For newcomers

At the bottom of each post there is the word "comments". If you click on it you will see comments made by followers, and if you follow the instructions you may also comment and I always welcome that. I have found many people overlook this part of the blog which is often more interesting than the original post!

My blog nick-name is SIR HUGH. I'm not from the aristocracy - my middle name is Hugh which relates to the list of 282 hills in Scotland compiled by Sir Hugh Munro in 1891. I climbed my last one (Sgurr Mor) on 28th June 2009

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Tuesday 16 September 2014

Day 14 - Widdecombe to Chagford - Tuesday 16th Sept.

Venton Farm at Widdecombe was an excellent B and B; a sixteenth century farmhouse still run as a working farm, all cosy and comfortable.

A climb up onto the ridge was chilly and then I was in mist on the tops for a while but the sun appeared and there were miles of enjoyable ridge walking.

I came across the massive stone circle marked as Grimspound on the map. A party of school children were being shown around and I took a quick snap. I was then questioned politely by one of the leaders who wanted assurance that I wasn't going to publish the pic. I never thought about the implications thinking it would make an interesting point for various people who read this blog who have an interest in education. What a sad changed world we live in. I have deleted the pic.

The TMW is proving to be a classic. It would suit someone who is fed up with trudging round the perimeters of farmers' fields but doesn't want the rigours of a full high level mountain thrash, but I would stress the need for competence with map and compass and the advisability of having gps ( I know there are some who would disagree with the latter point).

There were not many people on the path today, but three of the four pubs in Chagford were without vacancies, and the fourth is a £100 a night job and I didn't enquire there.

Fortunately John at the The Chagford Inn who was in the middle of having all his rooms refurbished let me have a half finished room, and here I am now with full wi-fi, and just had a hot shower.





I don't know why this wall was so massive. It was still under construction


Typical Dartmoor ridge walking - easy under foot and great views


More heather and gorse. Can't resist it.


Zoom to ponies on summit


They were still there when I arrived. Hameldown Tor, complete with trig


The massive stone circle - Grimspound




Hookney Tor


Another take on drystone walling. Single thickness of stones, daylight can be seen through


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

7 comments:

  1. i think you'll have to go easy on the hyperbole, otherwise Dartmoor will be invaded by aliens (in the strict sense):
    sounds marvellous: the weather (when the mist clears) will be making a big difference but you paint such an inticing picture, quite new to me: I have only grim recollections of my 'time' there - the whole moor seemed either to be ablaze or be bottomless, and, literally, septic, bog - which, curiously, led to an acrid consultation with a local GP!
    I love that pub's comment - don't we all, some, if not all, of the time ! And it looks the part.

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  2. Gimmer - I knew that pub quote would appeal to you. There are more places to explore in this country than many would believe. You've just got to go there and WALK. It's no good just driving and having a quick look.

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  3. It really is tiresome the whole scenario about taking photos where nippers are about. I can understand how you felt. We had the same experience in Manchesters Angel Meadows when photographing the surrounding area. Some kids were playing and the teacher was not happy with us taking pictures. There was not a single child on any of the photo’s and we were minding our own business but it didn’t stop the teacher being over the top stroppy. We have the right to take photo’s in public places so don’t be put off. Stroppy or not teachers.
    I have not walked very much of your route so its a pleasure to read. Enjoy the weather while it lasts.

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  4. Alan R -the only redeeming feature with my experience was that the guy was very polite and deferential - I reckon that was probably because of my age versus his.

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  5. Hey guys - try and be kind about teachers being over protective of their young charges. We Blondes know that anyone out there with youngsters will have worked damned hard to get there and be risking all sorts of complaints from parents should things go wrong.

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  6. Blonde Two - I empathise with you there. What bugs me is the overall inundation of red tape we are all subject to these days and a sadness that some of it is necessary as in this case. We have always had this problem but it is only now, at long last that it is being uncovered and dealt with, and so it should continue by all means available.

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  7. Reply to Blonde Two.
    Please don’t think that i was in anyway making the point that teachers are wrong in protecting their charges but in the same breath the overwhelming majority of men, and women for that matter are not pervs and should be treated first with respect.
    Our male party was subjected to what i can only call “Close to abuse” from the staff. We had as much right to be in the park as they had.
    I would guess (not that i study this subject) that pervs are probably armed with telephoto lenses and not stood next to the staff that could identify them if they were.
    I stand by my comment that Its very tiresome and teachers shouldn’t jump to conclusions without proof. I don’t know what the others in our party felt but i wanted to punch his lights outs.
    Just to make the point that i did not want to “bash” teachers, excuse the pun. This will be my only reply on the subject.

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