As a bit of a test run for an upcoming event Simon and I went down to Dartmoor for a run out. We had originally planned to do a some of the Chagford Challenge route but as the weather was clear I decided we should head for open moorland.
We set off from Sourton and followed the steep path up past the church to join the Dartmoor Way below Sourton Tor. Here we spotted our first Ten Tors group in their traditional spring plumage of massive rucksacks. From here we dropped down to one of my favourite spots, West Okement Valley, and then struggled up to Black Tor. The weather was cold and clear for most of the day but as we headed to High Willhays we entered mist which had settled on the summit.
Lints Tor
From here to Amicombe Brook the going was hard with boggy, clumps of grass slowing us down. I did see a nice camp spot for a small tent SX 583861.
After crossing the top of Tavey Cleave we headed back to via Hare Tor and Great Links Tor to Sourton. This side is more popular than the central section, according to Simon this is because sensible people don't like running over trackless boggy ground. Apparently he is not that keen either.
Are we ready for the Cerne Giant 30? Probably not but we will find out on Sunday.
As you can see I have been using Social Hiking a bit. There is a nice feature where you can overlay a route (where you plan to walk) over the top of a track (where you actually walked). I have also found it useful when your phone battery dies halfway through your trip.
The Llanbder horseshoe is a great long day walk in the Black Mountains. As I was there for an overnighter I decided to add a bit and cover some other unclimbed hills.
I walked through the village of Llanbedr down a muddy track to the river and up to Crug Mawr. It was still relatively early despite the long drive from Dorset. I was passed by a couple of runners just before the top, the only people I would see all morning. After a short side trip to the nearest top I headed down to the valley through Mynydd Du Forest.
The path down to the valley cut straight through the pine trees directly across a couple of forestry roads. The top section of the path is either very overgrown or I missed it completely. If you get lost in the same place can you pick up my glove that I lost bashing through the trees. After crossing the first forestry road the path is much clearer. The reservoir road was bit of a plod but I was soon off the track climbing through the wood on the other side of the valley.
Chwarel y Fan
I had made a side trip to Pen Twyn Mawr and it turned out to be a dull mound of a hill. I also double back on myself to Chwarel y Fan and it was a very worthwhile trip. A classic Black Mountains grassy ridge topped with a summit path through the rocks.(Apologies for the fuzzy phone camera picture in this post, my camera is broken)
I heading back north along the ridge before reaching the small bothy in the valley. It is a tiny one up one down structure with just enough room to refold a double sided OS map. I spent a cold night on the sleeping platform listening to a quiet scratching noise downstairs. As I was preparing breakfast I found something had been through my rubbish bag and one of my dry bags. Although my favourite dry bag had no food in it my new found enemy had nibbled a hole in it. My food bag was untouched. Not happy.
Bothy etiquette says you should leave enough fuel for the next visitor. I didn't really feel I had done this so I packed up some of the rubbish others had left instead. It was a sad sight as I left in the morning carrying a bag of rubbish and an empty whiskey bottle, sobbing gently. "It was my favourite dry bag as well".
I followed the path up the valley before turn back towards the south. This side of the valley the hills are quiet a bit higher and were covered in a thicker layer of snow. This ridge is what I love about the Black Mountains, open hills with great views.
After a long period of very little running I am, at last, getting out a bit more regularly. Sunday was a great early morning run over North Hill. I am also getting out on the bike most weekends thanks to my son and his new road bike.
Why this new found enthusiasm? Well, if don't run for a long period of time it is very difficult to get started again, once started don't stop. Also the Cerne Giant 30 is only 79 days away. This is a new event in familiar territory, the plan is to walk/run (how much of each, we shall see).
Most of my backpacking trips are short weekend trips. These normally comprise a circular route back to the car with a camp in the middle. The aim this time was to go from A to B.
I left my car in Talybont and took the early bus to Brecon. After a quick shop for some more food and a laminated map. This proved a vital purchase. I then caught the bus to Crai.
Grey morning with small patches of blue over to the east, the last I would see all day. I followed a wide bulldozed track towards Fan Gyhirych and then climbed to the top of Fan Nedd. I sheltered from the wind behind the cairn before the summit where I had my lunch.
As I dropped down the hill to the large car park at the rain started to come down hard. The rain dripped off my hood, sleeves and nose but seemed to sit happily on my glasses.
On the other side of the valley I joined the Beacons Way and immediately got misplaced as the cloud became thicker. With quite a bit of wandering about and standing in bogs I climbed the hill to Fan Llia. I followed the ridge north the wind and rain increasing all the time. A couple of times the wind knocked me over. About 3 o'clock I started to look for a sheltered spot to camp. The ground was wet and steep, I could not see the wind and rain stopping. I finally decided that, although I had brought my camping kit, I was going to head for the youth hostel.
The next morning was brighter and cold. Today's route followed the Beacons Way back to Talybont. I slowly plodded up the hill to meet a crashing wind as it came over the ridge. A beautiful bright day ideal for walking along a ridge.
The central section of the National park is the most popular and there were a lot more people out today. I climbed the three main summits (Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big) of the ridge before heading down to Talybont reservoir. This was the brightest part of the day and I enjoyed the quiet tramp through the woods and tracks.
I was a bit disappointed to miss out on a camp but next time. In case you were wondering the are no verbs in the title of this post.
Is there anything more exciting than a half packed rucksack nearly ready for the weekend? I think not. I am off to the Brecon Beacons on Saturday.
More importantly if you donate to the JMT between 5th and 9th of December your donation will be doubled. Ideal if you don't know what (else) to get me for Christmas.
Phase 1 Training Louis and I arrived at Loch Lomond for our training paddle
after a very early start from the South coast. We met up with Michael
and Graham who provided extra gear and most importantly the boat. Before undertaking an event like the Tay Descent (23 mile course) you should always put together a training plan. Half an hour later training complete and it was down to Corries for 4 full Scottish breakfasts. It was great to meet up with them again.
Phase 2 Acclimatisation
The
next phase on the way up to Perth was a stop at the fine Glengoyne distillery for a tour and tasting. After a bit of head scratching
souvenirs of the trip were purchased (we both went for the 12 year old
single malt). We met up with Michael again at registration and headed up
to Grantully.
Phase 3 Base camp
The SCA campsite in
Grantully proved to be a perfect base for us. Simple facilities,
sheltered pitches and friendly residents. As is traditional the orange
tents made a showing again.
Phase 4 Race preparation
We made our first visit to the Tully Bar for Lamb Stovies in front of the fire and many discussions about ... well I cant really remember, except meeting Richard - Michaels partner in Lilo.
Phase 5 The paddle
After
dropping off a vehicle at Perth we returned to Dunkeld for the start of
the race. Nervous thoughts calmed by meeting a few friendly faces from the DW.
We dropped into the river above the bridge in Dunkeld.
Unfortunately Michael and Richard had been unable to wait for us at the
start line, possible because of the strong current or a strong
determination to win above all else. The first section if the river was a
nice easy start drifting down the river admiring the tress on the bank and the hills behind. Then we hit the rapids at Campsie Linn, well, we decided to take the "Chicken run" around the side. Next was Stanley Weir. This is where the fun starts, you drop down the weir into a mass of mixed up waves. Brilliant.
That is me in the front that is...
Phase 6 Recovery
We returned to the campsite all fairly shattered. It was only 3pm but we decided to shift our time clocks forward by 2 hours. This meant as it was 5 we could go to the pub and go to bed at 9. Graham had joined us again to review our efforts. This seemed to involve mainly shaking his head sadly at us.
A sign of a great trip is the enthusiasm to repeat it. The was no
shortage of this as we said goodbye. It was just a question of how and
with who. Without question The Tully Bar will be involved.
Not been up to much lately but that is all about to change. Loius and I are leaving "Equatorial Dorset" and heading to the far flung north. Last year we meet Michael during the Devizes to Westminster kayak race. Michael has recently put some very poor photos on his blog, which I urge you to ignore. We are heading up to Perth on Friday to take part in the Tay Descent with him and some of his associates.
As basically a non-paddler, I am a little nervous about spending 3 days with the wet ones. A full weekend is planned with a trip to Loch Lomond, Glengoyne, Perth and then back home via Ben Vorlich.
Next month I am off to the Brecon Beacons for a trip following the middle section of the Breacons Way. Solid ground (with a bit of bog) on which to plant my feet.
