Dartmoor in the sun!

It was off to Dartmoor for a 5 mile walk in the sun yesterday. We started at Norsworthy Bridge at the top of Burrator Reservoir and then headed on to the moor. We took in Crazywell Pool and its nearby cross, before walking along the Devonport Leat for a couple of miles. A relatively easy climb took us up onto Sharpitor and from there we walked across the saddle to Leather Tor.  A short sharp descent and a stroll through the woods and we were back at our starting point. A great walk and one that we'll do again.  And there was more: a final pleasure was a stop at the Royal Oak pub in Meavy.

I like the promise that the central finger post to the 'Open Moor' has to offer. And every time we walk the moor, the promise is delivered. In fact, I can't remember ever doing a walk that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed.

Something we haven't seen before. Any ideas?

Our walk will end up on those two tors in the background - Sharpitor to the right and Leather Tor to the left. And look at the blue sky!

Reflections of clouds in the water of Crazywell Pool. Reputed to be bottomless, it is actually about 40' deep and was probably dug out to serve as a water supply for a nearby tin mine.

A stone cross near Crazywell Pool. Nothing definite is known about it except that the top was found near the pool in the late 1800s and was erected on a new shaft at this position. It may have been a marker on the Abbot's Way but then again it may not have been.

The Devonport Leat as it cascades down the hill.......................

...........to the aqueduct over the river. The Devonport Leat was built in the 1790s to supply water to the naval port at Devonport, The aqueduct takes it over the river that supplied, and still partially supplies, water to Plymouth. Heaven forbid that the waters mixed.

Our merry gang on top of Sharpitor. Oops, just noticed that DC's not there - and me, of course, as I was behind the camera.

Heading up over the granite boulder field to Leather Tor.

Those of us who climbed up to the top of Leather Tor (all three of us) were surprised at how narrow the ridge was. FW can be seen picking his way gingerly along the top.

A great view from the top, extending over Burrator Reservoir in the foreground and those with eagle-eyes will be able to pick out Plymouth Sound and the Breakwater in the distance.