100 up!

100 up! Will, Me and Oliver on Leather Tor

Still Celebrating on Cramber Tor

Tom, Oliver, Will and Me on Cramber Tor

Sun Burst Over Leeden Tor

Watching the sun burst on Hart Tor

Oliver on the run down from Cramber Tor

So four of us, Oliver, Will, Tom and Myself gathered below Sharpitor (108), to start the run that would see me reach my 100^th Dartmoor Tor/Hilltop.  It would also see my friend Tom climb his first Tor, so it was all set for an eventful evening run.  Starting up hill I was never the best of ideas but that’s how it is sometime.  It wasn’t long before the four of us, via four different routes climbed to the top of Sharpitor to survey the view and pat Tom on the back for losing his Tor virginity.  The scattergun approach to our group continued as we all favoured differing routes off the Tor.  I opted for the double back and go wide approach to cut out the worst of the clitter,   before the pleasant run down to the beginning of the climb to Leather Tor (123), one of my favourites on the moor.  This tor, breaches the side of the hill to create a nice ridge walk, and has great views over Burrator Reservoir and Sheeps Tor beyond, it was always favourite when I was leading groups over the moors.  So this was number 100 and we stop for some photos and to admire the view.  We clambered off the west side and hugged the hillside, slowly gaining height to Peek Hill (116), not stopping we turned and skirted the north edge of Stanlake Plantation which was showing the signs of tree felling as the Larch has been taken out to stop the spread of Sudden Oak Death.  We followed Devonport Leat until after the Aqueduct before breaking away to Cramber Tor (95) the high point of the run.  From there we surveyed an incredible sun burst through the clouds, wish I had my DSLR instead of an ancient point and shoot.  The run to Hart Tor (119) gives an opportunity to stretch your legs, on a well worn path partly thanks to the recruits from HMS Raleigh that pass this way during there basic training.  From Hart Tor we ran down to the stone rows and the remains of the blowing house near Black Tor Falls, before the small climb up to the summit of Black Tor (143).  The military were setting up on Black Tor as it was the annual Ten Tors event over the weekend and the tor is major checkpoint during the event.  We crossed the road shortly after leaving the tor and skirted below Leeden Tor, cut around the hill and were soon back at the cars.  A really good run, on a beautiful evening with great friends, what more can you ask for.

I’ll be out this Thursday if you fancy a run, meet at Princetown Main Car Park at 1745, maybe see you there.