Synopsis: A quick stroll at Burrator Reservoir. Lunch at the Skylark Inn, Clearbrook. An abortive walk along the banks of River Walkham. A sunset walk along a stretch of Dr Blackall’s Drive.
The previous day I’d been up on Dartmoor and could see how pretty it looked with a light covering of snow. I thought Mum might like a trip out, the weather forecast for today looked promising, so, with walking shoes on board, off we set for the moor.
Burrator Reservoir - Disused Quarry - Icicles
The snow of yesterday was still covering the high hills of the moor, the temperature having remained very low these last 24 hours. The roads however remained clear, so progress was easy. We stopped for a quick stroll at Burrator Reservoir before lunch, parking just below Sheepstor. The reservoir was well stocked with cobalt blue water. We saw a small family of Canadian Geese on the shores of the reservoir. The ice dripping from a disused quarry shows just how cold it was.
Clearbrook - The Skylark Inn for lunch
We returned to our car and drove once around the reservoir. I then drove us on to Clearbrook where we stopped for lunch at the Skylark Inn. I’d heard good report of the food served here, and was well aware how busy it could become, especially at weekends. I think this is in part due to its proximity to Plymouth. But that is not to say the food isn’t good. Mum and I had a really nice lunch, including the all important puddings.
River Walkham – walk progress blocked
My plan for the next stage in our day out was to walk the footpath that runs along the banks of the River Walkham. We started off well from the car park adjacent to the main A386 road, but soon found ourselves hindered by an impassable (at least for Mum) stretch of path that had seemingly been eroded by the river. Disappointingly we had no choice but to turn back. I will confess it was cold in the river valley, shaded from the sun, on a cold day such as it was today.
Feeling rather cheated of our walk, I considered other easy walking options on the moor that would be suitable for Mum. I concluded Dr Blackall’s Drive could well prove a good option, so off we set on a drive across the high snow-topped moor once again.
Dr Blackall's Drive – in the setting sun
We picked up the track which is Dr Blackall’s Drive, a short drop from the car park. The walking here did have the advantage that we were in sun, but as evening was coming on, it was noticeable how quickly the temperature was dropping. We went only as far as a point from which we could take in something of the view down the steep gorge of the River Dart; here we turned and retreated to our car. It was a lovely short walk all the same, and adequate compensation for failing to complete our river walk.
On the drive home I suggested to Mum hot soups might be what we needed to warm us up. Mum obliged with a couple of bowls of tomato soup which provided the necessary quota of inner warmth. We put on the King’s Speech DVD to nicely round off the day. Come the end I think we both felt that it had been a really pleasant way to spend the day.
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