Rambles 2017
January
For our New Year walk there were 6 of us who walked in the most wonderful sunny and frosty weather. Nothing could be more perfect. Having inspected the hill fort on Nattadon Common above Chagford we did a 6 mile loop walking SE along the ridge which has stunning views, on towards Thorn, then Higher Horselake Farm, Great Weeke, Yellam and back up to Weeke Down.
We then stopped briefly in Chagford for Abi to purchase a twin for her walking pole at the wonderful hardware store. She actually succeeded so a very satisfactory day altogether.
February
We had a lovely 6.5 mile walk from Manaton to Bowerman's Nose and on to Houndtor where we had our coffee. Then we went on to Howell Lawn where we came across a ewe with a bucket on her head, the handle caught behind her ears. We tried to catch her without success so I reported this to Haytor Information Centre on Saturday. I do hope they mananged to contact the appropriate farmer. We should have noted the colour of the paint on her back so, for future reference, that is what you should do! We then crossed Becka Brook on the beautiful new granite clapper bridge chiselled by a stone mason a few years ago and put in place by the Park. Up we went to Howell Tor where we had lunch. In order to shelter from the wind we climbed down off the hill where we discovered an amazing round shelter built of granite stones and with a domed roof. It was built in the 19th century for/by the quarrymen.
After lunch we walked to Smallacombe Rocks, down the hill and back to Manaton.
It was a lovely walk and we were enthralled by all the snowdrops on the banks and in woods looking so delightful.
March
Six joined me for our 6 mile walk. The two new faces were very welcome (Ann and Nicola) and we regulars hope to see them again. The weather was kind too, which was a bonus, although rather misty which was atmospheric and gave us the excuse not to climb Manaton Rocks to look at the panoramic views!
From Manaton we walked to Foxworthy (coffee stop beside the lovely River Bovey), up to Harton Chest with a view across the valley to the house with the turf roof, then to Hunter's Tor for lunch, nicely sheltered by the rocks, with deer frolicking below. Then back via Manaton Rocks. We were enchanted by the abundance of different lichens on the trees (we need a lichen connoisseur), the moss on the multitude of boulders and all the wild daffs up the hillside at Foxsworthy.
April
A mighty 9 of us walked in glorious weather from Hound Tor car park up to Hound Tor for coffee. We were joined here by a stray dog as in the photo taken by Jo Forrest. Then we headed over Houndtor Down, past a few bluebells and stitchwort and up to Black Hill for more fantastic views. After a welcome downhill stretch in the Manaton direction we then headed up to Hayne Down and a lunch break on the rocks near Bowermans Nose. We walked onto the lane and studied the recent trinkets at Jay's Grave along the lane at Swine Down and headed back to the cars. Miraculously there was a tea and home-made cake van in the car park and some of us felt it rude not to partake! Oh the joy of a van that sells tea in china mugs - hurrah!! The walk was somewhere between 6 and 7 miles. And no mud!!
May
Seven of us climbed the steep hill up to Hunter's path, then down and along the river to Dogmarsh bridge where we crossed to walk back through Whiddon Deer Park. The bluebells there were still stunning, the new beech leaves as well and the weather dry so altogether a lovely day out. The walk was about 6 miles.
June
Heather and Margaret led a walk from Collaton near Budleigh along the coast to Ladram Bay, about 6 miles. It was a hot day and the sea offered a cool distraction.
September
I decided against walking from Hameldown because of the poor forecast but our walk from Moretonhampstead up to Butterdon Down and then Mardon Down was done in continuous sunshine. There were 8 of us including a new chap called Tom who was most welcome and took us on an exciting adventure up to the top of Butterdon so that we could enjoy the splendid view whilst having our coffee. From there on to the stone circle at Mardon Down for lunch and another splendid view. In fact the entire walk consisted of lovely views. We managed 8.4 miles, a record I think. Perhaps we were trying to impress the fellow who was with us...
October
Ten members took the opportunity of (initially) good weather to walk around Challacombe Down in central Dartmoor. Starting at Bennett's Cross near the Warren House Inn, we descended into the extensive remains of the Vitifer and Golden Dagger mines heading south along the Red Brook valley on the west side of the Down to the remains of the medieval village of Challacombe where we took a coffee break. Turning north we made our way along a gently rising track on the east side of the Down to Headland Warren Farm and then to the (partially reconstructed) remains of the early bronze age village of Grimspound, which provided some shelter from a cold strong wind associated with the approaching storm Brian, where we ate lunch.
Suitably refreshed we joined the Two Moors Way and climbed to Hookney Tor, where we enjoyed panoramic views and the sight of the approaching storm clouds. Continuing along the Way we descended to Bennett's Cross and completed the 6 mile ramble in about 4 hours.
This report is from Tom Davies who led the walk. Thanks to Carolyn and Annie for the photos.
In November ten of us were so lucky to have the most spectacular weather for our 8 mile walk from near Fernworthy Reservoir via the Mariners Way to Scorhill Stone circle, the North Teign with its beautiful clapper bridges, Shovel Down with its amazing stone rows, Kestor, Middle Tor and Frenchbeer Rock with their amazing views. There were several steep hills to test us and a bit of mud to avoid but otherwise good walking. We actually saw a large stag sporting handsome antlers on the skyline just north of Fernworthy forest, par for the course for Exmoor but a bit more unusual for Dartmoor.
On December 15th 10 of us did a lovely 6.4 mile walk from Belstone led by Tom. We visited the Nine Maidens Bronze Age stone circle (do not dance on a Sunday if you would object to being turned to stone!) while en route to Scarey Tor, Cullever Steps and the army shooting range. We rested there on some convenient rocks to enjoy the hot mulled wine and mince pies that Tom had carried in his rucksack. How lovely! Thank you Tom!
Then, with a lighter rucksack, Tom led us on to Oke Tor for lunch where the view is splendid and we were able to find shelter from a NW wind which had arrived. We were then pleased to get down off the ridge to find shelter from that wind for our return to Belstone. I think a good day was had by all.