About three weeks ago I fell off a ladder and injured my back so I have been unable to get out walking since. However, yesterday it was feeling a little better so I decided to go for a short 4.5 mile walk together with my wife in order to start building up my fitness level again.
We started from Burrator Reservoir.
We took the path down below the dam through the trees.
Coming out of the trees we crossed a field full of ewes with their lambs.
Leaving the field we entered the village of Meavy with its ancient oak tree, said to be over 900 years old.
After passing through the village we turned left onto a footpath, heading in the direction of the small hamlet of Lovaton.
Beside the path we came across this lovely patch of Turkey Tail fungus growing on a log.
After passing through Lovaton we headed up the lane, whose hedges were awash with Pink Purslane.
At the top of the hill we turned left onto another footpath, again full of wild flowers.
Our route then took us to Marchant's Cross, probably erected in the 13th century. Shame about the power lines and pole.
We then followed the two sheep along the lane, eventually arriving at the lovely old Yeo Farm. The date above the door reads 1610.
From there we took a footpath leading into Burrator Wood, always full of bluebells at this time of year.
Leaving the wood we crossed a field with cows and their calves. Fortunately their mothers were quite docile and took no notice of us.
Coming out of the fiels we had a good view of Sheepstor village with its namesake tor in the background.
We then followed the lane through the village, passing the church with its old cross.
From there it was a short walk along the road back to Burrator Reservoir.
Although this was only a short walk thre were plenty of quite high stiles and by the time we got back to the car my back was killing me, so I think it's going to be quite a while before I will be able to get back to more strenuous longer Dartmoor walks.