Black and Shipley Tor

Black Tor above the River Avon

Black Tor with Shipley Tor in the background

Midday walk from Shipley Bridge on the River Avon. Again I was greeted with blue skies, frozen ground but none of the snow which has left many parts of the country at a stand still. Bramble and I started up the track towards Avon Dam and we soon encountered the bitter north easterly wind. We left the track at the first junction and made our way up to Black Tor (160) over the clitter and was pleased to see a really nice looking tor, hadn't really expected this as the OS map gives little indication of this. After quickly surveying the area from the top of the tor we made our way off north down to the bridge. Carefully we crossed the ice covered bridge and started the climb across the hill towards Shipley Tor (169), we crossed a number bogs on the way, all of which were frozen solid and made crossing a real pleasure. We soon made it to Shipley Tor, still in bright sunshine, again a nice bit of granite. We followed the wall down to the river as I had seen a path coming straight down. I wondered if this would lead to a bridge or easy crossing point, there was nothing on the map but thought I might chance it, rather than the 1 mile long round trip to the bridge. When we got there we were faced with a mid shin wade or the mile walk! I opted for the wade as it was only a short back to the car from the other side. Even with the frozen ground and ice on the banks of the river, the water wasn't all that bad. All was left after that was to slide back down the road to the Car Park. Another great winter walk, would be nice to get out on the moor with some snow, but that might have to wait until after Christmas now. 

Black Tor from Shipley Tor

Along the wall to Shipley Tor

Shipley Tor