Another New Year on Dartmoor – Part 3: Familiar Ground

The New Year started with a massive dilemma - with the Fox Tor Cafe not opening until 11, it was pushing it to have a proper breakfast and get a walk in. Neatly solved by Phil and Sarah providing bacon sandwiches. General lethargy, though, meant it was still after midday that we finally got going … Continue reading Another New Year on Dartmoor – Part 3: Familiar Ground

Another New Year on Dartmoor – Part 2: The Far West

No day's walking on Dartmoor is complete without a visit to the Fox Tor Cafe, and especially so when you're staying next door. Being on winter opening hours, it didn't open until 10am and Cath and I were first in the queue at the front door for when it opened. Looking through the window we … Continue reading Another New Year on Dartmoor – Part 2: The Far West

Another New Year on Dartmoor – Part 1: Butterdon Hill and Uppacott Down

The New Year walking trip has now been going since the 2013/14 trip to the Lakes (so the rule says it's now a tradition), but after that first midwinter foray north, each one has seen me head to Dartmoor. The combination of socialising and easy walks whatever the weather seems to fit the festive lethargy … Continue reading Another New Year on Dartmoor – Part 1: Butterdon Hill and Uppacott Down

A Different Coast to Coast – Part 3: Dartmoor

Drewsteignton to Ivybridge - 38 miles, 2½ days Paul's feet seemed to have got a second wind, and he was back in the lead as we climbed up out of Drewsteignton onto the Castle Drogo estate. Familiar territory now, and I'd visited all of these tors earlier in the year, so it wasn't a long … Continue reading A Different Coast to Coast – Part 3: Dartmoor

A Nemesis and the Noble and Ancient Art of Tor-sitting

Looking down from Lynch Tor, I see the valley spread below, lush, green and beckoning us onward. Legs tired, water running low, and still a fair way to walk. The map shows a well-defined path leading down a valley between two ridges, and seeing the same on the ground we take it. Some way down the path, … Continue reading A Nemesis and the Noble and Ancient Art of Tor-sitting

The Tors and Rocks of Chagford Common and Gidleigh

Yet again a crappy forecast. But it's Dartmoor, so it comes with the territory. If there's one thing Dartmoor's done for me, it's to improve my tolerance for walking in uncomfortable weather. Today looked like a day for further "training" in that area. Jim has gone home and Paul has domestic stuff to do, so … Continue reading The Tors and Rocks of Chagford Common and Gidleigh

Sleep Walking and A Less Than Manly Beverage

It feels weird heading into London at the end of the day, destined for a walking trip. The usual stressed and miserable faces passing me are replaced by somewhat more relaxed, and somewhat less sober ones. I arrive at Paddington and settle down for a beer to wait for Rich (@FlintyRich) to turn up. I … Continue reading Sleep Walking and A Less Than Manly Beverage