I Forgot About Black Tor

Spent a nice night out on Black Tor at the end of May.  It was a lovely night out with an interesting sunset and an beautiful morning which had the potential for an amazing sunrise, however it didn't really materialise, it was stunning but not from a photographic point of view.

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. 

 

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