I will write up a small report of walk soon, but here are a few images from yesterday on Dartmoor.

Sorry for delay, also sorry if these images look washed out, on my screen with Lightroom and Capture One they look much more vibrant, but seem on my monitor to have lost some oompf in the uploading to pbase. Anyway, gives you an idea.

I walked 28 kms in 9.5 hrs, with an average moving time of 6.25 hrs. Ave speed 3kph, ave moving speed 4.5kph.

I was quite impressed with my navigation on this walk, it was clear, that helps immensely only making one slight boo boo, and took me towards a few horses who did not have their guts plastered all over Chat Tor, nor bodies blown to bloody bits. So I thought, sod it and walked towards them and past Chat Tor and onwards to Fur Tor. The reason I was pleased not to see bloodied Dartmoor ponies was that I had slightly strayed beyond the firing zone of one of the Ranges. I was only inside by about 100 feet, and I felt a bullet would still have reached me 100 feet away beyond the flag. There was no shooting, so no need to duck. Why was I inside the range, because I thought I was to the left of Chat Tor, out of it, but I was to the left of Sharp Tor, just inside it. I saw the markers, but by the time I realised they did not start to go to the right as I was expecting, it was already too late. As I said, I felt very safe being just inside. They must be used to and have fail safe procedures for numpties like me and Dartmoor’s ponies.

Like many things I keep putting off adding to this, this has been a work in progress, lets get it finished, it wont have the feel of a report from the day of the walk, how could it, I walked nearly a week ago! Anyway, it gets me to sit my bum down and type and use this main PC, so all good, for me, even if not the reader.

After passing the ponies that were still alive and kicking on Chat Tor I made my way across country towards Fur Tor. The going is pathless but there are a few small sheep trails to keep on, but mostly easy going over and around low tussocks, it also follows the side of a low hill, so not strenuous at all. I had to cross Amicombe Brook which this time of the year was not too bad, I had to wade across, but it was shallow and easy, my shoes were wet already as expected, no biggee. I walked from the brook up towards Fur Tor. It was here that I used my new lightish weight tripod for a few self portraits whilst eating. That was quite good fun and I must admit that I was glad I took the tripod and camera. I am trying to get in the habit of taking my camera on these Dartmoor walks. I might have to invest in a lighter camera nearer winter though, my camera and one lens ways 2.7kgs, ok in the summer as not carrying much kit, but in the winter when cold weather gear carried for stops and gloves and such, it will make the pack too heavy. Though many of my walks in the past were with a pack weighing in excess of 15kgs! That was only out for the day. Well, it is surprising how heavy the kitchen sink is. One thing was for sure, Sue and I were always prepared for the worst, we learnt the hard way a few ties and seldom made the same mistake twice, and if the weather turned, we had what was needed and if it meant carrying excess, so be it. I am trying to lighten up a bit these days, let’s see. I think Sue used to make my pack heavier to slow me down, sorry love, it didn’t work, did it ;-) but a valiant try.

One thing that I have noticed and it is a very mixed emotion, is that I am walking at my usual speed, maybe even quicker, and not having to stop, though I do still pause and look back. Most times I walk head down, mind you I still feel that is needed on rough ground, and best foot forward.

From Fur Tor I walked due north and at the foot of Fur Tor saw a potential camp spot, but that is another story for another year (I rather like my bed!), lets see. I crossed the creek and up to Great Kneeset then down to Kneeset’s Hooter. Once there it was easy to get to Dinger Tor and I was on my way on a route I know well. I had done Fur Tor a few times before. But the bit ahead of me was well trodden. It was particularly busy on this walk, lots of casual walkers out with dogs, some had no equipment at all. Still, they were pretty safe there. Still. From Yes Tor I headed for Meldon Reservoir and around the south side of that to my lunch spot on the river below Shelstone Tor.

It was a pleasant walk to Sourton Tor and I shot a little video of Bess there and then headed back to the car. I had to top up Bess’ water, as I had foolishly left her car water bottle at home.

All in all and all things considered it was an excellent walk, one I will do again. I like to keep things familiar.