Licking the envelope
October 21, 2020 Leave a comment
The Ollis 80 was inspired by the A to Z map book and a list of 80 tors compiled. There are notable exceptions but also some esoteric ‘collectors pieces.
Initially I headed up to Hunters Tor. I had already climbed to Raven’s Tor when bagging Lustleigh woods (365 i19). I was time short and so the muddy concrete track was appreciated to access the bottom of the climb. Hand railing the wall left, the path clambered over stones, before suddenly veering right. The wall at the top is pierced by a gate with sensible metal catches and a chain. The Tor reveals rounded granite, a view out onto the wider moor and an air of achievement.
Chub Tor [12] is a collectors piece. It is mentioned twice on the map but not near the actual Tor; which sits atop a flushing on private land. I used Max Piper’s (and friends) excellent Tor directory Find here and accessed through the tunnel identifying the bound of their ground. Just how close you need to be is up to you. It is visible from the railway.
Afterwards I refreshed my thirst in the Meavy Oak before transiting to Gutter Tor. This roadside climb accessed by a long tentacle of potholed tarmac was spoiled. Brass cartridges lay abandoned, orange plastic betrayed the fag butts, the army had been here and left a real mess. This detracted from Gutter Tor, rounded, explorable but in the shadow of its rival; Sheeps Tor.
The narrow giggle alley that climbs onto Sheeps Tor has barely room for your car. The weather had changed, fiercer, blowing alarmingly. I climbed steadily, fully aware the reward of a view had gone. Above the climbing face the hill continues. I walked to the edge, mist laden but the drop sat there, empty.
Once last unexpected surprise was Burra Tor . I knew about this as it appears on Max Piper’s Top ten list and a visit is recommended. It is roadside, extensive and contains a neat building too. It was perfect at autumn the lush green moss offsetting the autumn colours. Clambering back over the style I realised just one top remained; but it was a deep one.
Thanks to Paul Buck, Tim Jenkinson and Max for inspiration although Chub and Burra may get swapped on the list!
Annually, we are already committed to the Remembrance in the Mountains event and so it seemed sensible to link this to Duke of Edinburgh Gold training too. We headed to the Brecons.
We climbed quickly from Tal y Bont with Allt Lywd in our sights and the transit along the ridge was straightforward and snowy. Arriving on the plateau early we decided to take in Waun Rydd too; the service seemed particularly appropriate this year.
The main navigation training took place after the service and the boys zig zagged down the path back to Pencelli.
Next weekend it was the turn of the 14 and 15 year olds, this time out of Shipley Bridge on the South Moor of Dartmoor. I had worked here alot over the last four years transiting west towards the tramway. Exploring change I headed up onto Dockwell Ridge, but not after some stream crossing practice.
The hack up through Woolholes was bracken laden and the gap in the wall indistinct. The circular settlements were difficult to find but once on top of the ridge it all became straightforward. Next time I will handrail the path to the north.
Peathys Path revealled some grest finds and we settled down to lunch at the source of Small Brook. Returning via Zeal Gully and the Riders Rings it was great to stand on Black Tor before dropping back down to the bus.
Change can be good and a smattering of snow and clear weather helps. With the new season well and truly open I look forward to our return at Meldon Reservoir.
Alicemark 