Steeperton Tor

Last Saturday I made a quick dash down to Dartmoor before all the snow melted. It is probably still there now, I have not checked. I decided to go to Belstone as it is just off the A30 so hoped that it would be not too snowbound. The village looked beautiful under inches of snow.

I made my way up the valley and out on to Taw Marsh. Although it was late in the day there were a few people about, mostly on heading down the valley as I went out.

When I got to the end of the valley I decided to go straight up Steeperton Tor and crashed about in the snow past my knees. Should have remember my gaiters really.

I headed back along Oke Tor and Belstone Common before dropping and down to Belstone.


Click here for the route.

Snow at last

I have at last started building up some mile for the Grizzly. Last week 23 miles and the plan for this week is 26. We have been very lucky in South Dorset I suppose and have had very little snow until yesterday. I am a bit envious seeing other bloggers getting out walking and running in the snow. Today I could not run at lunchtime because the paths were too icy, which was a bit frustrating. Tonight I read that other people have found the solution. Tea and Cake is inspiring even when not running/biking/mountain marathoning (not sure that is a verb).

I am now ready for tomorrow.

Plans for 2010

After a very good 2009 an inactive Christmas holiday (in terms of of outdoor adventures) has got me thinking about plans for 2010.

Well already in the calendar are The Grizzly, The Stickler and supporting a friend doing the Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

What I would like to do more of this year are solo backpacking trips to North Wales and the Black Mountains, and hopefully the Across Wales walk.

My son is keen to do another Dartmoor trip and so am I. But this evening he was asking about the trips my Dad and I did on Offas dyke when I was his age. He thought it would be a good idea if we finished it. Dad and I got from Chepstow to Knighton, walking for a 2 or 3 days each Easter holiday.

I think Scotland is off the cards this year, even though when I am looking at books and websites and begin to plan my dream trip that is where I always end up.

Happy New Year