So we were into the middle of December and wanted to keep a little run going, were we had walked each weekend for a few now. Our efforts in October and November had revolved around moving house, so it was nice to be back in a bit of a normal routine. This would be walk 65 on Dartmoor 365 round 2, and this one includes F22, G22 and G23. Looking at the weather, it was forecasting pretty low cloud over the main part of the moor and even some persistent drizzle, especially out west. So with that we headed east, where it at least looked that we would get some clear tops and maybe drier weather. We hit the jackpot with sunshine and clear blue skies, whilst the distance views into the moor had a thick bank of cloud. This walk picks off a few Dartmoor 365 squares as well as some less frequented rocks and tors, it can be a lovely area and in this weather it was the perfect choice. We started out with the long pull up Bennah Hill to Kiln Down and its tor, this track just kept going and going, up and up and we were relived when we hit the top. After picking off the tor we headed down and through Bowden Farm before picking up the lane to Higher Hole, Middle Hole and Lower Hole (the three holes!). After passing a noisy kids party we reached Rowdon Rock, disturbing a herd of deer in the process. We soon reached Bridford and left via a lane that I’d not walked before, picking a footpath through some cottages, marked on the map. Rookery Brook Tor looked good, standing proud without its usual summer greenery, which cloaks this fine high rock. All that was left was a simple lane walk back to Christow and its church, the hope of a pint in the Artichoke Inn was dashed with the sign telling us it was closed until January!! Still the walk was superb and the weather, a real bonus. This will be the last post before Christmas, so I’d like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, and hopefully you can all get some good walking in over the festive period.

Start – Christow parking

Route – Bennah Hill – Kiln Down Tor – Bowden Farm – Three Holes – Rowdon Rock – Bridford – Pook’s Cottages – Rookery Brook Tor – Christow – Christow Church

Distance – 6.5 miles  Start time – Midday  Time taken – 3hrs 30mins  Highest Point – Kiln Down Tor 270 metres

Weather – Lots of sunshine, cold in the shade