Saturday 21 April 2007

We didn't get lost!

After a hearty breakfast and a cheery wave from the Bridestowe landlady, ex army nurse Janet, we set off at about 9.30, resolved not to get lost today and to pay more attention to the map. The weather was looking promising and the early part of the walk was simple enough. The Granite Way, a cycle track, was well marked and, more importantly, flat, so we were able to walk and chat at the same time! We passed some beautiful scenery, rolling hills and calm woods, only to be overtaken now and again by excited schoolchildren on their bikes. We went over the Meldon Viaduct with stunning panoramic views, which was slightly spoilt soon after by the quarry and some sad looking, neglected trains in a state of disrepair.
We arrived in Okehampton for a late lunch (sandwiches again) and a well deserved coffee in a little coffee shop. We took a bit of time to wander around Okehampton (as if we hadn’t walked enough), to admire the castle from afar and visit the tourist office Okehampton was an improvement on Launceston.
The afternoon was in contrast to the morning where we had to concentrate on our route a bit more. We decided to follow the Dartmoor Way which went down to Belstone, a beautiful, peaceful village with an unusual converted chapel with a bright red telephone box in front. We decided to treat ourselves to an ice-cream in a quaint-looking shop, only to find out that it was the pub, and it was shut anyway.
Mildly disappointed, disturbing a sunbathing local to check on our route (only checking of course) we were directed on a little path, which skirted the dry, barren edges of Dartmoor (no more hills, we thought) down to the River Taw. We followed this path for most of the afternoon, noting some lovely picnic spots for the future. The highlight of the day was perching ourselves on the edge of some rocks, soaking our feet in the ice-cold river, whilst having a break. We marched with renewed vigour through the woods, through Sticklepath to South Zeal where we found the car awaiting us ready for the journey home.

2 comments:

Lynn Walworth said...

Hi Carol - am loving reading about your progress, can almost smell the Cornish sea air. Look forward to seeing you this week at Jane's and maybe for a spot of walking too!
This is fantastic - well done!
Lynn x

Margot said...

Hi Carol - I am so thrilled that you are well on the way with your walk!
Have just been put in touch with your fundraising website - wow! I hope to have some amazing news on that front very soon!
Nothing like wetting your appetite! Keep on trekking! Thoughts and prayers are with you.