Parking at the Fox and Hounds in preference to High Down with its famous Cresta Run access track we headed up to Nodden Gate and splashed through the Lyd.
With a stiff easterly in our faces I reluctantly broke out the windproof and Ron Hill hat/glove combo and we set off up the track between Arms and Brat Tors.
Even though the snow had been here a good four days there was only one set of bootprints I could see. The lack of intrepid walkers has pros and cons. A pro being you're pretty much guaranteed to have Dartmoor to yourself after a sprinkling, off the beaten track (or on it, sometimes) but a con is that it can be hard work whacking through knee-deep trackless snow. Never mind - all good training.
We turned for Great Links into the gathering clag and then half ran, half surfed down to Arm Tor, across to Brat Tor and then into my favourite descent towards the Lyd which was superb.
Luckily Spook didn't pick up a collection of snowballs in his undercarriage like he did last time.
After another cooling splash through the Lyd it was back to the car and back in time for tea and cakes. Huzzah!
tea and cake at the fox and hounds..very withnail-esque!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to do a piece on Dartmoor place names in my next West Devon Diary article -I'll give you a credit!
ReplyDeleteHalf decent snowfall by southern standards???!!! Sounds amazing to me, we're in the alps and we've only got 10 cm. Enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteIt has its moments. Turning to slush at the moment but promising lower temps at the weekend and the prospect of more snow. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are hardcore! How lovely to have your dog for company. I miss the countryside - running in a London Park isn't quite the same!
ReplyDeleteStill haven't run bf in the snow yet, but you've inspired me to give it a go!
ReplyDeletePaul