Pairs : Trees on Exmoor

On our walk at Tarr Steps last Friday I spotted these trees for Helena's pairs. Firstly down in the valley by the river this tree just turning colour for Autumn but very much alive.

Then up on the open moor and very much exposed was this virtually dead tree.

You can read more about Tarr Steps and see the money tree if you click here

A Walk from Tarr Steps

The first day of our walking weekend was as previously mentioned in the last post was spent walking at Tarr Steps. We started off the day with a coffees the Tarr Farm Inn  overlooking the famous clapper bridge.

We did not spot any cars braving the ford today but we did catch two horses on their way through.

The bridge is thought to be medieval and is made of massive flat boulders. It was badly damaged by flood in 2012 and had to be reassembled. There are large cables across the river upstream to try and stop large pieces of debris being washed down at times of flood.

Our walk took us upstream by the River Barle for about 2.5 miles. 

The water continually changing from deceptive calm to raging currents.

The walk then climbed up onto the open moor of Winsford Hill where there was a short period of confusion as to where the walk went as we plodded through the bogs!

Then it was the turn of muddy wet bridleways.

We then eventually dropped back down to the river accompanied by two young cats who appeared from nowhere. (No pictures I'm afraid). On our return downstream to Tarr steps now on the other side of the river we came across a curious site. These logs and tree remains were covered in coins that had been hammered in.

I have no explanation for this!

We were pleased to have completed our 5.5 miles and headed for our accommodation a little more muddy than when we had started out.

Me on Monday: Exmoor Walking

I am waving to Sian at  "From High in the Sky"and all other bloggers on this misty Monday morning as I recover from my weekend away. I have spent the last three sunny days on Exmoor for a walking weekend with my Walk and Talk group. It has been a weekend of walking, talking, eating, drinking and plenty of laughter! This has become an annual event with this being our fifth break away. We are mainly all ex- colleagues from my paediatric nursing days and a lot of us have known each other for around 28 years. Needless to say we have an easy relaxed relationship between us all.

We returned this year to a wonderful house in deepest Exmoor called Shorland Old Farm in the pretty village of Challacombe. It is run by a delightful couple who serve the most delicious breakfast and dinner. They specialise in Bed and Breakfast for large groups of walkers, artists etc and have their own art studio. It is tucked away in quiet countryside with fabulous views.

There is not time to tell you all about our walks but I shall give you a taster with more to come during the week. We stopped at Tarr Steps on Friday. This is tucked away and to avoid the rather fast flowing ford to get to the car park it is essential to approach from the North. We were caught out last time we visited having to drive through the water. I made sure the experience wasn't repeated this time. The ford in question is just to the right of this footbridge known as Tarr Steps.

We started along by the river where we found a tranquil spot to picnic.

Then we climbed onto open moorland. We came across this sign too late to take its advice.

Our experience with how wet and boggy the moorland was after all the recent rain swayed us to change to a coastal walk on Saturday starting and finishing in the Valley of the Rocks.

The contrasting colours of the sea and cliffs were fabulous. Our steady climb up was rewarded by panoramic views right across to Wales. 

We find by Sunday we are ready for a more gentle walk before we return home so we followed the path from Lynmouth to Watersmeet. A scenic route with plenty of water and woodland.

Reaching Watersmeet had the extra bonus of a National Trust tea rooms to refresh ourselves before our return walk.

I hope to give you more details of our walks as the week goes on. Enjoy your week and let's hope for more of this lovely sunshine.

Just a little post note for those who have been following our little family of late swallow chicks. They have flown this weekend while I have been away so wish them well on their long journey.

Dairy Cows

When out for a walk the other day I passed by our neighbours fields. They are big dairy farmers and also have a big cheese making creamery. It was lovely to see their milking cows out in the fields enjoying the grass.

Growing Quickly

Kates'  calves from last year (now termed as yearlings) are now getting quite big. 

At the moment they share a field with the new sheep.

They still recognise the hand that feeds them.

Blackberry Picking

When I go out for a walk at this time of year I try and remember to take a bag in my pocket to collect a few blackberries.

I love the flavour of them especially I a blackberry and apple pie. I am not alone in liking them.

Someone is as quick if not quicker than me at picking them!

The Final Link Up

A big thank you to Rinda at  Gallo Organico for organising this year's Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt. I think a lot of us have had great fun looking for and takin our photos. I have also enjoyed seeing all the pictures that have been posted and the stories behind them. Like other people I have also been grateful to friends and family who have helped along the way. Today for the final link up I am posting my final choices and that was not easy. Most if not all of these have been seen along the way. So here we go.

1. A bouquet of flowers 

2. An ornate door knocker.

3. A Person walking a dog (or other animal).

4. People playing a board game or card game.

5. Architectural columns.

6. A metal bridge.

7. A Turtle

8. Someone plugged into social media.

9. A tent

10. A college or university.

11. A cellular tower or satellite dish.

12. A public restroom, bathroom or toilet

13. A merry-for-round or carousel.

14. A traffic signal.

15. A flagpole with at least three flags on it. ( I know it's two poles)

16. A panoramic view taken while standing somewhere high in the air.

17. At least two people wearing matching outfits or uniforms.

18. An overloaded vehicle 

19. A ticket booth.

20. A natural body of water.

21. A photograph of you with a sign  reading "2015 Summertime Photography Scavenger Hunt".

Alternative A. People eating outside.

Alternative B. Someone holding an umbrella.

Alternative C. A rocking chair.

                                                         

Well that's it till next year! I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.