04/08/18 - Mini 10 Tor Tour

Distance - 9.5 Miles
Geocaches - 16
Walk Inspiration - May 2018 Country Walking Magazine Walk 1

The real 10 tors challenge is a tough 35, 45 or 55 mile yomp over Dartmoor where once in every 5 years, youngsters need to be rescued by the armed forces due to inclement weather.

After 2018's relentless heatwave, I was rather delighted to attempt Country Walking Magazines more sedate option in these conditions.

Hay Tor in the Gloom

The walk has the same aim as the real 10 tors challenge but manages to string them together in a walk that is just over 9 miles. 

And the list visited?

Hay, Saddle, Rippon, Pil, Top, Bell, Clinkwell, Honeybag, Hound and Smallacombe Rocks.

Dartmoor at 8am on a Saturday morning in the fog is a barron place - there's wild ponies for company and during one extended search for a geocache, I fail to notice an elderly painter, who will probably run out of grey paint before his day is done.

Wild ponies of Dartmoor

The Geocaches are plentiful and occasionally confused with letterboxing - a very similar concept but much older in origin.  I even manage to find "Easy Squeezy" - a cache I failed on 8 years ago, which involves squeezing yourself into a gap in the rocks until just your feet are poking out.   I bottled it in 2010, half expecting to be stuck for eternity.  Today, I could actually see it, so felt brave enough to force myself in.

A Genuine Dartmoor Cache - Not a Letterbox

A view near Easy Squuezy Cache - Looking over Widecombe in the Moor

As the day progresses, the mist burns off and the people come out to play.  Hound Tor and Hay Tor are particular magnets for climbers - with Hay Tor apparently having iron rungs to help you up.  I really should read my guides before I complete the walk.

Hound Tor

Climbers looking for the rungs on Hay Tor

No pubs in the wilds of Dartmoor but with the temperature rising, a most welcome post walk refreshment utility was taken full advantage of.

Any chance of a London Pride Mate?