampitt and then continued through Clampitt Woods to reach the northern end of Kennick Reservoir.
Joining a council lane we turned left towards the southern end of the reservoir passing a glorious display of snowdrops en route. Lunch was taken by the side of the reservoir before we started the return to Bridford through woodland to Clampitt and the green lane arriving at the car park at 2.30pm.

Jan 2023
U3A Crediton Mooramblers walk on 19 th January 2023

After a tortuous trip because of icy roads 6 hardy souls met Tom at Steps Bridge on a very cold but sunny morning and the walk started with a stiff climb through Bridford Wood to Lower Heltor Farm where we took a well earned coffee break in the company of two Dartmoor ponies. From there we followed the farm lane and then the road towards Bridford soon reaching the access track to Heltor from where we enjoyed far reaching views of large areas of Devon. We then walked to Plaistow Green and headed for the Bridford Millenium Garden which is a beautiful spot with benches, huts, lovely trees and a "Roman" amphitheatre. We enjoyed lunch here in the comfort of a large picnic hut.
From there we walked around the edge of the village taking the lane to Windhill Gate and then keeping left through Copplestone Down Woods to Woodlands Farm all the time enjoying wonderful view across the Teign Valley. At the telephone mast we re-entered Bridford Wood and followed the track downhill back to the starting point. The walk was 5.3 miles by my reckoning but others reported 6+.
Tom Davies