Distance - 3.5 Miles
Geocaches - 3
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, August 2001, Walk 2
Meet the new lockdown, the same as the old lockdown. With one week's annual leave remaining, we head to the South West in search of Cornish Hospitality.
But noone attempts a 246 mile journey in one go. Fortunately, Dartmoor falls nicely between Worcestershire and the "End of the World".
Belstone is a tiny hamlet on the edge of Dartmoor and just off the A30. There's a couple of Tors to aim at - a brooding one in the mist, Belstone Tor - or a nice one that has a phone number displayed outside for required bookings. Its the latter that we take advantage off, with our phone call met with the information that a table is available but the menu "is limited".
The walk was meant to be a 6 miler but the sleety conditions deteriorated enough that we abandoned it at the midpoint. Still, a three mile walk along the River Taw offered a better alternative than Exeter Services.
The High Ground over the River Taw |
Guide Dog in Training, Abi, showing the way across the River Taw |
Three Geocaches and we are ready for refreshment before continuing the journey to the promised land where beer can be served inside, including those with 5 friends.
A foyer in the Tors allows us to remove wet boots and don face masks and we are shown to the back room, but not before I take a glance at whats on at the bar. It's been a month and maybe I am out of practice, but I don't see any taps.
We are presented with two menus - a double page fold out that is just the drinks and a single page food menu, containing just two choices. A vegan friendly meal instantly dismissed or beef bourguignon.
It was superb. Dauphinoise potatoes, the new chips.
And the lack of taps? The beer is from a choice of three gravity fed barrels held over the bar. The first sip of a lifeless Black Tor Brewery Pride of Dartmoor was all that was required to know the serving style. A shame, as it was a fine tasting bitter.
Potential Punters, wondering if they are allowed in. |
Been a while since I've had the "Pint, Mrs M on the Phone" Blog Photo |
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