It's been ages since we've walked on Dartmoor

It seems ages since we walked on Dartmoor and it was good to get out again with one of our Thursday walking groups. This was a relatively short (4.5 miles) circular route, starting and ending in the Bellever Forest car park, just outside of Postbridge. I think I read somewhere that is at the centre of the Dartmoor National Park area.

Bellever Forest is aptly named as it has, what must be, some of the tallest trees on Dartmoor. Generally what we see is somewhat wind-blown trees shaped by the prevailing wind but these are magnificently tall.

Despite the recent spell of snow, there was not a lot still lying around.

Wooden finger post with lichen.

 

A distant view to the south west towards Widecombe-in-the-Moor. No sign of Uncle Tom Cobley and his pals: it was probably too cold for them. At times, it was too cold for us, especially when we heading into the wind.

Looking up to Bellever Tor. Unfortunately we did not go to the top of it as our route went around the right-hand side. On top is a pillar trig point (TS1247) which has an interesting flush bracket and spider. We really must return to view this modern menhir.

The interesting texture of lichen on a hawthorn branch.

Every now and again, we came across some snow that had drifted. Not the easiest of surfaces to walk on: the alternative of tussocks of grass was probably worse.

It's not uncommon to see cut marks on granite blocks but these were of a type that I hadn't seen before. I could not make out any clues to their original function but function they must have had. Something must have slotted into them but what?

Twice in around three weeks: a Lapwing, with its characteristic head feathers. It's the first time I've seen them in these parts, although we see them often when we are on one or other of the Scottish isles.

A juvenile Lapwing, yet to develop its head feathers.