Topsy's Dartmoor Rambles

[Jannyfox]

The word 'tor' apparently comes from the Celtic 'twr', meaning 'tower'. There are lots of similar examples eg 'menhir' - long man ie standing stone. The river name 'Avon' (of which there are several) derives from 'afon', meaning river. In NW Scotland you find the Gallic (just another Celtic language) equivalent 'abhainn' pronounced 'avin' or 'awin'. A lot of Dartmoor names have been corrupted from the original. Places like Beardown, Burrator are thought to have derived from 'beara' meaning wooded (I think - I'm not an expert)
The ponies are very uncooperative but after all they spend the vast majority of the year out there on very poor grazing, so the default is head down. Except when there's a stallion around when it pays to keep a tor between you and them....... That pair look to have a bit of Shetland in there

 

[Topsy]

The word 'tor' apparently comes from the Celtic 'twr', meaning 'tower'. There are lots of similar examples eg 'menhir' - long man ie standing stone. The river name 'Avon' (of which there are several) derives from 'afon', meaning river. In NW Scotland you find the Gallic (just another Celtic language) equivalent 'abhainn' pronounced 'avin' or 'awin'. A lot of Dartmoor names have been corrupted from the original. Places like Beardown, Burrator are thought to have derived from 'beara' meaning wooded (I think - I'm not an expert)
The ponies are very uncooperative but after all they spend the vast majority of the year out there on very poor grazing, so the default is head down. Except when there's a stallion around when it pays to keep a tor between you and them....... That pair look to have a bit of Shetland in there

Thanks Jan, I half thought to tag you when I awswered Wayne @Barney cos I know you've more knowledge about the Moor than me.

 

[Nod]

lived in the south for most of my adult life which has probably softened me to the proper cold.

Turned you nesh!!!

 

[Nod]

Looking forward to some snowy scenes soon, Paul! Hope it's not too inconvenient for you up there.

 

[Topsy]

Turned you nesh!!!

Indeed it has mate.

Looking forward to some snowy scenes soon, Paul! Hope it's not too inconvenient for you up there.

I live in a village beside a river so we're a bit snowed/iced in at the minute although the roads are driveable and once out of the village they're just wet. I can see Peek Hill and Sharpitor from my house and the snow is already melting although there may be some on the north facing slopes left. I'll be up there tomorrow checking.

 

[Nod]

We've still got a bit of visible snow here in Exeter - not much though!

Mrs Nod is from Sheffield (as was my Mum) but now feels the cold, despite a few years spent in Aberdeen in her past. Me, born and bred down here, just puts on more layers rather than moaning! (Oh, and maybe turns the heating on...)

 

[Topsy]

We've still got a bit of visible snow here in Exeter - not much though!

Mrs Nod is from Sheffield (as was my Mum) but now feels the cold, despite a few years spent in Aberdeen in her past. Me, born and bred down here, just puts on more layers rather than moaning! (Oh, and maybe turns the heating on...)

My hometown was Hoyland nr Barnsley, I used to work in Sheffield as a Toolmaker back in the 70s just before the bottom fell out of British Engineering. I left when I was 29 so maybe I no longer have the cold proof gene.

 

[Topsy]

Just had a quick look up the hill before it gets too dark to see, Peek Hill & Sharpitor have still got snow on them so as it is going to be below zero all night I expect it will still be there for me tomorrow.

 

[Barney]

My hometown was Hoyland nr Barnsley, I used to work in Sheffield as a Toolmaker back in the 70s just before the bottom fell out of British Engineering. I left when I was 29 so maybe I no longer have the cold proof gene.

Toolmakers were always soft and spoiled.

 

[Topsy]

Week 2.

Having had freezing temperatures and some snow I decided to take my Fujifilm X-T2 kit up to Sharpitor & Leather Tor to see how much was there, spoiler alert not much, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Sharpitor & Leather Tor from the B3212 out of Princetown.



"Litle Sharpitor" overlooking Princetown.



Leather Tor with Down Tor in the distance.



A shot from Lowery Tor towards Leather Tor



Panorama from the Car Park under Leeden Tor.



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

 

[Topsy]

Week 3.

I suppose after that snow and clear skies from last week, rain, mist & fog were inevitable but I went out anyway up to Sourton Tors with my Fujifilm X-T2s, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.



It was foggy from the start.



I went up past the old Ice Factory Terraces.



The top of the Tors were in low cloud when I got there.



There were some brief clearer spells.



On the way back down it cleared a bit and I could see Meldon Reservoir from the Ice Factory.



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

 

[Jannyfox]

At least the ice works pits were showing well. That place fascinates me. The last time I went up to Branscombe's Loaf I did a detour round a herd of cows and found a flock of golden plover. Win win

 

[Topsy]

Week 4.

This week the weather forecast caught me out a bit, I was expecting reasonable weather on Tuesday but when I got up on Monday the forecast had changed to heavy rain all Tuesday but Monday was sort of OK so I grabbed my Fujifilm X-T2 kit and went over to Snappers Tor and the Down Tor Stone Row, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Down Tor Stone Row.



Snappers Tor.



Hingston Hill Tor.



Snappers Tor with Burrator Reservoir behind.



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

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 3.

This week the weather forecast caught me out a bit, I was expecting reasonable weather on Tuesday but when I got up on Monday the forecast had changed to heavy rain all Tuesday but Monday was sort of OK so I grabbed my Fujifilm X-T2 kit and went over to Snappers Tor and the Down Tor Stone Row, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Down Tor Stone Row.

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Snappers Tor.

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Hingston Hill Tor.

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Snappers Tor with Burrator Reservoir behind.

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

Fab as ever Paul! There are some great shots in the full story, too

 

[Topsy]

Fab as ever Paul! There are some great shots in the full story, too

Thanks Kerry.

 

[Topsy]

Week 5.

A very wet and windy walk this week during the tail end of Storm Chandra, I decided to risk a short drive and walk around Hollow Tor & Rundlestone Tor, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Hollow Tor.



I sheltered in a small disused quarry on the way up to Hollow Tor.





Great Mis Tor had some heavy cloud.



Rundlestone Tor.



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

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 4.

A very wet and windy walk this week during the tail end of Storm Chandra, I decided to risk a short drive and walk around Hollow Tor & Rundlestone Tor, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Hollow Tor.

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I sheltered in a small disused quarry on the way up to Hollow Tor.

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Great Mis Tor had some heavy cloud.

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Rundlestone Tor.

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

There's that particular Dartmoor grass shade of green again! Lovely set of shots, Paul

 

[Topsy]

Week 6.

This week was yet again wet and miserable but on Tuesday there was a chance of some clear spells in the afternoon so I decided to take my Fujifilm GFX 50S kit and head out through Middleworth Plantation (Burrator Reservoir) with panoramas in mind, then in the afternoon go up to Sheeps Tor hoping for clearer weather, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

The Bridleway through the Plantation was very wet.



Middleworth Farm Ruins.



Narrator Brook.





Out of the PLantation the weather did clear a little.



Narrow Tor (a small outcrop on the north side of Sheeps Tor.



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

 

[Topsy]

Week 7.

Well, another wet week another challenge to find a rain friendly walk, this time I chose the old Gunpowder Factory known as Powder Mills Ruins between Two Bridges and Postbridge. I took my Fujifilm GFX 50S kit thinking I might get some panoramas, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.











Some panoramas.







The very prominent Cafe sign on the road entrance.



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

 

[Boots]

A great set, especially considering the weather. Love the panos, especially the first.

 

[Topsy]

A great set, especially considering the weather. Love the panos, especially the first.

Thanks Paul, that first pano is my fave too.

 

[Topsy]

Week 8.

Another rain soakd week last week with the exception of Tuesday which happens to be my usual walk day so I decided to risk my Leica M9s and went ouver Ringmoor to Legis and Gutter Tors, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Gutter Tor.



Legis Tor.



Brisworthy Stone Circle is on the way to Legis Tor.



There is still a lot of water around.



Ringmoor Copse is quite bare still.



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

 

[Topsy]

Week 9.

This week I was once again lucky with the weather on Tuesday and managed to get my Leica M9s out again. This time I went from Bennett's Cross over Birch Tor and the Two Moors Way to Grimspound then Hameldown & Hookney Tors, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Birch Tor.



Grimspound (Hookney Tor in the distance).



The Trig Point on Hameldown Tor.



Hookney Tor.



Afternoon half moon over Birch Tor.



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

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 9.

This week I was once again lucky with the weather on Tuesday and managed to get my Leica M9s out again. This time I went from Bennett's Cross over Birch Tor and the Two Moors Way to Grimspound then Hameldown & Hookney Tors, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Birch Tor.

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Grimspound (Hookney Tor in the distance).

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The Trig Point on Hameldown Tor.

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Hookney Tor.

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Afternoon half moon over Birch Tor.

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

Lovely set of shots Paul, and I really like the b&w ones that you’ve posted in the other thread, too.

Reading the blog post it felt like this was a longer walk than usual? I’ve often wondered how far you walk, actually

 

[Topsy]

Lovely set of shots Paul, and I really like the b&w ones that you’ve posted in the other thread, too.

Reading the blog post it felt like this was a longer walk than usual? I’ve often wondered how far you walk, actually

Ah, this one due to my meanderings was 6.32 miles Kerry, not my longest by far but I am usually around the 4 mile mark. The trouble is, particularly when I take the big kits out and need to set up the tripod it takes longer to cover the same distances.

 

[skullfunkerry]

Ah, this one due to my meanderings was 6.32 miles Kerry, not my longest by far but I am usually around the 4 mile mark. The trouble is, particularly when I take the big kits out and need to set up the tripod it takes longer to cover the same distances.

That's a lot less than I thought tbh Paul. I kind of assumed that they were 10 or more miles, for some reason.

 

[Topsy]

Week 10.

Another dry forecast so once again I took my Leica M9s out, this time around the South Hessary, Cramber & Hart Tors loop, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.



It turned out that the "Dry & Bright" forecast was at best intermittent.





The ground up there is very wet.



A hazy finish to the day looking out from the top of Hart Tor over Black Tor with (L to R) Leather Tor, Sharpitor and Leeden Tor in the distance.



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

 

[Barney]

Lovely photo's as usual Paul, i find the last one the star of the batch, that lovely sky appears as if its a reflection of the rocks, fantastic.

 

[Topsy]

Lovely photo's as usual Paul, i find the last one the star of the batch, that lovely sky appears as if its a reflection of the rocks, fantastic.

Thanks Wayne.

 

[Topsy]

Week 11.

This week I decided to finally finish off a film (Kodak Portra 160) that has been sitting in the back of my Bronica SQ-B since December last year so I went up to the White Tor area to try to find a composition or two I also took my Fujifilm X-T2 kit to document the walk, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

2 from the Bronica, Smeardon Down Tors and Boulters Tor.





X-T2 shots, one from the other direction of Boulters Tor.



One of some of the rock formations on top of White Tor.



The view from Set Tor back over Boulters Tor with Brent Tor in the distance.



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

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 11.

This week I decided to finally finish off a film (Kodak Portra 160) that has been sitting in the back of my Bronica SQ-B since December last year so I went up to the White Tor area to try to find a composition or two I also took my Fujifilm X-T2 kit to document the walk, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

2 from the Bronica, Smeardon Down Tors and Boulters Tor.

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X-T2 shots, one from the other direction of Boulters Tor.

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One of some of the rock formations on top of White Tor.

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The view from Set Tor back over Boulters Tor with Brent Tor in the distance.

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

Your photos and blog posts are always very evocative Paul. I could almost feel the wind while I was reading this week's!

 

[Topsy]

Your photos and blog posts are always very evocative Paul. I could almost feel the wind while I was reading this week's!

Thanks Kerry.

 

[Topsy]

Week 12.

This week I went up around Gt Links & Arms Tors with my Leica M9s and had some clear blue skies to deal with so there are some B&W conversions, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Gt Links Tor.







Arms Tor, occasionally some clouds gave enough interest for colour shots.



Lydford High Down Ford.



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

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 12.

This week I went up around Gt Links & Arms Tors with my Leica M9s and had some clear blue skies to deal with so there are some B&W conversions, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Gt Links Tor.

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Arms Tor, occasionally some clouds gave enough interest for colour shots.

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Lydford High Down Ford.

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

Lovely shots (as always), Paul. That first B&W shot in your blog post is a stunner

 

[Topsy]

Lovely shots (as always), Paul. That first B&W shot in your blog post is a stunner

Thanks Kerry, it is Mrs T's fave as well (that's why I used it as the opener).

 

[Jannyfox]

I still see Great Links as a crouching lion
On Tuesday I was almost last seen inbound to Cardiff at 1000 ft ie being blown off the end of the Quantocks. Trying to take photos was a good game

 

[nog]

Lovely set, didn't realise there were trig points on the tors

 

[Topsy]

Lovely set, didn't realise there were trig points on the tors

Thanks Keith, yes there are loads.

 

[Topsy]

Week 13.

This week's photowalk was the culmination of 5 straight years of my weekly Dartmoor Photowalk, once a week every week for 5 years, the weather though was hardly celebratory with wind, mizzle and fog to cope with. I took an easy walk around to Foggintor & Swelltor Quarries with my Fujifilm X-T2 kit, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Foggintor Quarry.



The gate at Yellowmead Farm.



Foggintor Quarry Ruins.







Of course I never miss the opportunity to get a lone tree photo.



Swelltor Quarry Ruins.







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

 

[skullfunkerry]

Week 13.

This week's photowalk was the culmination of 5 straight years of my weekly Dartmoor Photowalk, once a week every week for 5 years, the weather though was hardly celebratory with wind, mizzle and fog to cope with. I took an easy walk around to Foggintor & Swelltor Quarries with my Fujifilm X-T2 kit, as usual you can see the full story and photos here https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Foggintor Quarry.

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The gate at Yellowmead Farm.

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Foggintor Quarry Ruins.

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Of course I never miss the opportunity to get a lone tree photo.

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Swelltor Quarry Ruins.

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

Lovely atmospheric set of shots Paul, really enjoyed these