Friday 14 May 2010

Life on the edge


When the gloom descends, or the snow falls, gales blow in or when time is short, WITC heads to the boundary of the National Park. The places where granite and grazed moorland grass meet pasture, back garden and managed woodland.

There is always something to discover in these spots. Patches of access land enclosed by farmland are sometimes topped by a high spot from which you can enjoy Dartmoor from a new perspective.

Personal favourites are Blackingstone Rock and Meldon Hill in the far North-East, and Brent Tor near Mary Tavy.

Sometimes the gems are tucked in the valleys, out of the breeze, and since Dartmoor is mainly known for its big skies, it makes an interesting change. The Walkham around Grenofen, and North Teign above Murchington spring to mind.

Its been a week of these 'Edgemoors' for WITC. Seeking a few letterboxes hidden in the corners! At Hayne Down and Wigford Down. Wigford Down isn't especially photogenic, but Hayne Down boasts Bowerman's Nose, and we passed Jays Grave on our way.

On a completely different subject, one benefit the cold Winter has given Dartmoor, is a late bracken season. A wet Summer, and another cold Winter, and we might start winning the war against this horrible, invasive plant.

1 comment:

4 Winds said...

That part of the moor has a whole different 'feel'. Whether this is because it's I don't get out that way much I don't know. I run from Hound Tor past the mediaeval village, down that lovely swoopy track, up to Hay Tor, Holwell quarry and back up that not - so - lovely - on- the - way- back- up -track. Cracking bit of the moor.