Our walks range from 6 miles up to 8 miles. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month in Crediton Station car park at 9.15am and Whiddon Down at 9.50 to share cars to the start of the walk.

We have a drink and snack stop and also a lunch stop. Generally the walks will be in the vicinity of Dartmoor National Park but coastal walks are also an option.
To contact the group organiser by e-mail use the email link provided for coordinator as shown above.

Next Walk

{To see reports of our previous walks in last year just click the links below}

August Walk.: Otterton and Ladram Bay Thursday 20^th August

A group of 13 set off from Otterton, and took the path up the River Otter before cutting across country to join the Coastal Footpath at High Peak. It was then a steep descent down to Ladram Bay for lunch. Unfortunately starting lunch brought on the heaviest shower of the day, but it was short lived and everything quickly dried in the soon to follow sunshine. Reports of a sewage leak restricted the swimmers to one, even though the sea was calm and very mild.

The decision to walk the walk this way round was vindicated by some spectacular views along the coastal path in the sunshine that had become more consistent as the day went on. The final leg of the walk followed the River Otter once again, alongside the re-landscaped nature reserve. The path took the group back to Otterton Mill for some welcome refreshments. It was a lovely day with a walk of about 8 miles.

July Walk: There were just 8 of us doing the 6 mile walk from Fingle Bridge which turned out to be a good decision as it was cool enough in the shade but very hot in the sunny bits.  Luckily we were mostly in shade. Went up steeply to Drogo for our coffee (well deserved) and then down to the Teign and along to Dogmarsh bridge. Then into the Deer park. At this point two walkers headed back to Fingle and the rest of us had lunch at the top of the Deer park where we normally have our mince pies and wine.  We were actually able to sit on the bank with the lovely views because it clouded over and we had a slight breeze.  Then it was a bit traumatic taking the path down through the woods back to the river. First it was overgrown with broom which fortunately is not prickly and then when we had to climb two fallen trees I lost the path. Just when I was thinking we would have to retrace out steps there it was clear as day. Great relief. When we arrived at the Inn there were the other two walkers having a beer(?), I think. We joined them for drinks, ice cream etc. It is such a lovely spot sitting there in the shade by the river. Altogether I  think everyone thought it was a lovely day out.

June walk: Today 16 of us did a 7.6 mile loop from Belstone which was quite strenuous because of the amount of steep uphill, some awkward terrain and it was sunnier than forecast! Started out along the lovely valley east of and below Belstone Common and then up the Irishmen's wall for well deserved coffee at Belstone Tor. Stunning views. From there down to Cullever Steps where I showed the group the swimming hole just down from the bridge. It is a very beautiful spot so Lorraine, a very keen swimmer, stopped there for a swim while we walked on to Chapel ford for lunch. She is clearly very fit because she arrived at the lunch spot shortly after we had settled down! That is also a beautiful spot. We carried on to Halstock farm with its Shetland ponies and some foals which are tiny and then down through the woods alongside Moor Brook which joins the East Okement. The path was a bit tricky because of manoeuvring around fallen trees across the path. The last upward stretch was along the East Okement which was so lovely with various waterfalls but quite tricky walking in places. I am sure it was more tiring than a few years ago, or it could be just getting older . Lovely to see everyone and a lovely walk although some of it  hard work.

Mays walk: 15 of us had a lovely 8.2 mile walk from Shapley Common partly due to the weather (perfect), the scenery (perfect) but especially the ponies and foals, the belted Galloways and the stunning bluebells near Challacombe. All these things were a real bonus. We struggled uphill to Hookney Tor where it was too windy for coffee(oops-not quite perfect weather)) but found good shelter down in Grimspound, the amazing bronze age settlement with its many houses for us to choose from for coffee. Struggled uphill again to Hameldown trig point and Tor (non- existent really) and on to Challacombe, the medieval settlement still in existent as farm and holiday cottages. Here we had our lunch in the field rather than where I had planned because of the bluebells- fields just smothered in indigo blue. I then changed our route so that we could walk along by the bluebells towards Halstock Farm, up again(!!)to Birch Tor ( no birch trees or any trees in sight), along to the 2MW and back up again (!!) to the route down to where we had parked. It was a lovely day out and I believe the first one that Jerry has missed so we missed him and wish him luck for his half marathon tomorrow and also best of luck, Barbara. Why would you do that???

Aprils Walk. 18 of us had a lovely 6.5 mile walk today with perfect weather in spite of the rather poor forecast.  Quite a significant uphill to warm us up and then along Hunter's path to the cafe. Most of us bought coffee while a few brought their own flasks. There was no hold up in spite of so many of us which was quite commendable of the Drogo cafe. Along Hunter's path we went enjoying the splendid view, down to the river and then up another significant climb to our lunch spot in the deer park with such stunning views. The bluebells are yet to arrive although there was a nice display on the downhill route after lunch. At the river David, Barbara and John walked the south side back and the rest of us the north side which is much more interesting but also more difficult walking. David wanted to be back at Fingle by 3:00 PM and the south side is quicker. We enjoyed the beech trees with their new lime green foliage. Back at the Inn some of us had a delicious cream tea just to top off a splendid day. We decided we deserved it after those steep hills.

March Walk 2026: For a change I did not have to cancel/ alter the Mooramblers walk. Fifteen of us set out from Manaton in lovely sunshine which lasted the whole day. However, there was continual "on and off" of the outer layers due to the fairly strong wind. As usual we had coffee up on Hayne Down after the long uphill slog. Because we were seeking shelter from the wind we had a good view of Bowerman's Nose from where we were perched. Mike got a good photo. Then it was on to Jay's grave, Natsworthy and then very steep uphill to Honeybag Tor. We decided to finish our climbing before stopping for lunch so carried on up to Chinkwell Tor. There are so many huge granite outcrops there that it was easy for everyone to find a warm place in the sun with stunning views, of course. We then stopped to inspect the really interesting medieval village beneath Hound Tor. According to Brian the settlers brought their animals to graze there in the summer but retreated back down the valley in the winter. The winter there would have been rather harsh. After crossing the very pretty Becca Brook (which eventually joins the river Bovey) on the old clapper bridge we headed for home. It was not soon enough for some, I think. It was a beautiful walk with lovely views all the way but quite strenuous.

Feb walk 2026 For our walk this month we nine walkers were let down by the weather having left Crediton in the sun and arrived at Belstone in low cloud andwind. We did manage to have our coffee stop sheltered from the wind beside the river Taw which was quite pretty. We then walked up to Oke Tor on a good path. Surprisingly the whole of the walk was good underfoot. At Oke Tor everyone needed to put on rain gear. We were in thick fog, rain and facing the strong winds. When we reached the the cross roads(army tracks) I gave the group a choice-down to the East Okement into the wind and rain which was the original plan or back down to the River Taw where we would be sheltered from the wind. The consensus was down to the Taw. In spite of being just below Higher Tor it never came into view. We found a sheltered spot on the hillside for lunch but made it brief as it became chilly as we sat to eat. We were now out of the fog for the walk home. The walk was 6 miles which seemed enough in the conditions. Having returned early we stopped at Sticklepath tea rooms which was a lovely finish to the day.

If there is anyone who would like to offer to lead a walk of about 6 miles, please let Kathy know. It need not be on the Moors.

{_Do get in touch if you would like to join us.}
{Phone Kathy at the number below or click on the "organiser" to send an email_.}

Group organiser

Kathy Richardson

01363 84097

Links

• Rambles 2023