We drove first to the tiny hamlet of Cherlton Bishop. A recommended detour took us to Fingle Bridge, where an Inn stands right beside the babbling waters. The tables on the patio would be much sought after on lazy, hot summer's weekends.
The water was so clear that the stony creek bed could be clearly seen.
It seems a popular starting point for walkers. One couple were just setting out and explained the gate to reach the track by the water was a "kissing gate". The man does not allow the woman to pass through BEFORE extracting a kiss.
We again witnessed some stunning countryside. At one stage, we were following a hay laden trailer pulled by a tractor along lanes and through a village.
The Devon countryside, after this wet summer, is so lush and green.
Chagford was our next stop. Our route today was written out by Frog Mill owner, Ken, who supplied a copy of a local ordinance map too. His instructions suggested we explore the two little hardware shops, located next door to each other, on one edge of the town square. These small shops were crammed with an organised jumble of all manner of goods. Think outdoor boots and clothing, tools, crockery, stationery, toys, camping gear, walking sticks, pet food and much more. As Ken observed, "You'll find something you never knew you wanted." Lunch was across the square at a cafe named the Birdcage.
We drove through many villages and hamlets today. We have seen so many buildings with a thatched roof it does not even raise a comment now.
Widecombe in the Moor was our next destination. Our approach driving across the moor revealed the township nestled into the hills below us.
This is said to be a typical Dartmoor village. It is built around a green, with the large stone church on one side. A sign in the covered entry leading to the old wooden doors warns of welcome intruders above.
St Pancras was open to visitors and is a real village church. Tomb stones are set in the lawn around the church, which overlooks the surrounding farmlands. Only a few stained glass widows, an ancient baptismal font, no abundance of fancy carvings - there was a quiet and solemn beauty to it.
We next stopped briefly at Dartmeet, where the East Dart River meets up with the West Dart River. Another quaint stone bridge over the water and down below, many of the walkers were sitting on rocks, cooling their feet in the clear running water.
Some were just content to clamour across rocks.
Driving on across the moor, we headed to Tavistock, an old market town. The moor was a delight, a large gently undulating wilderness, much favoured by walkers. Quite often, a small gravel car park had been carved out beside the narrow road. Vehicles were parked as the owners were tramping across the moor. We also saw several couples, sitting out on a high position on their fold-up chairs, picnic between them, just relaxing as they gazed down at the countryside below.
But of more interest to us was the livestock we saw, grazing freely. We saw sheep, many with long, fat tails.
We saw cattle, including these horned, shaggy creatures. You can tell by the edge of the car in the right of the photo how close to the edge of the road they were.
And most delightful was the sighting of the Dartmoor ponies, dozens of them, some with foal, grazing right along the roadside. Approaching cars or people on foot were ignored for the pleasure of munching grass.
On our journey home, we passed close by Princetown, where H.M. Prison is located. We drove home via Moretonhampstead along the B3212, onto the A382 to Whiddon Down, then took the A30 toward Exeter, turning off to Tedburn Saint Mary.
And finally, below is the narrow stone bridge we had to drive across at one point today. It was a case of "Breathe in!"
Sounds like a lovely day was had.
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