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For some of our party it was their first visit to Dartmoor; and a wonderful introduction, as they
experienced some of the best walking the National Park has to offer. Oke Tor in driving rain,
Hangingstone Hill and a drying descent to the double stone circle of Grey Wethers via Sittaford
was an excellent start. We were asked about these stones by another group drying themselves within
one of the curving arcs. The name reflects the fact that from a distance the stones can look like
sheep, wethers being the Devon dialect for sheep. We arrived at Postbridge and a chance to buy ice
creams and post cards. The clapper bridge here is the largest on the moor with a span of 43 feet
and the pillars are also the tallest, the East Dart River being prone to severe flooding. It was
pleasing to see and hear the buzzards which have made a strong recovery in the area, also the rain
washed colours of the high moor; purple heather, golden gorse and vivid green bracken. The dragon
flies, the stream, all made a lasting impression. This night was to be spent at Bellever YH, very
pleasant with excellent food, there was too much of it!
The next day we stayed on the edge of the moor on quiet sunken lanes. We mingled briefly with an
equestrian endurance event and at North Bovey found country lanes busy with revellers from a large
wedding held the day before, who were having a bit of a do to finish off the left-overs. The mix
of Grimspound, one of the best preserved Bronze Age settlements on the moor, and the sound of The
Archers in my earphones were strangely enjoyable. At Moretonhampstead some went food shopping,
others to the pub and the rest gave in to the lure of cream teas. The Gateway café is NOT
recommended. We may or may not have visited the Giant's Grave; despite "helpful" locals
we were still unsure when we left Mardon Down. That night we stayed at the YH in Steps Bridge
where the men had the larger room (much complaint from the ladies!) but also the delights of
outdoor plumbing.
Monday morning and a 07:30 start for our longest day of nearly 20 miles; too early for Peter who
had to return to the YH for a forgotten flask. A truly delightful morning walk along the Teign
valley with sunlight flickering through the trees and water always close by. We had a break on
Fingles pack-horse bridge, still used by brave car drivers once ramblers cleared out of the way!
We bypassed Chagford walking beside the river and along lanes which eventually led us to the open
moor and a well earned rest at Teign-e-ver Clapper Bridge. The Tolman stone with its natural hole
is thought to offer good luck to those passing through it. It worked! On my return home I
discovered that I had won £25 in the Stepping Out prize draw.
Steve gave us a fright inside Scorhill stone circle with his invocation to the Satanic master.
Folklore has it that it is impossible to count the number of stones as the fairy folk move them
around if you attempt it. This circle is very well sited, the view west gives the essence of the
open moor with the bleak, boggy plain of the North Teign River backed by Hangingstone Hill in the
distance. Little Hound Tor was next, and White Moor stone circle, our last on this walk, led us to
Cosdon Beacon which at 1804 ft was the high point of our walk and gave tremendous panoramic views.
Looking down at Sticklepath and Belstone we could see the white gable end of the Tor pub shining
bright. Down into Belstone Cleave and up the other side we ended the walk at the pub with a swift
pint while waiting for the excellent taxi service to take us back to the highly recommended Betty
Cottles bunkhouse.
Thanks to David for his great organisation and to the other drivers Steve and Allan. This was my
first extended walk with the group and confirmed a desire to do more.
Andrew Gilbertson
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