Dartmoor

So many similarities, so many differences. Wild ponies. Rocky outcrops on top of hills. Weather as changeable as back home. More info later.

==

Up into a damp day. I was using the OMM mat to save space in my pack, but some dampness formed under it.

Collected water from the river, and breakfasted as the early starts were heading out.

Gayle and Mick headed up the hill, whilst Alan and Martin went along the valley.

Later, we would head up the same valley. Some ponies would come into view just round the corner, and it was strange seeing them in places where I would expect to see sheep.

We reached the base of Black Tor, and Geoff and John parted company with us, after John examined my new TNF Hedgehog trail shoes, and then promptly dirtied them. This gave Darren a snap for his new caption competition.

We followed clear animal tracks up to the Tor. Swinging around the grazing ponies, it seemed strange that they did not start moving away from us. I'm not familiar with the behaviour of these fine-looking animals, so wondered if they were merely tame and used to humans.

Maybe they were, but it might be down to these two young 'uns hiding in the bracken, a short distance from the ponies.

After this, Martin blazed a trail up the shoulder of the Tor and we found shelter in the rocks to discuss the rest of the day's trek. I can't find some destinations on the map, and Martin points out that there is a different Black Tor near a different reservoir. With the right map section opened everything makes sense, and we head off towards Kitty Tor.

Darren and Martin head off Black Tor

We're heading to the ford and near where the sun is shining on the right side of the valley.

With the clouds coming in, we head off the hill and through a bracken-covered boulderfield. Trekking poles are useful to prod ahead and find out if there is any footing in front, or just a gap.

We get back down to the valley floor, and head to the Sandy Ford where we can cross the river. I use the lunchbreak in the rocks to dry my feet and socks after the river ran over the top of the shoes.

After examining the hi-tech military installation and weather reports at Kitty Tor, it is tracks almost all the way.

As we near the end of the day's walk, Darren goes crazy and takes an interest in the local produce.

Arriving at Nodden Gate, he goes off to find the pitch. As Martin and myself arrive, we see Mick, Gayle, Alan and Martin arriving from another direction. A comical race develops, refereed by Darren, who had started pitching his tarptent before coming back for us.

BPC John arrives, and lastly John and Geoff join us. Afterwards, FB and DW from OutdoorsMagic pop by.

A pleasant relaxing evening is enjoyed in the Fox & Hounds, and back at the pitch.

Taking the 'easy' route, we had only trekked 12km (7 1/2 miles).