05/12/20 - The Tors at Belstone

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

Onwards we go.  Forever South, forever West.