Topsy's Dartmoor Rambles

[Topsy]

That view of the prison brings back memories! Lovely shots again, as usual.

Are you back at 100% now, or still recuperating?

Thanks Kerry, yes I am 100% over whatever it was that ailed me I now just need to get back to full fitness. Doing such short walks for 4 weeks with light kit and very little in between has taken it's toll on my strength and overall fitness. I'll get there though.

 

[Topsy]

Week 39.

This week I decided to go up Bellever Tor since it's been a while. I took my Fujifilm X-T2s since the weather was pretty dull and damp with rain threatened, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.





There were a few families on the Tor so I went around the back for a different view (without children).





The view from the South side of Bellever towards Dunnabridge with Laughter Tor on the left.



On the way back I noticed the 2 bridges in Postbridge had no-one on them (all up Bellever Tor).



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Topsy]

Week 40.

I was hoping for good weather this week as there was no firing on Willsworthy Ranges so I wanted to take my Bronica SQ-B out for a film shoot up Tavy Cleave, however, the weather didn't cooperate so o I packed my weather resistant Fujifilm GFX 50S and went anyway, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

First sight of Tavy Cleave in the low cloud and rain.



Ger Tor in the same.



A shot of the River Tavy through a break in the weather.



Finally the weather cleared on the way back so I got a shot of Tavy Cleave in nice light.



Nat Tor Farm on the way back in the afternoon sun.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Jannyfox]

Dartmoor weather - don't you just love it? I had very much the same weather, and some very similar looking images, of the same locations in August. Except the farm as I came in from Willsworthy. It was glorious on Thursday...............

 

[Topsy]

As a bit of an afternote, I finally had to retire my old Scarpa Rangers after this walk. They have started to let in water so I had cold damp feet while out this week. Fortunately I managed to find another pair of the same model.



I must say though I can't complain I have had them almost 4 years, they have done 183 Dartmoor Photowalks in that time covering 969.74 miles (I track my walks with a GPS and keep a Photowalk Journal). I think all the scrambling in the rocks has caused the rubbe seal to separate and that is where the water is getting in.



Here's hoping the new ones give as good service in the next 4 years.

 

[Nod]

About the same mileage I got out of the old Shovel's rear Metzler!!!

 

[Topsy]

About the same mileage I got out of the old Shovel's rear Metzler!!!

But not over 4 years?

 

[Nod]

One warm summer! The owner did most of the damage - he rode it far harder than I did.

 

[Jannyfox]

They look very like the Scarpas I had. Most comfortable pair of boots I've ever worn but sadly not really 'man' enough for the combination of Dartmoor and my feet. Mine always crack across the toe crease. I replaced them with a pair of Meindls which are a bit sturdier though not quite as comfortable because of that. I have to wear liner socks to stop them rubbing but it works. The Scarpas seem a bit light now so I'm still on Meindls. I have no idea how many miles my boots generally do, just that they spend a lot of them very wet.

 

[Topsy]

Week 41.

This week the weather was forecast for thundery showers pretty much all week but there was a short gap on Monday of about 3-4 hours so at the last minute I decided to get out in that gap for my Photowalk up to Black Tor Falls which is quite close by for me, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

The weather looked a bit grim over Sheeps Tor.



Black Tor, a different angle on the Logan Stone.



Black Tor Falls.



The view down the River Meavy.



The Falls again with the Blowing Houses in shot.



Black Tor Logan Stone.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 41.

This week the weather was forecast for thundery showers pretty much all week but there was a short gap on Monday of about 3-4 hours so at the last minute I decided to get out in that gap for my Photowalk up to Black Tor Falls which is quite close by for me, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

The weather looked a bit grim over Sheeps Tor.

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Black Tor, a different angle on the Logan Stone.

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Black Tor Falls.

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The view down the River Meavy.

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The Falls again with the Blowing Houses in shot.

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Black Tor Logan Stone.

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That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

Lovely! I particularly like that first shot of Black Tor Falls (the third shot in your post)

 

[Topsy]

Lovely! I particularly like that first shot of Black Tor Falls (the third shot in your post)

Thamks Kerry that one is a fave of my wife too.

 

[Topsy]

Week 42.

This week was another dull, damp and grey day with low cloud in and out, I decided to go out to Ditsworthy Warren House and the Drizzlecombe since it's been a while and it is relatively sheltered. I went out via Eastern Tor and back via Gutter Tor, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

As I set off Sheeps Tor was capped with low cloud.



From the edge of Eastern Tor I could see Drizzlecombe.



Drizzlecombe Menhir, the tallest on Dartmoor.



Ditsworthy Warren House.



Gutter Tor summit looking towards Sheeps Tor.



Ponies on Gutter Tor.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[John 2]

An enjoyable docuseries of a place that I will now never go to.

 

[Topsy]

An enjoyable docuseries of a place that I will now never go to.

Thanks John.

 

[Topsy]

Week 43.

This week in changing weather I decided to take my Bronica SQ-B loaded with Kodak Portra 160 up to Shelstone Tor to shoot up the West Okement Valley, I also took my Fujifilm X-T2 to document the walk, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Shelstone Tor from Prewley Moor, as I said changing weather.



Once over Shelstone Tor on the side of the West Okement Valley I set up the Bronica complete with rain shield.



I made 2 compositions whilethere from slightly different positons.





As I made my way back to the car the weather started to brighten up.






That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Topsy]

Week 44.

This week was another Bronica outing although the weather wasn't the best but at least it didn't rain. Of course I forgot about Half Term so was once again struggling to find shots without people. I went to Rippon Tor and Hound Tor to try to get some shots of Haytor Rocks, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

There is a great view of Saddle Tor & Haytor Rocks from the Car Park at Hemsworthy Gate.


I thought the top of Rippon Tor with a glimpse of Haytor Rocks might work.



The Shot (which doesn't work as a square).



From the South slopes of Hound Tor there is a good view of Haytor Rocks but it needed better light than was available.



The clouds were dramatic though.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[skullfunkerry]

Nice! I really like that Hound of the Baskervilles shot

 

[Topsy]

Nice! I really like that Hound of the Baskervilles shot

Thanks Kerry.

 

[Topsy]

Week 45.

This week I had intended to go out to Higher and Lower White Tors via Wistman's Wood with my Bronica SQ-B, however, as I got to Wistman's Wood it was obvious that I would be wasting my time as the cloud and mist were very low so I decided to make a hasty plan B and go over to Heckwood Tor to try to get some shots of Vixen Tor. I did take the Bronica but never took it out of the bag. I also had my Leica M9s along to document the walk(s), as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.



Wistman's Wood hardly visible in the low cloud/mist.



The cottage beside the Public Footpath.



Vixen Tor.



The Lone Tree on Heckwood Tor



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Jannyfox]

The mist wasn't that thick - at least you could see where you were going............
I'm going down there tomorrow to hopefully get the images I didn't take/took but they were rubbish 3 weeks ago when the forecast was sunny spells all day. Got there - no hint of a sunny spell. Check weather. Sunny spells by midday - not ideal but I'll take it. Sun very suddenly popped out of the murk late afternoon when I was slogging up a long hill through above head high bracken following a 'path' made by the one and only sheep that'd been through before me and I couldn't see a thing. Nice light when I finally broke out on the top though...........
Sometimes I question why I like Dartmoor

 

[skullfunkerry]

Nice shots again Paul. I spent quite a bit of time in and around Wistman’s Wood when I was a kid

I really like the shot of the cross and the arrow in your blog, too.

 

[Topsy]

Nice shots again Paul. I spent quite a bit of time in and around Wistman’s Wood when I was a kid

I really like the shot of the cross and the arrow in your blog, too.

Thanks Kerry.

 

[Topsy]

The mist wasn't that thick - at least you could see where you were going............
I'm going down there tomorrow to hopefully get the images I didn't take/took but they were rubbish 3 weeks ago when the forecast was sunny spells all day. Got there - no hint of a sunny spell. Check weather. Sunny spells by midday - not ideal but I'll take it. Sun very suddenly popped out of the murk late afternoon when I was slogging up a long hill through above head high bracken following a 'path' made by the one and only sheep that'd been through before me and I couldn't see a thing. Nice light when I finally broke out on the top though...........
Sometimes I question why I like Dartmoor

Good luck tomorrow Jan, I'm off to Teignhead Farm on Tuesday with the Bronica, hopefully I will be able to use it this time.

 

[Jammy Dodger]

I'm not sure under which stone I've been hibernating but what an amazing thread with great photography! Really, really well done Paul! You need to write a photo guide book

 

[Topsy]

I'm not sure under which stone I've been hibernating but what an amazing thread with great photography! Really, really well done Paul! You need to write a photo guide book

Thanks Fraser, there's more detail on all the walks in my Blog link in my sig. Dunno about a guide book though there's loads of them out there already maybe not with as many photos though.

 

[Nod]

We were down on the edge of the Moor today - Sparkwell (Dartmoor Zoo). Not blazing sunshine but not misty! Too busy driving down and up the A38 to take any notice of the weather over the rest of the Moor.

 

[Jannyfox]

It looked a bit iffy when I arrived this morning and the cloud was still down on the tops but it had been fine on the drive down till I got to Exeter so I thought it would clear readily and it did. A bit later it was lovely. Good sunset too as it went orange and down into rising mist. I was just bimbling around Rippon Hay and Hound tor areas. Not an area I go to that much as when I stayed there it was my back yard and a bit tame but there's some interesting stuff there. Also nice in a way to see the sun set there and still be home at 1815. But I never found the 'recumbent cross' on Rippon Tor.........

 

[Topsy]

It looked a bit iffy when I arrived this morning and the cloud was still down on the tops but it had been fine on the drive down till I got to Exeter so I thought it would clear readily and it did. A bit later it was lovely. Good sunset too as it went orange and down into rising mist. I was just bimbling around Rippon Hay and Hound tor areas. Not an area I go to that much as when I stayed there it was my back yard and a bit tame but there's some interesting stuff there. Also nice in a way to see the sun set there and still be home at 1815. But I never found the 'recumbent cross' on Rippon Tor.........

When I looked out of the window this morning it was very foggy but it did clear by about 9 o'clock and stayed bright all day (hopefully it will be the same tomorrow). Shame you missed the Recumbent Cross Jan, once you know where it is you'll wonder how you missed it before. It is just to the left of the main track up from Hemsworthy Gate and just shy of the top SX74635 75592.

 

[Jannyfox]

When I looked out of the window this morning it was very foggy but it did clear by about 9 o'clock and stayed bright all day (hopefully it will be the same tomorrow). Shame you missed the Recumbent Cross Jan, once you know where it is you'll wonder how you missed it before. It is just to the left of the main track up from Hemsworthy Gate and just shy of the top SX74635 75592.

View attachment 438498

Ah, thank you. I walked up from Emsworthy Gate but I thought it was the other side of the top near the cairns, for some reason. So I walked straight past it because I thought it was somewhere else I'll be back that way sometime

 

[Topsy]

Ah, thank you. I walked up from Emsworthy Gate but I thought it was the other side of the top near the cairns, for some reason. So I walked straight past it because I thought it was somewhere else I'll be back that way sometime

There's always another day.

 

[Topsy]

Week 46.

Another Bronica outing this week (plus Fujifilm X-T2), this time over to Teignhead Farm taking in Kestor Rock on the way back, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

I went out from Batworthy Corner via the Stone Row.



I then headed over towards Fernworthy Forest vie the Stonetor Hill Newtake gate.



I then followed the line of the Forest to the opposite Newtake Wall Stile which overlooks Teignhead Farm.



I went down and set up the Bronica for a couple of shota of the Clapper Bridge.





From here Iit was back the way I had come but on to Kestor Rock.



I wanted to see the Rock Basin on top of the Tor.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Topsy]

Week 47.

First snow of the year so I took the Bronica up to Cox, Roos & The Staples, unfortunately my film scans are not back yet but I did duplicate each shot with either my Fujifilm X-T2 or my Leica D-Lux Typ109, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

As I arrived at Pork Hill Car Park a big front of snow and hail blew through, I waited it out then set off up Cox Tor. Looking back the Car Park and Pew Tor were showered with God Beams.



Kings Tor shot on the way up Cox Tor.



I set the Bronica up for a shot of the Trig Point on Cox Tor.



This was the composition (Fuji duplicate).



Another Bronica (Fuji Dupe) from Cox Tor.



The Watering Hole was almost frozen over.



On the way home I shot the Prison in Princetown with the last frames on the Bronica (Leica D-Lux Dupe).



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Topsy]

Week 48.

Well the snow went as quickly as it came, Tuesday was a dry and bright (morning at least) day so I decided to go out to Kings Tor, Foggintor and Swelltor Quarries with my Leica M9s and 3 lenses, 21mm - 35mm - 75mm. As usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Kings Tor




The Lone Tree on Kings Tor.



Ruins at Foggintor.





Ruins at Swelltor.





That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Topsy]

Week 48 cont'

I also popped over to Little Kings Tor while I was in the area.



I got a nice panorama on the way down (Vixen, Feather and Pew Tors).

 

[Topsy]

Week 49.

This week with a dry bright start to Tuesday I decided to go out to Down Tor Stone Row via Middleworth and Snappers Tor then over to Combshead Tor and Cuckoo Rock before dropping down to the Bridleway through Deancombe and Middleworth Plantation back to the car. As usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Middleworth Tor.



Snappers Tor.



Down Tor.





Down Tor Stone Row.



Cuckoo Rock.



Combshead (aka Deancombe) Farm ruins.



Middleworth Farm ruins.



Tree on Middleworth Farm boundary wall.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 49.

This week with a dry bright start to Tuesday I decided to go out to Down Tor Stone Row via Middleworth and Snappers Tor then over to Combshead Tor and Cuckoo Rock before dropping down to the Bridleway through Deancombe and Middleworth Plantation back to the car. As usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Middleworth Tor.

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Snappers Tor.

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Down Tor.

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Down Tor Stone Row.

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Cuckoo Rock.

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Combshead (aka Deancombe) Farm ruins.

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Middleworth Farm ruins.

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Tree on Middleworth Farm boundary wall.

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That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

Lovely shots, Paul. I really liked the ones on the blog of the little alcove with the flowers. I had a look at Google maps to see where Down Tor Stone Row is, and it's not far from Princetown... that took me into a rabbit hole of old photos, and I found a really old shot of the house where I lived (it's gone now, they knocked it down to build the Duchy Square complex).

 

[Topsy]

Lovely shots, Paul. I really liked the ones on the blog of the little alcove with the flowers. I had a look at Google maps to see where Down Tor Stone Row is, and it's not far from Princetown... that took me into a rabbit hole of old photos, and I found a really old shot of the house where I lived (it's gone now, they knocked it down to build the Duchy Square complex).

Thanks Kerry, glad you liked the shots.

 

[Topsy]

Week 50.

This week I had a plan that was scuppered on the morning by a road closure so I decided to head over to Bench Tor instead as by the time I had realised the road closure I was short on time. The Bench Tor walk is only 2 miles so with limited daylight it was ideal. I had half a roll of Kodak Portra in my Bronica that I wanted to finish and as is always the case setting up compositions with tripod etc makes for slow progress, I also took along my Fujifilm X-T2. Combestone Tor is on the way home so I stopped off there to grab a couple of digital shots, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

The Lone Tree on Bench Tor.



Bench Tor setup.



The shot.



Combestone Tor.



That’s all for this week folks, thanks for looking in and as always, comments welcome.

 

[Nod]

Pretty sure that the the gap between the long slab at bottom left and the slab just above it in the last shot is where Mum and Dad are.

Hoping for a decent morning sometime this next week or 2 so I can get up there on the bike to "say hello"!