I’d done a similar walk to this in November last year (here) and this time wanted to find the Shovel Stone, which isn’t marked on the map but I know is in the area. I’d done a bit of internet digging beforehand which brought up conflicting photos of the stone itself. All I could tell was that Widecombe village say it is on a straight line between the Rugglestone Inn in Widecombe and Top Tor. That’s good enough for me. I set out having forgotten my camera (phone photos today) and waterproofs and feeling a bit daft and under-prepared!! Luckily the weather was set fair and the views far better than my last time here.
Over the bovine to Wittaburrow left and Top Tor to the right, I’ll be on those laterCorndon Tor is the dark looking tor in the centre, and Ryders Hill is rising up on the left as I make my way across to Buckland BeaconFabulous views down to the River Dart from Buckland BeaconThe Ten Commandments Stones just below the summitFrom left to right, Hameldown, Chinkwell Tor, Top Tor (with some sun) and Rippon Tor (above the tree)After a lovely walk across I find Wittaburrow, this is from the cairn looking back to Buckland BeaconAnd looking the opposite way, the tor rocks of Wittaburrow are just over there on the leftStanding by the tor rocks of Wittaburrow now, looking to Tunhill Rocks in the shade, Hameldown back left and Chinkwell Tor to the right of TunhillIts not more than 10 minutes between each of the tors around here, here I am on Tunhill Rocks looking back up to WittaburrowFrom the same spot, Pil Tor with Rippon Tor to the rightThis view is always in view from these parts, Widecombe village centre left of photoChinkwell Tor with Hameldown up on the left from Hollow Tor, I now made a beeline for what I thought was the Shovel Stone.This is the Shovel Stone and is indeed in a line between Top Tor and WidecombeIts only a drive and a short wedge to Top Tor from the Shovel Stone, that’s Pil Tor down there, Tunhill Rocks on the far rightThe path that goes to Bonehill Rocks and then on past Bell Tor and up to Chinkwell Tor, Easdon Tor in the distance to the right of Chinkwell TorSaddle Tor and Haytor from Top TorSuns out on Pil Tor, looking towards Cold East Cross and Buckland BeaconInto the sun, looking down to Tunhill Rocks with Ryders Hill forming the backgroundOne last look down to Widecombe with Hameldown aboveRippon Tor with Saddle Tor centre and Haytor left, as my phone battery died on me so no more photos on the short walk back to the car.
treksandtors 