Mustard Seed Walks

16/09/2024

Mustard Seed Walks - Huntingdon Warren Exploration - 23rd November 2024

START: Shipley Bridge Car Park (GR - SX 681630).
DATE: Saturday 23rd November 2024
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30 am.
PARKING: Shipley Bridge car park has toilets, a mobile tea shop and is a pay and display car park costing £4 for a day.
DISTANCE: approx. 8 miles.
OVERVIEW: From Shipley Bridge car park we will walk up the Avon Dam access road, looking at Brent Moor House on the way and thinking about its unusual history. Once at Avon Dam we will continue along the north of the dam, visiting some Bronze Age hut circles before joining the Abbots Way that will take us to Huntingdon Cross. Once there we will explore this area before walking back and seeing more Bronze Age settlements on Hickaton Hill.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Please let me know - only if you will be coming, thanks.

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please.

Donations - As usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- TBC

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

05/04/2024

Tomorrows Walk - 6th April - CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS - sorry

27/03/2024

HOUND TOR - moorland and country road ramble to Bowerman's Nose

START: Hound Tor Car Park - SX739792
DATE: Saturday 6th April 2024
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 11 am.
PARKING: Free car park at Hound Tor
DISTANCE: approx. 5 miles.
OVERVIEW: This shortish walk will be over moorland and down some country roads in a circular walk taking in Hound Tor, Southcott, Bowermans Nose and Kitty Jay’s Grave.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- 1st June 2024 - Bennet's Cross

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

 After a spell of sub-zero weather, the day of our walk was much more in line with what we would expect for a moorland day in January; cold, windy and threatening rain.

27/03/2024

Mustard Seed Walks - Bennet's Cross to Natsworthy Gate Circular Walk - Saturday 1st June 2024

NOTE: I have had to cancel our March walk as I have double-booked myself, sorry.

START: Bennet's Cross car park (GR SX681817) on B3212 just NE of the Warren House Inn. NB, there is another car park 250m NE if this car park is full.
DATE: Saturday 1st June 2024
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
PARKING: Free car park at Bennett's Cross
DISTANCE: approx. 7.5 miles.
OVERVIEW: From the car park we will walk along the Two Moors way over Birch Tor, then after crossing a road ascending to Hockney Tor. The route continues east to King Tor and beyond to a minor road which will take us down a hill into the hamlet of Heathercombe. We will pick up another branch of the Two Moors Way heading south until we arrive at Natsworthy Gate. We will then begin the return journey westward, walking up to a war memorial where an aircraft crashed during WW2, and then on to Hameldown Tor. We will descent to Grimspound Bronze Age settlement before continuing westward past Headland Warren Farm and into mining country with plenty to see. An ascent will take us back to the car park.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):

 After a spell of sub-zero weather, the day of our walk was much more in line with what we would expect for a moorland day in January; cold, windy and threatening rain.

14/03/2024

Mustard Seed Walks - Bennet's Cross to Natsworthy Gate Circular Walk - Saturday 20th April 2024

NOTE: I have had to cancel our March walk as I have double-booked myself, sorry.

START: Bennet's Cross car park (GR SX681817) on B3212 just NE of the Warren House Inn. NB, there is another car park 250m NE if this car park is full.
DATE: Saturday 20th April 2024
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
PARKING: Free car park at Bennett's Cross
DISTANCE: approx. 7.5 miles.
OVERVIEW: From the car park we will walk along the Two Moors way over Birch Tor, then after crossing a road ascending to Hockney Tor. The route continues east to King Tor and beyond to a minor road which will take us down a hill into the hamlet of Heathercombe. We will pick up another branch of the Two Moors Way heading south until we arrive at Natsworthy Gate. We will then begin the return journey westward, walking up to a war memorial where an aircraft crashed during WW2, and then on to Hameldown Tor. We will descent to Grimspound Bronze Age settlement before continuing westward past Headland Warren Farm and into mining country with plenty to see. An ascent will take us back to the car park.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Watch this space

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

20/11/2023

Mustard Seed Walks

Belstone Village to Oke Tor

Saturday 16th December 2023

START: Belstone Village Car Park (GR - SX 622938)
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am. Allow about 4 hours for the walk.
DISTANCE: Approximately 6 miles.
OVERVIEW: This will be a relatively gentle walk from Belstone village heading south on a good track alongside the River Taw before ascending to Oke Tor. We will then head north along the ridge, skirting to the west of the ridge on a good track that eventually picks up the Tarka Trail back into Belstone. Once back in the village, we could descend on a 'local' for a cup of Christmas tea, or cheer!

MAP ABOVE

Please book by email if you wish to come - thanks.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs to be kept on a short lead.

Cost - No charge but donations to Devon Air Ambulance and Christians Against Poverty would be welcome.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS

- Saturday 20th January 2024
- Saturday 10th February 2024
- Saturday 23rd March 2024
- Saturday 20 April 2024
NB - proposed dates.

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"You huge mountains, Bashan mountains, mighty mountains, dragon mountains. All you mountains not chosen, sulk now, and feel sorry for yourselves, for this is the mountain God has chosen to live on; he'll rule from this mountain forever."
Psalm 68:15-16 (The Message paraphrase version)

30/06/2023

Mustard Seed Walks - Stepping Stones Walk

Saturday 8th July 2023

START: Dunnabridge Pound car park (GR SX642747) on the B3357 from Dart meeting heading towards Two Bridges, go past Dunnabridge Pound - over a bridge and the road bends uphill. The large car park is at the top on your left (south of the road).
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am. The walk should take about 4 hours.
DISTANCE: Approximately 7.5 miles.
OVERVIEW: Starting from the Dunnabridge Pound large car park (SX642747) we will walk across the bridge to Dunnabridge Pound and take the track to Laughter Hole Farm. Shortly after this we will cross the Easy Dart River on our first of three sets of stepping stones. From here a track and the riverside path will take us to Badgers Holt. Tracks and roads will then take us past Huccaby Church to the village of Hexworthy. A short walk will then take us to our second set of stepping stones before we arrive at the large sweep of stepping stones over the West Dart Riven. A pleasant stroll will take us back to the road and the car park. Please note that if we have had heavy rain I will change the route as the striping stones may be submerged! I have put this as a non-dog friendly walk due to the stepping stones.

Please book by email if you wish to come - thanks.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - No dogs on this walk please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Dartmoor Walking Festival - please visit moorlandguides.co.uk for more information of walks during the last week of August.

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

 May Bank Holiday Saturday, and a stunningly sunny day, so a small select group of seven ventured out on a delightful and leisurely walk from Four Winds car park.  After a brief visit to Little Mis Tor, we all clambered up onto Great Mis Tor in search of the 'frying pan' which as the pictures lay ...

11/05/2023

Mustard Seed Walks - Great Mis Tor and Beyond - Saturday 27th May 2023

START: Four Winds Car Park (Old School Rooms) (GR SX 561748) - (what3words: fixture.crackled.clothed)
DATE: Saturday 27th May 2023
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
PARKING: Free car park at Four Winds - see map.
DISTANCE: approx. 7 miles
OVERVIEW: This walk will take us to the airy heights of Great Mis Tor, Roos Tor and Great Staple Tor, with superb views - if it is clear! We will also visit a stone circle and there will be may points of interest on the way. Note: there is a river crossing which may be tricky if there has been recent rain.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

If you are Joining Us - Please let me know if you are joining us for the walk - no need to reply if you aren't coming.

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please. (These are the National Park bylaws)

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Saturday 8th July 2023
- Dartmoor Walking Festival - please visit moorlandguides.co.uk for more information of walk during the last week of August.

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

19/04/2023

For Bluebells Walk, Grid Reference should read: SX 740794

19/04/2023

Mustard Seed Walks - Short Family Bluebells Walk - Monday 1st May 2023

START: Hound Tor Car Park (GR SX 621 938)
DATE: Monday 1st May 2023
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10am.
PARKING: Free car park at Hound Tor - see map.
DISTANCE: Short route: 2 miles.
OVERVIEW: This is a Bank Holiday short walk designed for everyone to include families with children. We will visit the bluebells on Holwell Lawn before returning to Hound Tor for the children to play and have a picnic for those who want - bring a packed lunch.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

If you are Joining Us - Please let me know if you are joining us for the walk - no need to reply if you aren't coming.

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please. (These are the National Park bylaws)

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Saturday 27th May 2023
- Saturday 8th July 2023

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

08/03/2023

Mustard Seed Walks - Ridge and Valley Walk - Saturday 15th April 2023

START: Belstone Car Park (GR SX 621 938)
DATE: Saturday 15th April 2023
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
PARKING: Free car park in Belstone Village
DISTANCE: Short route: 6-7 miles. Optional long route: 9-10 miles. (See maps)
OVERVIEW: We will walk out of the village and up onto the ridge of hills running south. This will take us past Belstone Tor, Higher Tornado along the ridge to Oke Tor. From her we will take a track to the west down to the military road in the valley--where a decision will be made to do the short or long route. The short route takes us north on the military road to Cullever Steps. For the long route we will head south on the military road, taking the right hand track (westwards) and then north to East Mill Tor and onwards to Cullever Steps. We will follow the track north by east visiting the Nine Stones Circle and then on back to the village and the car park.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

If you are Joining Us - Please let me know if you are joining us for the walk - no need to reply if you aren't coming.

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please. (These are the National Park bylaws)

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Saturday 27th May 2023
- Saturday 8th July 2023

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

24/02/2023

Mustard Seed Walks - Circular Walk - Tors, Woods and Pools - Saturday 4th March 2023

START: Sharpitor Car Pak (GR SX561708) - on B3212 between Yelverton and Princetown, a couple of miles NE of Dousland
DATE: Saturday 4th March 2023
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
PARKING: Free car park on N side of B3212.
DISTANCE: 5-6 miles.
OVERVIEW: This circular walk will take in Sharpitor and Leather Tor before descending steeply to the Norsworthy Plantation woods. We will then find Raddick Lane which will emerge onto open moorland where we will find Crazy Well Pool. A short hop to the north will enable us to pick up the Devonport Leat which we will follow NW towards the aqueduct. Black Tor with its logan stone and Leeden Tor will complete the circuit at the car park. PLEASE NOTE THIS ROUTE CONTAINS ROUGH GROUND AND SOME STEEP SLOPES.

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dogs are allowed, but on a short lead please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Saturday 15th April - North Moors - details in due course

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

18/01/2023

Mustard Seed Walks - Cowsic Stones - Saturday 4th February 2023

START: Two Bridges Hotel (GR SX609750)
DATE: Saturday 4th February 2023
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
PARKING: Limited free parking across the road from the Two Bridges Hotel, or plenty of parking at the Hotel itself - cost: either £5 or have a drink in the bar afterwards (coffee of course!)
DISTANCE: Walk is quite short with frequent stops.
OVERVIEW: Simon Dell has kindly offered to lead this walk and show us the engraving on the stones which have been hidden by vegetation for 100 years until he and some friends uncovered them. They are quite fascinating and Simon has done comprehensive research which will make for a very interesting walk. Simon sent a note: "Wear wellies and bring a hot drink and snack. Bring a stout stick or walking poles to assist with a river crossing if we do one. Dress warmly because we are not walking far or fast."

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - No dogs please as much of this walk is on private farm land and the farmer has kindly given his permission.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Saturday 4th March - Sharpitor/Leather Tor/ Norsworthy Bridge/Black Tor

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

30/11/2022

Mustard Seed Walks - Family walk to Feather/Pew Tor - Monday 3rd January 2023

START: Pork Hill Car Park (GR SX532752)
DATE: Monday 2nd January 2023
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am.
DISTANCE: Walk is approximately 3.5 miles, or 1.5 miles for optional Feather Tor only route.
OVERVIEW: This is a new years walk suitable for families. The route (see map) is a figure-of-eight route so anyone with young children could miss out Pew Tor if needed. If the weather is fine, the views are excellent; if it is wet, we can enjoy another face of Dartmoor!

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - Dog welcome on a short lead please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

FUTURE WALKS
- Saturday 4th February - Cowsic Stones (with Simon Dell)
- Saturday 4th March - Sharpitor/Leather Tor/ Norsworthy Bridge/Black Tor

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON
"Bring your melody, O mountains and hills; trees of the forest and field, harmonise your praise!"
Psalm 148:9 (The Passion Translation)

21/11/2022

Hi, Our Mustard Seed Walk and lunch on Sunday 4th December is now CANCELLED.

I will post dates for future walks soon.

Thanks, Phil

20/11/2022

16/11/2022

Mustard Seed Walks - EARLY RESPONCE NEEDED - Walk and Roast Dinner - Sunday 4th December 2022

START: Two Bridges Hotel
DATE: Sunday 4th December 2022
TIMINGS: We will start walking at 10.30am. Eating at 12 Noon.
DISTANCE: Walk is approximately 2 miles.
OVERVIEW: This walk replaces the walk on 3rd December and will be a short walk from the Two Bridges Hotel (free parking). We will be having a roast dinner (with festive trimmings!) at the Two Bridges Hotel. I will need to know numbers by Saturday19th Nov. If you would like to come, please let me know by Saturday and send me a deposit of £10 to: 30-80-27, 34699768, and drop me a line to say you have paid, thanks. Here is the link to their Sunday Lunch Menu and cost (£32.50) https://www.twobridges.co.uk/eat/sunday-lunch/.

* REMEMBER - I NEED TO KNOW BY SATURDAY *

INFORMATION REMINDER:-

Gear to take - Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare warm top, hat and gloves, lunch and drink, sensible footwear - boots best, rucksack to carry it all in.

Dogs - No dogs for this event please.

Donations - A usual, I do not charge a fee or take expenses for my walks, but I would encourage voluntary donations towards two charities: Devon Air Ambulance & Christians Against Poverty.

Photos etc - I will now be posting photos etc on this blog (rather than Facebook):
http://phils-notes.blogspot.com/?m=1

THOUGHT FOR THE SEASON:-
"When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings."
Psalm 84:6

11/11/2022

Our next Mustard Seed Walk from Shipley Bridge to Pupers Hill is on Saturday 19th November - sorry the date was omitted from the previous post 😊 Thanks, Phil