An excellent weather forecast and we went up to the 'high moor' region of Dartmoor, just about the military camp in Okehampton. We haven't been up here for ages and, in the event, it was a walk with the 'enjoyment factor' dialled up to maximum. Rather atypically, there was almost no archaeology and nothing much in the way of mining and other industries. In the latter case, probably because the military have been training up here since Victorian times.
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| A circular route of around 6.5 miles, taking in Yes Tor and High Willhays. Magnificent scenery and wide open spaces. If you look at the map, you will see that the route was entirely within the boundaries of the firing range and, as such, is only accessible when the ranges are not being used |
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| When your walk starts off with a view like this, you know it's going to be good. Looking back towards Okehampton, with Rowtor to the right |
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| Looking up towards West Mill Tor, a very impressive granite outcrop but not on our list to ascend today |
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| But we did get to the top of Yes Tor, with its trig point. For many years, Yes Tor, at 619 metres, was held to be the highest peak on Dartmoor but was knocked out of prominence by its (2m) higher, but less impressive, neighbour, High Willhays. The tor is essentially split into two major piles, the easternmost presenting as the highest with a flagpole and military range hut. |
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| Looking down from Yes Tor across Okehampton Common - and not another soul in sight |
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| A rather eye-catching cloud formation as we headed across the ridge linking Yes Tor and High Willhays |
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| Looking back towards Yes Tor from the first granite outcrop of High Willhays. Very interesting lamination |
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| In the distance is Fur Tor, reputed to be the most inaccessible tor on Dartmoor, It's about as far as you can get from reasonable access points and generally requires a fair amount of bog hopping to reach it. Haven't been there so far but might one day |
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| How to make a not-so-good image of a Skylark better - give it a bit of vignetting |
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| And I couldn't be bothered to do anything to this one of a buzzard. It is what it is |
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| Almost back at the car park and looking up to West Mill Tor. And the sky was still blue! |
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| Typical dark peaty water of Dartmoor - an image by chance rather than design |
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| Serendipity! I was looking at the photographs I'd taken of a couple of buzzards and noticed another bird in the corner of one frame. Oh, another buzzard but, when enlarged to its limit, I'm pretty certain it was a Red Kite - look at the forked tail. My first on Dartmoor so, happy me |
