Run from West Rook Gate

The summer continues! I was under the impression that it was going to be OK today, so headed out after the school run.  It didn't look promising when I arrived below West Rook Gate but thought it may might clear up as I ran.  I was very wrong!  Once I hit the moor after a short road run I quickly realised that this was going to be a day to test the navigation skills, so set my altimeter at the gate and was glad I did.  The short climb to Rook Tor (170) and the quick realisation that there isn't a lot to see here and so I quickly moved on and up.  I was glad to see Penn Beacon (91) appear out of the mist and stopped to take some photos.

Penn Beacon

Penn Beacon

Seem to remember having been here before probably during a hash or fell race.  Off again this time to Shell Tor (64) which turned out to be a nice little tor, again I was glad to find it.

Stunning Views from Shell Top

Next I made the short hop to the trigpoint at SX602645, I have added this to the list as it it the highest point around unfortunately it is unnamed. 

Next off to Hen Tor which I have already visited so just a flying visit before turning south west to Little (150) and Great Trowelsworthy Tors (140), a nice run and good underfoot, just before the tor I stumbled on two people carrying yellow bags around which they leaving around the place.  I am not sure what they were up to, maybe leaving kit for Royal Marines or other military training exercise.  If anyone knows please let me know.  

Enjoying the weather near Little Trowelsworthy Tor

Great Trowelsworthy Tor

All that was left now was the run home, but that's another story!!

Run tracked on Endomondo.com

   

Blackadon Tor and Logwell Rocks

Nice run up through the woods from Buckland Bridge, very slippery under foot, making going difficult on the climb up.  Two nice tors which would definitely be better when the bracken dies back during the autumn and winter.  I took the track down past Spitchwick Manor on the way back which certainly better underfoot. 

Blackadon Tor

Logwell Rocks hidden away in the woods and undergrowth

Gidleigh Tor and Meldon Hill

Gidleigh Tor West Side

Picked up a few of the outlying tors today, first up was the walk up to Gidleigh Tor (154) through the woods from the south, now this is private ground so unfortunately there is only so close you can get to the tor itself, I seemed to get lost and hit the tor from below, so had to head back to the path quickly.  The tor itself is very overgrown, as you would expect being on private land and rarely visited.   But the woods are beautiful, and there is a stunning view over the moors to the North West.  Once I had found the correct path I return south through the woods to my car.  Next up was Meldon Hill (121) and I found good parking at SX698857, right at the bottom of the track.  Meldon Hill turned out to be a gem of a Tor, the 360 degree views are amazing and well worth the short walk.  Fernworthy Forest, Kestor Rock, MiddleTor, Haytor Rocks, Bowermans Nose and Cosdon Beacon to name but a few were all visible from here, a truly stunning place. 

Gidleigh Tor

View from Meldon Hill

Bramble on Meldon Hill

Beautiful morning on the North Moor

I needed to test out my calf as I haven't been running for the last 3 weeks and I have a mountain marathon in the Lakes this weekend, so I took the opportunity for a walk on the North Moor.  The weather was not nice, so I am wrapped up in my running waterproof to try and keep my calf as warm as possible.  I parked up just south of the village of Belstone near the moor gate and was soon out into the Dartmoor weather,  I took it easy trying to warm up properly before attempting any sort of pace.  Quickly I was up to Tors End (206), not  named on the Ordnance Survey map or on my list, but marked clearly on my harvey's map, which is the reason I used Harvey's most of the time I am on the moors.  Next the short hop to Belstone Tor (59), then across Irishman's wall to Higher Tor (57).  I can't ever remember visiting any of these tors before but there is certainly plenty to explore on a nicer day.  Next it was over Knattaborough and through an army war game with smoke, gunfire and thunderflashes going off all around.  I picked up the speed at this point one to get away from the Army, and two to test out the calf on this flatter section.  A 7 minute km with everything feeling OK.  Over Oke Tor (69) where I took shelter had a drink and chatted to some Army guys who were waiting to be attacked!  Then off down into Steeperton Gorge, took sometime over the river crossing not fancying getting my calf cold before the climb up to Steeperton Tor (21).  I took it steady up the climb want to test but not over do it.  A fleeting hello to a group on the top before dropping the south west side to pick up the track in Steeperton Gorge.  Once on the track I picked up the pace to under 10 min Km's and kept that up for the rest of the outing.  I kept on the track north until just after Winter Tor when I cut across to Scarey Tor (137) my last tor of the day.  A quick trot back to the car and 11.2km covered in 2hrs 14min.  


Route on Endomondo   

On Tor End looking towards Belstone and Higher Tor

Crossing Irishman's Wall on the way to Higher Tor

Southern outcrop on Higher Tor

The climb up to Steeperton Tor

On Steeperton Tor looking north

Steeperton Tor

Wet looking group on Steeperton Tor

Approaching Winter Tor

Best of the weather on Scarey Tor