|
|
Spring walk 2025 Bellever (Dartmoor),
5/6/2025 - 9/6/2025
Thursday 5th June.
Travel day. A slow start, due to heavy traffic on M1 and M25, not unusual. The traffic then eased and good progress was made until the M5 where heavy rain made driving hard. We had arranged to meet at Drewsteignton in the Drews, a community pub with great character, ale and food. Those present were Dick, Paul, Ralph, Steve, Pat, Ben, Mick, John W, Graham, Ian, Phil, John S, and Andy.
After lunch most walked directly from the pub down the Two Moors Way on to Dartmoor Way to Hunters Tor then down to the river Teign where they met Dick, Pat and Phil (who had driven down to Fingle Bridge and walked along the river to a footbridge) all then walked back along the river to Fingle Bridge and the Anglers Retreat for light refreshment.
Whilst there Pat had a lucky escape, the table he was sitting on (picnic style) tipped up sending teapots, plates and glasses flying. There was a fence by the side of him which stopped him falling off completely and also saved Dick's drink. Dick took Pat, Phil and Ian back to the Drews the others walked on the Dartmoor Way, Drewston Common, Drewston Wood, Rectory Wood back to the Drews. Here we went on to the Dartmoor hostel at Bellever. Where we met Pete.
It was getting late so we all went to the Warren Inn for dinner, great ales and food. Mick and John W went cottageing (pie) whilst in there. Dick was going to have a nightcap upon returning to the hostel but it was all locked up.
Friday 6th June.
We woke up to a fine, dry but cloudy morning. It stayed fine throughout the day but got windy higher up. A circular walk was planned for the day to Two Bridges and back. All taking the same route from the hostel along the road and up a hill to the Lych Way, crossing the B3212 on to Powder Mill, Longaford Tor, Pillow mounds, Wistman's Wood, Crockern and the Two Bridges Hotel for lunch. There was a choice of ways back, bus, along the road or a longer path back. Ian took the bus as he is quite a bit slower these days but does very well. The food and drink at the hotel was good but expensive.
After lunch we walked along the B3357 towards Dartmeet until we got to the turn off for Prince Hall Hotel here Dick, Pat, Pete and Steve carried on along the road. The others went past Dartmoor Training centre, ford, Sherberton, stepping stones, stepping stones, Brownberry and back to the B3357 by Dunna Bridge. This is where the others had turned off to go past the field system, Laughter Tor and through the woods back to the hostel. Some of the walking had been hard as crossing wet ground and tussock grass, Pat and Andy took a couple of tumbles, Paul lost his sunglasses and Ben went Tick collecting.
Once all were washed and rested dinner was again taken at the Warren Inn. Again very good.
Saturday 7th June.
We woke up to a very grey morning with drizzle. The weather forecast was not good so after breakfast we set off for Castle Drogo, a national trust place. Those with a membership went to look around others went for the cafe and a stroll.
Paul found his sunglasses in his coat when he was sorting out his gear for the day. After Castle Drogo we went on to Chagford arranging to meet in the Three Crowns. Just as we got there it started to rain which became very heavy within a few minutes, some of us got very wet walking from the cars to the pub. As it rained so much we abandoned the walk around Chagford just having a lunch with refreshments. Then back to the hostel, though it had stopped raining the roads were like rivers in places.
Ben was trying to get rid of his Tick collection to anyone who would have them but there were no takers.
Most walked down to the East Dart Inn for evening refreshment though no ales ( they did offer to put some on but it would be £50 a pint) food was limited and bland. Two girls turned up just before 22:00 but were refused service as the Inn was closing soon. All in all, not one to go back to. Once all were back we raised a glass to Dave Debnam who had recently passed away.
Sunday 8th June.
Today was a fine and sunny morning though we did get some cloud patches and windy at times. After breakfast we split into 2 groups.
Group 1 Paul, Andy, Mick, John W, John S, Ralph, Graham and Ben set off from the hostel over Riddon Ridge down to Babeny, Sherwell, and Dartmeet then on to the Two Moors Way to Hexworthy and the Forest Inn for lunch.
Group 2 moved two cars to Hexworthy to walk one way. Dick, Pat, Pete, Steve, Phil and Ian then set off from the hostel through the Forest, across Laughter Tor and down to Huccaby Cottage, then along the road for a short section before turning off to Hexworthy and up the road to the Forest Inn which was steep in places. Ian had said he would walk by himself knowing the way we were going but had some difficulty in finding the path after the forest. It did take Ian longer than expected.
All met for lunch then group 1 went back the way group 2 had taken but also took in Bellever Tor on the way back. Again Ben offered to share his Tick collection but there were no takers. An early dinner had been booked at the Warren Inn so after a quick wash and brush up it was out for dinner. Once back at the hostel we raised a few glasses to absent friends, Ian and Ralph sang some songs.
Monday 9th June.
We woke up to another fine day, though no walking today as long journeys home for most. Uneventful journeys for all but not a good start for Dick as he went the wrong way on the A30, perhaps he just wanted to stay a bit longer.
It had been another good walk though we did miss Dave but we knew his spirit was with us.
|
