Crediton & District

Mooramblers/ Long Walkers

Our walks range from 6 miles up to 8 miles. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month in Crediton Station car park at 9.15am and Whiddon Down at 9.50 to share cars to the start of the walk.

We have a drink and snack stop and also a lunch stop. Generally the walks will be in the vicinity of Dartmoor National Park but coastal walks are also an option.
To contact the group organiser by e-mail use -(If viewing on computer browser click on the "Blue Bird" icon top right of this page. if viewing on a mobile phone browser the "blue bird icon can be found towards the bottom of this page.)

========================================================
Next Walk
TBD

Walks in 2024

April
14 of us set off uphill from Fingle Bridge in bright sun, blue skies and no wind which held for the rest of the rather long and strenuous walk.
We haven't had weather like that for about 3 months! Also the ground was dry apart from a few sections in the Deer park which were actually as boggy as I have ever seen them. The walk turned into 8 miles rather than 6.5 with lots of uphill because I misjudged the distance back down along the Deerstalkers path to the river. There is no track marked on the map so I guessed the distance incorrectly. I am very sorry about this and glad that everyone made it back in one piece but perhaps a bit stiff today.
Coffee in sunshine at the Salmon Leap was lovely. We then walked on along the bottom of the Deer park to a hamlet called Parford- uphill- but lovely views en route. After crossing a few fields we went up a
short but steep narrow path, bashing the brambles on the way with my walking pole. At the top is a lovely field for having lunch with stones to rest our weary backs against and an amazing view of the moors.
However, there is now an electric fence on the footpath boundary so we had to sit on the hillside with no rocks to lean against but it was quite comfortable - and sunny! We were all reluctant to move. From there we did a loop back - uphill again - before going down to the Deer park.
Of course it is up again from there to the top of the Deer park but the view from there is worth it, I think. The bluebells are only just showing but later there should be an amazing display. From there was the long trek through the woods on the Deerstalker Path which was very nice among the deciduous trees but the track back along the south side of the river was the killer. We were all thinking, "When will we be there?"
Finally we were so glad to see the beautiful and most welcome stone bridge and Inn where most of us had a well deserved cream tea sitting in the sun beside the river.

Feb
Six of us set out uphill in cold but sunny weather past the water works and on to the moors to try out the walking poles at the Six Maidens stone circle. Unfortunately it did not work this time but the poles were not a pair. I reckon that was the reason...It really has worked for me in the past. Then off downhill to the ford for coffee, admiring the beautiful East Okement en route with sun sparkling on the foam.
The gorse is in full bloom too so looked lovely. After our stop we did a short detour to view the waterfall which is impressive now because of the huge amount of rain we have had in Feb. The one and only benefit of the dire weather this month. From there up to Halstock farm where there was a beautiful lamb (just one) with its black face and black knee socks looking so sweet. The sheep had special teddy bear faces.
From there to Cullever steps where we made the decision to shorten the walk to 6 miles due to the forecast and ominous black skies in the north. Just as we started off the hail started so we delayed lunch till we reached the stone hut by the river by which time the rain had stopped. Made it back
to the church cafe just before 2:00PM for tea and delicious cakes.

Altogether a lovely walk of 6.35 miles in spite of getting a bit wet.

Jan
Having chosen Moretonhampstead for the walk as shelter is available which is what seemed necessary 10 days ago when I looked at the forecast it turned out to be very cold but with sun and clear blue skies all day.
Wonderful. 17 of us started the 8 mile walk (meant to be 7.5...) from the church, up to Butterdon Down for the coffee stop. There is a delightful spot in the woods there with lovely views. I was concerned we would not have the sun but as we were facing south we did. After that we headed towards Cranbrooke Castle (hill fort) for lunch. There was a short stretch of very icy road that we had to negotiate but all made it safely.
On the top of Cranbrooke with its lovely 360 degree views we found shelter from the cold NE wind under the ramparts and enjoyed the amazing warmth of the sun. Once again we negotiated a short stretch of
lethal icy road but everyone made it safely, thank goodness! Well done all!! I then had a debate with myself whether to return another way with no icy roads and miss Mardon Down or risk the roads and turn back if necessary.
We had no more problems except that in order to reach Mardon Down you do have 1.5 miles of lane walking which I found very tiring. There is a short but steep hill up to the stone circle on Mardon Down which is so lovely with its 360 degree views and then a beautiful view down to Moretonhampstead. We were in a bit of a rush to return within the 5 hour parking slot but we made it.
Barbara was clever and bought an all day ticket for £1-00 extra so her carload was able to stop for
tea at the Baskerville tea rooms. I hope that helped you all recover from the very steep climb back up to the church.

To see reports of our previous walks in last year just click the link opposite

If there is anyone who would like to offer to lead a walk of about 6 miles, please let Kathy know. It need not be on the Moors.

Do get in touch if you would like to join us.

Phone Kathy at the number below or click on the "carrier pigeon" to send an email.

-----