Since getting back from Italy we’d struggled to get out for a decent walk, a few loops around the houses at home aside, we hadn’t been anywhere. The heat wasn’t helping and by mid July I’d changed tack and looked at evening walks and a potential sunset. To be honest I could have picked any day, as the sunsets were superb, every night. I normally head to Cox Tor/Pew Tor area for most of my sunset walks, but for this one I figured we could go a little further, and allow Linda to pick off a few tors she hasn’t been to. We set out and started sweating immediately, the river levels of the Lyd were predictably very low, and the normal swim spot at Black Rock was very small, and only one family were there for an evening swim. Before long we were reaching Doe Tor and the biting insects were out. I’d decided to wear shorts, as had Linda, and we became the main feast for any insect near us. The views were superb from Doe Tor, but Sharp Tor above is even better so we made our way there for a stop off and drink whilst enjoying the views to Cornwall to the west. The sun lowered and we decided to head down, back the way we came, around Doe Tor and across to the stepping stones and bridge on High Down. As we rounded the lower slopes of Brat Tor we caught the sun just as it neared the horizon. Thinking we’d missed the main sunset we crossed the stepping stones, I decided to look over the high grass bank to see if the sky had gone red, only to see that the sun was just starting to set finally. Out came the camera and lots of photos were taken. All that was left was the short walk to the car and the drive home, a fine way to end the walk in a brilliant area.
Starting out from the car park behind the Dartmoor Inn pub on the edge of Lydford, we soon get views to Great Nodden and Arms Tor (up to the right). All green here thanks to the bracken, the paths are dry and hard and despite it getting to 7pm its still in the high 20s CelsiusTargets for today in the distance include Sharp Tor back left and Doe Tor, infront and between Sharp Tor and Hare Tor which is back right, Hare Tor is not on today’s list. The dip infront of us hides the River Lyd and Black RockHeading down to Black Rock with Brat Tor above and Arms Tor back leftThe memorial at Black RockBlack Rock on the left, River Lyd below. You can cross the river here across some large boulders, there is also a swimming spot here, but with the lack of rain it was small and more of a plunge pool (cold tub if you fancy that!)Stunning views across west Devon and on to Cornwall as we climb up to Doe Tor
We are on the edge of the Willsworthy Firing Range here and regularly see ordnance in these parts
Doe Tor, the flag pole denotes the firing range boundary and gives warnings to walkers if the flag is flying. Stunning views to Cornwall and the north coast from hereDoe Tor looking up to Hare Tor, you can also see Ger Tor just peeking up at the backNow on Sharp Tor, the stack infront of me always looks brilliant from this side, Brat Tor over on the right and more of those views west in CornwallLooking down to White Hill and the firing range areaLeaving Sharp Tor and looking across to Great Links Tor with Arms Tor lower down to the leftGolden light on Hare TorThe sky starts to change to sunset and the orange glow hits Sharp Tor, Hare Tor and Ger Tor (left to right)Back at Doe Tor and the silhouettes looking to Brat TorSunset as we round the lower slopes of Brat TorDown at High Ford (lyd stepping stones)I happened to look over the high bank at the side of the path to see the sunset setting, I’d assumed we were too late to see it so it was a lovely surpriseRaging ball of fireAs it finally sinks beyond the cows. 5 minutes later we were in the car and windows open trying to get some breeze. A hot walk even in the evening. As it was we rarely walked in the day in July due to the temperatures, but this was a great walk and just about managable
