I am secretly hoping to spot am otter. I don't.
But there are birds everywhere. Wagtails, robins, blackbirds.
A WOODPECKER who I'm positive called me something VERY rude. White throated dippers and a fledgling sat on the path who I shoo'd into the undergrowth away from dogs.
Then as I stopped to gaze at the water for the millionth time, a kingfisher!
It zoomed down the centre of the river, it's back glistening in the sun.
I come out of the woods onto the lane at Clifford, and follow its curve along the river. My aim is to ignore the more popular route to Fingle Bridge, and to climb through Halls Cleave woods towards the Down. Making up a sort of circular as I go. I've not really planned how I'll get back to the start yet. Will see how I feel after the hilly bit.
These woods are forestry commision and managed. But the tracks that make up the paths through it are largely overgrown.
I get the feeling I'm completely alone here.
It's a whole mishmash of wood types. Some Redwood plantation still exists, there's Oak coppice, and areas that native trees have taken over.
The track I'm taking down the eastern side, winds up high on a slope so that I'm walking alongside canopy, looking over the valley.
Halls Cleave is full of Southern Wood ants. Large ants that build impressive colonies. Big respect for these dudes.
There are masses of flowers too. Yellow Pimpernel, Vetch and Stichwort being besties in the bracken, some late Bluebells, and lots of this (badly out of focus sorry) little yellow tubular flower that I don't know. Anyone know what this is?
Marden Stone Circle. Built in the Neolithic age. I just marvel at the age of these structures and who stood here and decided Yep. Good place to whack some stones up I reckon!
This is the largest circle on Dartmoor at 38m. Although only a handful of stones remain, it's still impressive, and the view across to Dartmoor is astonishing.
I reckon I'm around two 3rds through my walk, so I have a rest on a small cairn circle that sits next to the larger one, while I decide how to get back to Steps Bridge. This small circle is Bronze age. Meh. So modern!
I decide not to go back through the woods, but to zigzag via the lanes and bridleways.
As I set off again, I pass a group of massive Long Horn cattle having a doze in the sun.
At Doccombe cross I cut down a bridleway, which is actaully a thin steep lane that has clearly not been used in sometime. The entrance to the cut through is heavily overgrown and absolutely full of flowers.
I spot another woodpecker that shoots out in front of me. The ground is paved occasionally with large slabs of stone that must already have been here and decided the lane's location for the people who found them. The whole length is enclosed by the trees canopy creating the sense that I'm making my way through a portal and at any moment will enter another time. Maybe I did at one point. It would be impossible to tell.
I emerge out into the very clearly 2024 and on to the B3212. I follow the main road, along with a surprising amount of other pedestrians, for around a mile, before cutting up another bridleway through Bridford Woods. The last stretch greats me with a Bullfinch and a patch of Orchids. Early Purple I think? Anyone able to confirm?
I’m not a fitness coach or therapist, but I can tell you nothing has improved my physical and mental health more than the simple habit of taking daily walks…
I have very mixed feelings about this adventure. While I had a good weekend, it was decidedly Type II fun. Plusses include wildflowers and beautiful views. Minuses include monotonous ups and downs, dangerous landslide traverses, and poison oak absolutely everywhere. I’m not sure yet if I’m breaking out or not. I found myself wishing I was rafting the river instead.
🧐Fun Fact: Did you know it takes about 200 muscles just to take one step?
🎨Want to see stunning art by Frank Stella, a renowned modern artist known for his minimalist and abstract style?
👟Take a virtual walk with me on the Northern Strand Community Trail in Malden! 🌳
▶️This short video showcases the trail's beauty, including vibrant community gardens and a mural by Frank Stella. Plus, I share more fun facts about walking!✨
Can anyone recommend a good pair of women’s walking trousers for warm weather? I normally live in my Craghopper Kiwis and while they were okay today (18ish C) they were just too warm last weekend (23C). Not cropped, because ticks. Ideally need to come in short lengths and go up to a size 18, and available in the UK. TIA for any suggestions!