Thursday, 6 December 2012

Ingra Tor and the Princetown Branch Line


It has been some time since we've walked around Ingra Tor. This diminutive peak looks up to far loftier places such as Harford Moor Gate and Two Bridges. Yet at just 339 metres, this lowly spot is perfect for short Winter days, when the weather could turn bad suddenly.  Yet perched far above the Walkham valley, Ingra Tor's position feels airy and dramatic.


And so with less than perfect weather forecast, WITC set their sights on Ingra Tor and Leedon Tor last weekend. Though foggy at the Devon coast, the sun was shining at Goadstone Pond, with little sign of cloud or rain (or snow!). In fact, it wasn't so cold either, and the hat and gloves remained in the bag.


Below us the crowds, on bikes or walking dogs streamed up and down the old track bed of the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway. This railway provided regular transport links between Princetown and Yelverton between 1883 and 1952 for passengers and freight. Seven trains per day made the return journey in 1952, though none on Sundays.

As we followed the line of the railway gently uphill, the clouds rolled in. With regular diversions for letterboxes, our route took us on a loop of Ingra Tor and up the Yes Tor Brook towards North Hessary. It was about this point on our walk that the rain started to fall.

But we were satisfied with the day's progress and turning for home, we were blessed with some late sunshine.  8 miles travelled and 14 boxes found. 


2 comments:

Bumble said...

Those pictures are amazing; they almost look fake because they're so vivid. Great work!

whoisthechallenger said...

Thank you very much for your kind words Bumble. The weather really lent itself to take beautiful pictures.