On Wednesday John Hooper led a walk in memory of his partner Pam Harris, writes Sarah Buck for Newton Abbot Ramblers
Twenty of Pam’s friends from Newton Abbot Ramblers walked from Hound Tor car park to Bowerman’s Nose where John told us about how the two of them had met when working in a barrister’s chambers in Yorkshire.
On moving to Devon John was concerned that “you can take the girl out of Yorkshire, but you can’t take Yorkshire out of the girl”. He needn’t have worried, Pam felt at home on Dartmoor and loved the Bowerman Nose area.
Sunshine soon burnt the mist off ensuring good views and photo opportunities at Bowerman’s Nose. Fields were crossed and tracks were followed to Manaton. Some of the best cakes in Devon are to be found at the stall in Manton and they made a delicious accompaniment to coffee taken on the green.
From the hamlet of Water the group walked down through the woods to Clam Bridge for some to venture across the River Bovey on the old bridge. The bridge, made out of a split tree trunk, is reputed to be the last remaining clam bridge on Dartmoor.
Walking along the river was a little tricky as flood water had washed fine material away leaving a path of exposed stones, but there is always plenty to see walking by the river.
Climbing 270m up from the river across Trendlebere Down warmed everyone up and the group were glad of a lunchtime rest part way up.
The views had opened up and the Bovey Valley looked spectacular in the sunshine framed by a colourful full rainbow.
Having gained the slopes of Black Hill John opted for the path above Leighon to take everyone down to the delightful clapper bridge over Becka Brook.
Too early for the bluebells that light up the slope in May, the climb up to imposing Greator Rocks was rewarded with seeing Hound Tor – always an interesting sight from whatever angle it is seen. We all knew that had Pam been on the walk she would have been at the front and would have arrived at the tor long before everyone else. The nine mile walk was a fitting tribute to our friend Pam.
On Tuesday Sarah and Chris led twenty walkers and Winnie the dog on a walk around Ashburton. Linhay Hill quarry covers an enormous area, but the trees and bushes alongside the path along the north boundary screened a view of the quarrying operation.
The walk continued to Whiddon Scrubs passing Belford Mill also known as The Coffin Mill due to its shape.
The mill was originally a woollen mill then a corn mill and now a house. The walk then went back to Ashburton via Druid, completing a great seven and a half mile walk in good company.
Wednesday was the day for the C walk around Teignmouth. Led by Mike Strickland the walk was a gentle one of two miles and culminated in a meal at the Ship Inn.
On Thursday Diane led twenty two members on a fantastic five mile walk from Dartington Hall around the estate in sunshine.
As a break from walking Mike Strickland organised a skittles night on Friday.
A very enjoyable evening was held at the Dolphin Hotel in Bovey Tracey. Caroline and Jamie Colville captained the winning team, whilst Jim just pipped Dave Kirk in the play-off for individual top spot.
Kath and Fee led 20 walkers on a nine and a half mile walk from the Mamhead Obelisk car park through woods to Ashcombe on Sunday.
The snowdrops were just coming out in St Nectan’s churchyard where there was time to have a look in the church. The story goes that St Nectan, in AD510, chased thieves who had stolen his cattle, but in the ensuing argument they cut off his head.
He picked his head up and walked home to collapse and die. It is said that where his blood fell foxgloves grew!
Passing over the busy A380 made one appreciate the speed of traffic relative to walking pace and everyone was glad to enter Haldon Forest away from the cars.
Along green lanes and quiet lanes the groups were interested to see the historic and well maintained set of four linked lime kilns near Kerswell Cross.
Continuing along the footpath there was a clear view of Harcombe House and its chalets. The complex and surrounding land is owned by the Fire Fighters Charity which exists to support the mental, physical and social needs of all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family. A special quiet place for recuperation. Lunch was taken by one of their lakes.
The walk was completed by walking back into the forest and up to the Obelisk.
Also on Sunday, Sylvia led a walk from Kingskerswell. Chocolate box cottages in Coffinswell and Daccombe were enjoyed as well as the beautiful scenery and early spring flowers seen in the villages and from Orestone Plantation.
The five-mile walk finished with a well-deserved drink at the Sloop Inn.
For more information about the many other walks offered by Newton Abbot & District Ramblers see www.newtonabbotramblers.org and come along and enjoy good company.