A Dartmoor distraction

The plan - a long walk around the northern hills of Dartmoor.

The weather - cloudy, a fresh breeze and no rain forecast - perfect for walking.

Arrived at Belstone and set off as intended. Walked through the woods to Sticklepath and South Zeals looking for a different route up Cosdon Beacon. We know it would be uphill and then some whichever way we climbed it. The hill was indeed steep but gave us a different perspective and we (eventually) hit the top, sat by the trig point and enjoyed lunch no 1.

The route took us down the long ridge deep into Dartmoor's remote hills then we would go across to Hangingstone Hill, down to Steeperton Gorge and back along the Belstone ridge. A good 11 miles of fairly challenging walking.

As we set off down from Cosdon, Gary spotted a slight problem on the horizon - the army had other ideas and were exercising their right to use the moor for firing practice. As we usually walk the moors at the weekend, it hadn't occurred to us that this could be a problem.

After a quick re-think we decided on an alternative route and carried on to Hound Tor where we planned to about turn and find a track back through the marshes in the Taw basin. Well it had been dry for some time. However first of all we had a quick chat with a couple we met on the Tor. Did you know there were 189 Tors on Dartmoor?  No but we do now and we also know that this couple were planning to visit them all during their retirement. After a bit of a competition as to who could name the most Tors we headed off in the opposite direction towards the marshes.

(The last time we were on Hound Tor, we met a man who insisted on telling us all about his overnight bivvi up on the high moor)

Through the ankle scratching new gorse bushes, following sheep paths and narrowly avoiding pot holes, boulders and other hazards we fought our way down the hillside and finally picked up a good track that took us across the flood plain. This was easy if warm walking. The cooling breeze was hidden by the Belstone ridge.

As we were moaning about the army and red flags and perhaps we could have just visited Steeperton, the guns started up followed by what sounded like machine gun fire. Then the heavy artillery with huge loud bangs and flares in the distance. OK, so they really were firing today.

We were outside of the range so imagine my surprise when Gary mentioned the soldier in full camouflage gear, peering over the sights of his gun about two metres to our right. We smiled and walked on past and over the ford.  No idea what he was doing there or how many of his colleagues were hidden out of view from us. I imagine he was the boundary guard or something similar.  It was an interesting feeling to walk away knowing there was a man with a gun just behind you!

At the next ford, two cyclists - one of whom was in her swimsuit in the river (she had very pink knees); the other appeared to be dismantling his bike. 

An uneventful walk back to the car with a lunch no 2 and a final cup of coffee taken just off the track.

An interesting reverse required in the lane from Belstone as a knackered old lorry tried to drive past us. There was no way he was going backwards so we did; luckily Gary can fast reverse without hitting the hedge or wobbling off course.

The GPS showed we had walked almost 8 miles so not as far as planned but there's always next week. Note to selves - check the range firing programme next time!
An interesting day out, continuing the getting fit theme and a nice distraction from wondering about the house sale, plots of land and what jobs might be out there.
We have no photos to share as we took no cameras - would probably have been regarded with suspicion if we had tried to take one of the soldier!