02 February 2012 – Trip: Dartmoor with Mum

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.

Photo Set – Flickr

 

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.

01 February 2012 – Walk: Yellowmead Circles and Cuckoo Rock (4.6 Miles)

Synopsis: Yellowmead stone circles are a series of concentric rings believe to date from the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Along Narrator Brook, past ruined Deancombe Farm, and then a climb to Cuckoo Rock.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

This is another walk outlined by Gillian Adams on her excellent blog, Divine Dartmoor Walks. I say another, as my previous walk, Wistman’s Wood, was also a walk of Gillian’s. I knew the parking places where suggested by Gillian would be quite few, so I opted to pull up on the verge a little short of that point.

A herd of Highland cattle - distinguished by their shaggy coats and long horns

There were some long horn Highland cattle roaming around on the track near to the scout hut. These had long shaggy coats, deep ruddy red in colour, which shined in the sun. They seemed remarkably docile and at ease with the people passing by. They may be a long way from home, but they look the part here in the Dartmoor landscape.

 

 

 

Yellowmead Stone Circles

I was thankful I had programmed my GPS with Gillian’s route, as I could so easily have passed by Yellowmead Stone Circles without spotting them if I hadn’t pinpointed them on my GPS. Over the years I’ve walked past this way on numerous occasions and not known they were there. Although the stones are not large in size, the fact that they are set in what is presumably a ritualistic pattern, reasons for which are quite unknown, does give the circles a certain appeal. What was it that made the setting of stones in concentric circles so important to these people?

Narrator Brook

 

The path from the stone circles rises gradually to a ridge and then drops to the corner of some trees. Continuing almost straight on, eventually I dropped down to the Narrator Brook. Here amongst the trees, the sun streaming through the branches, the babbling brook the only sound to be heard, the space felt very tranquil. I found a fallen tree in the sun to sit on and eat my lunch, sheltered from the chill wind that was blowing on the higher ground.

 

Narrator Brook - Clapper Bridge

 

 

 

After lunch the path I walked followed the course of the Narrator Brook to a point where I crossed the stream over a clapper bridge. It is thought that the stones of this clapper bridge may well have come from the Yellowmead Stone Circles, which, when you see them, seems highly plausible.

Ruined Deancombe Farm

 

From here the path ascends gradually along a track until the ruins of Deancombe Farm are reached. Apparently this farm was worked up until the 1930s. The ruins are quite substantial, suggesting Deancombe Farm was quite a major concern. I wonder if any photos exist from the time when it was a working farm. Today all the ruins are coated in a layer of bright green moss, perhaps emblematic of a lingering dampness that embraces this shaded valley location.

Cuckoo Rock - the moon above

 

 

Walking on from Deancombe Farm the next destination on this walk, Cuckoo Rock, comes into view almost immediately. It’s simply the largest rock on the hillside. The sun was shining on it causing it to look almost white. The moon came into view as I approached the rock, so I was just able to grab this shot of both together. My smart new camera with exposure bracketing might just be worth the not inconsiderable expense.

Narrator Brook

 

 

 

From here my path took me down the side of the valley where I had a couple of streams to cross, but this proved easy enough, even at this time of year. Once again, I found it rather idyllic, by the stream glistening cobalt blue in the acute rays of the sun.

I then followed a simple course across open moorland as mapped out for me by my GPS. It wasn’t long before the trees surrounding the scout hut were once again in sight.

Not a long walk, but quite varied and extremely interesting. I’d say it was highly recommended.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 4.6 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 13min
Stopped Time: 54min
Total Ascent: 309 metres
Maximum Elevation: 336 metres

Buses: (none)

14 January 2012 – Walk: Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor (5.2 Miles)

Synopsis: A popular destination, Wistman’s Wood, as evidenced by the number of walkers headed that way. Having said that, Dartmoor generally was having a very busy day. Good walk though!

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I woke up this morning with no particular walk in mind so needed to hastily come up with a walk plan. I’d recently come across a web site named Divine Dartmoor Walks that a lady by the name Gillian Adams authors. I’ve not tried a walk from this blog, but thought I’d give one a go, and settled on Wistman’s Wood and Longaford Tor, a medium distance walk of about 5 miles.

Parked up and ready for walk

I couldn’t park in the quarry car park by Two Bridges that Gillian recommends, there were just too many cars, indicative of just how busy Dartmoor has become these days, and that’s before Spielberg has had his opportunity to put it on the map. I settled for a lay-by at the top of the hill, merely a couple hundred metres away.

 

 

West Dart River - Wistman's Wood

 

 

There are said to be three primeval oak groves on Dartmoor, of which Wistman’s Wood is probably the best known. The other two are Black Tor Copse and Piles Copse, both of which are also worth seeking out. “Their history has been the subject of much ecological speculation. The most likely explanation is that these woods are remnants of the original forest cover which have survived in modified form for various reasons in sites on granite soils which can be better tolerated by pendunculate oak than by sessile oak. Today, they are heavily grazed but full of epiphytic lichens and ferns, mosses, gnarled trees and a mysterious, wild atmosphere.” (from: Dartmoor National Park by John Weir - ISBN: 0863501397).

West Dart River - Wistman's Wood

 

This is definitely the best approach to Wistman’s Wood. Initially it is seen as a patch of silver against the side of the hill, and on approaching the feathery branches come into relief against the ever changing sky, one moment brooding, the next shooting shafts of bright sunlight across the landscape.

 

West Dart River - Wistman's Wood - Druid's Stone

 

 

There is a large erect stone at the northern tip of Wistman’s Wood that Gillian describes as the Druid’s Stone. I sought this out and believe this is the stone (see photo). I should have sought out the inscription to Buller that Gillian speaks of, but neglected to do that. It’s a fairly substantial stone, which I’ve attempted to illustrate by photographing against one of the oak trees. I presume it has been upended by the Druids for some ritualistic reason.

The OS map shows a number of Pillow Mounds markings in this area. These are artificially built mounds of earth and stone which provided shelter for rabbits which were once reared commercially on Dartmoor’s warren farms.

West Dart River - Weir at head of Devonport Leat – Longaford Tor to the left, Littaford Tor to the right

The ground was very wet underfoot as I approached the weir which was to be my furthest most point on this walk. The weir is at the start of the Devonport Leat, built in the 1790s to convey drinking water to Devonport, Plymouth. I had intended to lunch at this point but there was a brisk chill wind blowing up the valley which was not at all comfortable, so I turned and headed for Longaford Tor, where I hoped to find shelter from the wind.

Views from Longaford Tor - my lunch stop

 

 

This was my chosen lunch venue, in the lee of Longaford Tor, and with wide ranging views all around, and the place entirely to myself. A sandwich, yoghurt and a cup of tea was on the menu. What more could a man wish for?

Approaching Littaford Tor

 

 

 

From Longaford Tor I followed a straight-line course along the ridge towards Littaford Tor. This too was pretty squelchy underfoot, but this is typical for Dartmoor at this time of year. As long as you have decent footwear it’s no problem whatsoever.

 

Comparing my walk retrospectively with the walk that Gillian Adams had done, it was obvious we’d walked at two completely different times of year. Whereas there is a warmth of summer green in Gillian’s photographs, mine were the russet and fawn browns of winter. All I can suggest is whichever it is you prefer, choose your walk date appropriately. I think it is lovely to see the difference the seasons make to the landscape of Dartmoor. On this occasion I do think the winter setting, a time when it is possible to see the gnarled branches of the ancient oaks of Wistman’s Wood, unencumbered with leaves, is a time when the devilry of the place is at its height. A walk in the mist is also good for atmosphere.

I always enjoy escaping to Dartmoor. Because of my recent lack of a car, it’s a place I haven’t got to as often as I’d have liked these last couple of years, but now I have wheels again, … Thankfully no sighting of black hounds or the Old Crockern, just me, the old crock, roaming the hills. My tacit thanks to Gillian for the suggestion of this walk.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 5.2 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 18min
Stopped Time: 26min
Total Ascent: 282 metres
Maximum Elevation: 505 metres

Buses: (none)

11 January 2012 – Walk: Woodbury Common from Lympstone (10.7 Miles)

Synopsis: A circular walk from Lympstone out onto Woodbury Common. All this delightful walking and such a short distance from where I live. An excellent first walk for the new year.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

Approaching Digby-Sowton Railway Station

I learnt my lesson a couple of years ago, when I drove to Woodbury Common early in 2009 and my car failed me miserably, coughing smoke all the way up and back. This time I took the train and the travel there and back went smoothly. I caught the train from my local Digby-Sowton station, disembarking at Lympstone Village station.

 

Lympstone - Peter's Tower

 

 

 

As I had arrived in Lympstone quite early, just a little after 10 am, I thought I’d wander down to the shore for a moment before setting off on my walk. As I approached the estuary the air took on a very salty taste. A tower, known locally as Peter’s Tower, dominates Lympstone shoreline, built by W.H. Peters in memory of his wife and her good works in caring for the poor.

Looking towards the hills of Woodbury Common

 

 

I then picked up my path proper, climbing gradually out of Lympstone village, and then through country lanes leading me inexorably towards Woodbury Common. The sun was shining, the day was warm, only a gentle breeze was blowing, and all-in-all, it was a perfect day for a walk in the country. I walked nearly 3 miles along quiet country lanes before crossing the B3180 and the lanes were swapped for tracks through the woods.

Woodbury Common - Green pines against russet ferns and slender grasses

 

The most pleasant part of the walking was simply traversing the various tracks and paths that crisscross the common. There were very few people about, just the odd dog walker and one fisherman at Squabmoor Reservoir. With hardly a cloud in the sky the bright light brought out the vivid colours of the pine trees, set against the russet colours of last year’s bracken.

Woodbury Common - Squabmoor Reservoir

 

 

 

I found a little corner of Squabmoor Reservoir in the sun to stop and eat my lunch with the only other person visible being the fisherman on the opposite shore of the lake. It was unusually balmy for January, and although I enjoyed my tea, it wasn’t required for warmth as was its intended purpose.

Woodbury Common

 

Hopefully my photographs speak louder than words when it comes to describing how picturesque the countryside was looking today. That being the case, I suggest you browse through my Flickr photo set (link above) if you wish to discover more about my day on the common.

 

 

Point-in-View chapel - facing the altar

 

 

 

As I entered the lane just above A-La-Ronde, visible from the path, I was in two minds whether to detour up to Point-in-View or not. It was not part of my planned walk, but it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, especially on such a lovely day as this. Apparently the ‘point’ of the name was the conversion of the Jews, at least according to Pevsner.

Point-in-View chapel - the small school desk and bench

I have been to Point-in-View on a number of occasions before (October 2009 & Christmas 2009) but it’s such a charming place it’s always a delight to visit. I like the fact that it is such an oddity, as I’m fairly sure there can’t be another place quite like it. I think in part I like the chapel, as well as A La Ronde itself, because the two spinster cousins, Mary and Jane Parminter, are such intriguing characters. They were a pair of very individual young ladies prepared to do things as they wished, and seemed to buck the trend of stereotyped conformity laid down by the society of their time.

 

The Point-in-View chapel even has a tiny classroom attached to it, the desk and bench can be seen in the photograph above. I believe it could accommodate four pupils; all rather quaint. Hopefully my photographs convey something of the quiet serenity of the chapel and its surroundings. To experience the real magic of the place, you need to see it in the flesh, so I recommend a visit when next you’re in the vicinity.

A thoroughly splendid day’s walking with which to begin a new year.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 10.7 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 06min
Stopped Time: 41min
Total Ascent: 343 metres
Maximum Elevation: 193 metres

Buses: (none)
Trains: Off-peak return Digby-Sowton to Lympstone Village - £3.30