A long a bumpy, narrow track led to the cottage. Once settled in, I sat in front of the cottage enjoying the September sun and the beautiful scenery, whilst I waited for the others to arrive. By 6pm we had all arrived and soon after headed for our evening meal at the Skylark Inn in Clearbrook. No one was keen to drive down the track, so we enjoyed a 30-minute brisk walk along the route 27 cycle path. An excellent meal and a few drinks were followed by a brisk walk back to the cottage along the dark track. Luckily Ann had explored the path earlier in the day and knew where to find the hole in the fence, leading to the road.
On Saturday morning we set off in three cars to drive to a parking place on the misty moors, just beyond Yelverton. With a stiff wind blowing and dark skies, we felt underdressed. But Judith warmed us up with a brisk off-path section through the tussocks to gain height, and gradually the weather lifted. Dartmoor's variety was showcased on our lovely route, moorland grass and bog, tors, remnant tin mines, stone circles and 2 of the 15 neolithic stone rows on Dartmoor.
The fine views revealed themselves as the cloud lifted and we had a fine if breezy tor top lunch stop.
Tor Top
We followed the old leats created during WW1 (wonder if land girls dug the those?) now healthy little streams, which border what is now a nature reserve around Burrator Reservoir. With a bit of intrepid leat leaping on the part of some we ended the day with a quick drink at the Burrator Inn and then returned to the cottage to prepare the evening meal. We had an excellent 3 course meal that ended with a power cut. Luckily it only lasted half an hour, so we didn’t have to tolerate emergency lights in our bedrooms and no water to clean our teeth.
On Sunday the weather had changed to light rain. Eight of us set off. We walked through the trees, close to the River Meavy, until we reached Shaugh Bridge.
We crossed the river, walked through the car park and ascended a wooded hill. We continued this path towards Cadover Bridge, passing a view of Dewerstone Rock and beautiful spots on the river.
We reached Cadover Bridge where there is a nice deep pool for swimming, but not today. We continued over the moor, seeing ponies and a few Belted Galloway cows.
We arrived at a junction where Martin, Maggie, Stephen and I took a short cut back to the cottage. Ann, Judith, Clive and Annie walked on to Clearbrook and then down the river back to the cottage.
Thanks to Stephen for organising this excellent weekend.
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