Sandwiching with a view

Dartmoor

A stileish weekend
A stileish weekend

This Bank Holiday weekend Randi and I took the slow train to Dartmoor in an ongoing quest to explore the UK’s National Parks. I’ll cheerfully admit that we can’t compete against the US for sheer awe, but the British version of a National Park will still provide impressive walks through beautiful countryside and/or other people’s fields of sheep. I had actually forgotten when we planned this that I had already visited Dartmoor a decade ago, but this time we did things our style by rolling up to Exeter Central and then joining a small but merry band of travellers on the ‘Country Bus’ to the village of Moretonhampstead.

I was, in fact, that person who had phoned Country Bus (“the local bus operator with a friendly face”) in advance to check if they took contactless cards, and the guy at the other end (who was indeed very friendly) confirmed that – as of a few weeks ago – they did! “But, just to let you know, it’s not like using your card at Sainsbury’s where you can just tap and be done. You really have to hold it.” He was right, but I was still very impressed by the technological advance. And so we rattled on happily up and down narrow country roads (and past a road sign which said “CAT’S EYES REMOVED” which disturbed Randi as apparently they do not use this term in the US) until we arrived at our destination.

Castle Drogo and the gorge we walked up and down several times
Castle Drogo and the gorge we walked up and down several times
On top of the rocks!
On top of the rocks!

From here we followed a simple formula of eating large breakfasts, going on long walks and then eating large dinners. Wisely we decided to shell out for a paper map rather than relying on our phones, which was good because (a) I don’t think Google Maps is quite comfortable with hiking, and (b) on our second day we encountered a pair of proper walkers – one of whom sounded like a cousin of Gyles Brandreth – on top of Manaton Rocks. They were surprised and impressed that we had made it but also preemptively horrified that we might be using our phones to get around. Fortunately I could put their minds to rest with our laminated ‘Around & About’ (£3.99).

Sandwiching with a view
Sandwiching with a view
Enjoying the countryside around us
Enjoying the countryside around us

It was a simple but refreshing break, topped off on Tuesday night by the new season of Bake Off for which we were joined by Randi’s new friend Hala who had – surprisingly – never watched it before. Here’s to gentle vibes.

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3 Comments on :
Dartmoor

  1. Beth says:

    So what the heck does “Cat’s Eyes Removed” mean? And I’m certain Amanda won’t approve of the phrase. Thanks for the pics, you both look great as always.

    PS Randi – Your legs are amazing!

    1. Amanda M Schalk says:

      I know I’m late on all these posts but am finally catching up. I am so glad you asked that question Beth. I was disgusted and horrified and I wasn’t even sure what exactly at! And I certainly don’t approve of the phrase even if it’s to strangely tell you that they took out some road reflector things.

      And ditto that on them (especially Randi 😉 looking amazing!

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