Wednesday 16th January - Twyning

An easy virtually flat walk from Twining with the Winchcombe Probus group. We went north from the pub to Hill End then turned south through the edge of Twining. Through Church End and on to the common land which is the flood plain for the River Avon. A 35 on the walk followed by lunch at the Fleet Inn.

Looking back towards Bredon Hill.

River Avon

Look at the height of the mooring posts to allow the boats to rise up when the area is flooded.

Thrusday 10th January - High Willhayes Dartmoor

A very familiar solo walk today from Meldon Reservoir. A superb morning with blue skies, no wind and the ground was frozen solid. My route was to follow the track up and around Longstone Hill, over to Black Tors, up to High Willhayes, along to Yes Tor and then back down avoiding the clitter.

6 miles and 1300 feet ascent.










No wind and superb reflections on the water.

Sourton Tor in the distance

Black Tor comes into view.

Looking across to Shelstone Tor, Sourton Tors and Branscombe's Loaf on Corn Ridge

The view down from Black Tor to Vellake Corner

Looking back to Langstone Hill

Looking up the West Okement Valley

High Willhayes

High Willhayes with Hamster Tor and Yes Tor in the distance

Looking south. I had the place to myself but met someone else walking over to Yes Tor.

Yes Tor looking across to Cosdon Hill

Yes Tor looking back to High Willhayes

Red-a-ven-Brook below

More reflections on the water.

Tuesday 8th January - Return to Dartmoor

An early start to arrive in Belstone for a walk with my old friends. Very cool and with a thin layer of cloud at the start. Dianne was leading and we went out over Belstone Tor, past Higher Tor and on to Oke Tor for a coffee break. Then down to the ford near Knack Mine before going up to Steeperton Tor. A little windy on top so it was decided to have lunch lower down and so we stopped by Steeperton Brook.  Around the edge of Taw Marsh and stopping at the radon works on the way back. Also with Darren, Jon, Anne, Jane, Charlie and Jon.

8 miles and 1200 feet ascent.














A wonderful sense of  remoteness as you go up to Belstone Tor with a view of  Rowtor, West Mill tor and Yes Tor in the distance.

Belstone Tor along the ridge.

Higher Tor below with East Mill tor in the middle distance.

Steeperton from Oke Tor

Going up to Steeperton Tor

On Top

The flag pole with Taw Marsh below.

Taw Marsh with Belstone Tor on the left.

The disused radon works. The purpose of this underground plant was to remove radon gas from water extracted from Taw Marsh.

Back at Belstone the first lambs of the year.

Sunday 6th January 2019 Hinchwick Manor

A cool dry morning. Starting from Hinchwick Manor and following the valley north to the minor road then past Bourton Far Hill Farm to return at a higher level. A shorter walk today at only 5 miles with 600 feet ascent. 14 on the walk.















Hinchwick Manor

Into the valley

Evidence of a water wheel just below a quarry.

Through the woods

Returning at a higher level

Wednesday 2nd January - Guiting Power

A frosty morning for the first walk of the year with the Cleeve Rambling group. This is the monthly shorter walk followed by a pub lunch. Starting from the Farmers Arms through the village and on to the Winchcombe Way in Guiting Wood. Returning on the same track fro a short while before taking an alternative route around the village. Food came very quickly in the pub.

5 miles and 600 feet ascent.