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Dartmoor is a long way from home for a weekend. Still we made the effort. Arriving in Postbridge to a head torch procession of young people with large heavy packs heading onto the moor practising for the Ten Tors challenge. We shouldered packs and went towards Bellever Tor to wildcamp. Walking in the dark forest enjoying the sounds of the night.
Dawn was not witnessed by us and the noise from more groups practising their skill for the Ten Tors woke me as they walked nearby our camp. Still we got up and got going. Good weather and good walking beckoned.
We walked back into the forest and out over the road taking a good path via Chy and up over by Longaford Tor. It was good weather.
From there it was down to cross the river by a weir. We met more groups training hard for the Ten Tors. One lad stopped to talk and asked if we were actually doing this for fun. We told him "yes" he shook his head and walked off mumbling to himself.
We headed on from there by Conies Down and Cocks Hill. Time was spent lounging around taking in the views and watching yet more teams of Tor Challengers charging around training hard. We figured at this point we could do some Tors.
We headed north up to Lynch Tor. Then headed across country to Fur Tor. Somewhere between them we stopped again to relax and again watch the procession of groups getting more miles under their belts before the big event in a few weeks. Keith woke me up to remind me we had to get to our wildcamp destination. Fur Tor is impressive and we climbed up on top.
We then went down and admired the view some more. It is a big vista there.
Cut Hill was a place I visited last year on a walk in Dartmoor. We walked up on top wondering about the erosion on top and how the rocks in places looked like man made benches. From there we needed to find a wildcamp and I remembered a good spot. We found it with a short walk along the East Dart River.
The evening was sadly not closed with spectacular sunsets. Mist and cloud rolled in. I watched the ponies nearby and then turned in for the night. Rain lashed the tent and the Scarp 1 delivered solid protection.
The dawn hinted of much when the sun shone through the mist. Between breakfast and packing my pack the weather had settled in with low cloud and drizzle. We decided to follow the Dart back to Post Bridge. Conversation about a hot pie and a long drive home took over. We kept to the high ground above the river as much as possible. When the mist blew clear we spied yet more groups heading up on the moor to get more practice miles in.
The final miles were quick and we arrived back in Postbridge. It was a place of hectic activity where groups of people mingled around minibuses and talked about the coming Ten Tors event. I thought about Dartmoor once more and thought I must come back and do my own Ten Tors. That means putting in some miles next time I am there and not slacking off laying in the sun. Still it was a good walk.
21 comments:
Martin; that first picture is fantastic :-) like the opening scene of a sci-fi movie :-)
An unofficial Ten Tors, that's a good idea. What about visiting all 19 checkpoint tors?
What a difference at the weekend with the 10 Tors mob - I saw hardly anybody at all mid-week.
Those night shots are very evocative, I really should try to get some pictures like that - somehow I always imagine they can't come out well in near darkness. It would need a solid camera support though...
So now we've both encountered a twerp who criticizes our kit (mine was my Pro-Rush Mids in Scotland) - it's hard to know how to respond isn't it?.
Great trip and report.
I was relieved when I got down to the picture of the pony, proper Dartmoor weather, normal service resumed. Every time I've walked on or driven near it I've never seen blue skies! Dartmoor to me is a land of permanent cloud and eternal whirling mists!
Seriously, what is it with all the blue sky in the UK blogs at the moment?! ;-)
George you're too kind. Glad you like it.
Robin superb idea. 19 in under 36H would be a challenge to aim for.
Geoff i used a mini Gorilla pod and set the scene setting to Starry night and I think it was 15 seconds on the timing. it makes for interesting photos. I really should read up on my camera more. I still struggle to get the misty waterfall shots I would love to get on walks. Maybe I need to get a GF1 and a wide angle lens.
Joe I have been lucky with very little time on Dartmoor in mist or rain. Sunday was a poor weather day and once with Alan Sloman we missed watching a Army battle at 3am which woke us up at our wildcamp spot across the valley due to the mist blocking the view. Apart from that I have had fine weather there. The good weather wont last. Hopefully the Challenge will deliver a mix of snow, storms, wind and rain to make it a memorable time for them and remind people it is the UK. It is an illusion over here at the moment. People are calling it summer! It is only April.
A great report Martin, I continually regret not taking the opportunity to visit Dartmoor in my 4 years working in the UK. It sounds like a great area and having had a long involvement with welsh ponies it would have been great to see Dartmoor ponies in there natural environment.
Have you decided whether you would use a Duomid or a Scarp or is it "horses for courses"
Keep up the great reports
Some great shots there Martin, making me eager to hit some southern hills. A quick question, is there somewhere to leave a vehicle for a few days in Postbridge, I know that there is a car park but p&d can be a pain when you can only pay for a day!
Roger come back to visit and make amends. I rate the Scarp 1 and enjoyed the space and stability. Still I do like the DuoMid and maybe could use it in Scotland? It is a bit of "horses for courses". I also like Henrys Moment design. By the way the MLD pack was a weekend pack when I went to Dartmoor. Now it is a week pack and going to Scotland.
James it is a honesty box at Postbridge. Leave the car there as I doubt it will be a issue. Shamus gave me info on good spots to leave the car. You inspired to go there now? I cant wait to visit again. I am charmed by the place.
Lovely reading Martin. I planned a trip to Dartmoor for an easter excursion but alas it went pear shaped! It's good to hear (and see) what a great place it is.
I've been reading your tent selections with interest - I've had enough of what seems to be constant condensation with the Laser Comp!
Loving your blog!
Sophie
Sophie I had hoped to walk there at Easter but that changed. Got there in the end. Tent wise the Laser Comp is more prone to condensation than the larger Laser which has more venting as you can pull the ends up. Many things affect condensation. Humidity, choice of camp spot like low by a lake instead of a bit higher with a breeze. It is a issue we all have to mange including tarp users. Saying that the Scarp has superb ventilation options and is a good tent. I am tall and can sit up easy with room to spare. The inner is big and spaces. Two porches which are not huge but still good and all together a superb tent.
On the reading side I wonder if my trip reports are sometimes to brief. I am more of a short punchy to the point writer (hardly a writer more a tale teller) Glad you like it. The old blog has a new look and hope folks like that. Two years old next month. To think I started it because I was board one night and liked the reading PTC blog and thought I fancy giving it a go. What still amazes me is people like it. It is really appreciated and thanks to you and all who read the blog. I will keep it going as I enjoy writing it and others enjoy reading it :)
nice report - and the pixs reminded me of some of my trip last year (and the 10T noise!)
Go again this year John. Dartmoor will deliver something new I am sure.
Hi Martin, great pics as usual. How did you find the Scarp - any downsides emerging? You have the chance to tip me over the edge!!
Nigel glad you like the photos :) The Scarp is hard to fault. Solid and room galore on the inside. headroom is superb. Pack size good and it is not the lightest but dame solid in a storm. At worst you can leave the top vent open and get some rain in. I don't mod mine. Some do and that is fine. I find it just fine as it is. It is most likly the best tent I have used. To date one man tents I have owned:
TN Solar, Laser, Laser Comp, Vango TBS 150 ( I think it was called that) , and the Hilleberg Akto. I would pick the Scarp above all. The next best one is the TN Laser. I made a mistake with getting the Comp. The Laser is close to the Scarp in many ways. I have been in very strong winds in a Laser and been fine. Extra guylines make it superb and has good room inside. The Scarp is well worth getting but don't rule out the Laser. Two door but one porch - but superb build and TN proven quality.
A great report Martin, I continually regret not taking the opportunity to visit Dartmoor in my 4 years working in the UK. It sounds like a great area and having had a long involvement with welsh ponies it would have been great to see Dartmoor ponies in there natural environment.
Have you decided whether you would use a Duomid or a Scarp or is it "horses for courses"
Keep up the great reports
An unofficial Ten Tors, that's a good idea. What about visiting all 19 checkpoint tors?
Wonderful. That Scarp looks massive to the other tent in the image/s. I have a S2 for myself and my dog. One day I want to camp on Dartmoor, long story, found a good place at the foot of Fur Tor. Can you give any more info on where you camped, please. I know they maybe "sensitive", so if you prefer not to do so directly here that fine, you could email me or DM me on Twitter, just started following you.
I love Dartmoor and go there monthlyish for day walks. Like I say, long story. Glad you enjoyed it.
What was the MLD pack?
Thanks for the follow Tony. I will workout the camp locations and DM them to you. Pack is a MLD Prophet and ok pack. Did not like it to start, but got it sussed now Frameless pack. But sussed its limits now.
Thank u, appreciate it.
I notice on the Scarp1 you have used the cross poles. Were they needed in the conditions you had. I bought when I got mine but more to use as self support in my conservatory so I can get used to it. Dont ask lol.
After much deliberation I will go for the Golite Quest. Its lighter than my Aether.
I am going to look up nodden gate on my map, I am sure it rings a bell. Dartmoor means a lot to me.
Typing on phone, hense as guest below, signed in with my email.
Used the crossover poles second night as bad weather was blowing in. Always took them bar the odd night. With the poles it was so stable and you sleep well. Don't really need them but they help.
Thank u.
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