Written by Deborah
This year, 19 of us, including some new members , went on the Single Boots May Bank Holiday weekend, staying in a converted barn lodge in Dartmeet, Devon. After a few travel glitches (traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, returning home for forgotten boots!) most of us arrived in time for the potluck soup, bread and cheese supper and a convivial drink, before retiring to sleep ready for the 11 mile walk on Saturday, led by Jackie and Val.
We went past several Dartmoor tors, passing an ancient coffin stone and returning along the Dart River, climbing up to Bench Tor and Venford reservoir. The weather was reasonable and the views were fabulous! Veronica who is currently unable to walk but joined us to enjoy a friendly weekend away, took herself off to a National Trust property nearby.
We returned to the lodge to share more delicious home made food wonderfully coordinated by Helen, and including some interesting digestifs provided by Colin.
Unfortunately, Diana had developed an injury and she, Veronica and I did not join the Sunday walk to Longford Tor. We went to Cotehele where we spent a lovely (but drenching wet) time wandering around the house, gardens, grounds and mill, managing to enjoy a picnic lunch when the sun did finally come out.
The rest of the group did a challenging 8 mile walk up to the Tor, led by Jackie, Val and Norman, passing cairns, hut circles and the site of a gunpowder factory, also getting soaked in the process but never daunted by the weather!
That evening we all went to a local pub where we enjoyed some drinks and a meal.
On Monday, a lot of people returned home but nine of us did a 5.5 mile walk led by Norman and Dave, taking in Cordon and Yar Tors, passing some large Bronze Age burial cairns and looking down on the lodge we had stayed in.
All in all, despite the traffic, injuries and inclement weather, we had a great weekend, all thanks to the organisers and leaders and of course the friendly members who participated.
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