New Year's Eve Walk - Deancombe

It's New Year's Eve and we snuck in a short walk on Dartmoor. And a Happy New Year to all my readers.

An out and back walk of just over 2 miles up the Deancombe Valley. Nothing too demanding but with good views and some archaeology.

At the start of Deancombe Lane which took us up to Deancombe Farm.

The first buildings we came to are those associated with Middleworth Farm. The earliest recorded farm on this site was in 1281 although it is thought that earlier Saxon buildings probably existed. The farm was abandoned in the early 1900's when it, and many others, were the subject of compulsory purchase when Burrator Reservoir was constructed. The farms were all very similar being built from granite collected from the area; the houses were small with the many outbuildings being very close to the house. All are now tumbling down but the remains can still be made out. The whole valley has abandoned hedges and stone walls where the fields used to be. This is a fascinating area to visit; it makes you realize how hard their lives must have been back in those days. This was subsistence level farming and must have been a constant battle against the bad weather and the rocky soil.

Looking over the trees to Sheepstor.

A lichen clad signpost. The middle path to Sheepstor Down is the one we'll take the next time we walk this way.

The substantial remains of Deancombe Farm spread along the side of Deancombe Lane. The farm was first recorded in 1381, slightly later than Middleworth Farm There are no less than twenty one ruined buildings at the site, including a possible pigsty and pen, a converted longhouse, the foundations of a barn, an outer courtyard in which stands this large granite trough, two ruined barns, and the ruins of the more recent house on the opposite side of the lane at the bend. The ruins are mainly covered in moss now but you can make out how the farm sat in the landscape. It is a very evocative place.

I think the best title for this one is 'Dripping Moss on a Tree'.

And the sun did shine and there was a blue sky - momentarily.

Looking towards Sharpitor, with the rather attractive browns of bracken.

I've always been puzzled by this large granite stone with a piece split off its top face. I've arrived at the conclusion that it was probably a gate post or lintel that was taken off at some stage. It's actually in a very convenient position, being on the side of the lane.

A good example of pointless bureaucracy. Who needs reminding of the limitations of the Road Traffic Act at this remote position?

Compare with the previous shot of Sharpitor taken about 5 minutes earlier. The weather on Dartmoor changes quite quickly.

Snowman

Snow-woman

Back at the car and the snow was coming down thick and fast.

Great Mis Tor.

Looking from Pork Hill towards Kit Hill in the distance. The sun is just about setting and the valleys were beginning to fill up with mist.

Same position but looking more to the south where Plymouth Sound should be.

And the gentle sound of water to end with.