I don't care what the weatherman says!

Something I learnt a long time ago, is that no matter how bad the weather gets, dogs still need to go for a walk, and if your going to have to venture out in the rain anyway, you might as well go somewhere you'll enjoy. Plus, as my friend has told me many times when deciding whether to go for a bike ride in the rain, 'You only get wet once'.

With that in mind, I decided that today would be a good day to bag Sheeps Tor.

Driving around Burrator I passed many soaking wet walkers, and wondered what on earth they were doing walking in this weather. Then as I parked up, and got my boots and waterproofs on, it dawned on me that I'm just as mad, except I had the excuse that Cleo needed walking.

I set out with a route in mind, but came across a signpost suggesting I go in the opposite direction to the one I had planned. "Who am I to argue?" I thought, turning left instead of right, and following a bridle way that I had only vague memories of cycling once at night. Click here for my GPS tracked route. 

As the bridle way opened up onto moorland, I looked up at Sheeps Tor, confused by the direction I was walking (I'm sure it was the wrong way), and also mesmerised by the low cloud completely hiding the Tor.

Sheeps Tor hiding in the mist

As a teen I was an avid adventurer, completing both 35mile & 45mile Ten Tors routes (the latter without any pre-event training I hasten to add) with my school, and clocking up many 'Moor Miles' as a dedicated scout, so my 13yr old self would be less than impressed with my lack of equipment needed for a safe hike across the open moorland today. No map, no compass, no whistle, no backpack containing numerous changes of clothes, no emergency rations and to top it all off - no walking boots. Here I was, in thick mist, following a route I've never done before, with nothing more than a coat, waterproof trousers (to keep my jeans dry) and a pair of welly boots. Thoughts of "what if..." did cross my mind, but I remained calm, convinced that I would be fine.

And I was. 

Without any warning, I looked up into the rain blowing at my face and there was the summit. I had arrived at the top of Sheeps Tor, and I didn't even realise. I've been here many times before, and it's usually at this point I enjoy the views back down over Burrator Reservoir but with the weather being so poor, I had to use my imagination as to what Burrator looked like. Instead I took shelter in the rocks for the obligatory TorTourSelfie and sat there pondering the journey I had just taken up the hill.

One man and his dog taking shelter from the elements

It doesn't matter what the weather's like, it's always better to be outside!

#EnjoyTheJourney

And so it begins

I set out today and I crossed off the first of my tor list - Roborough Rock. Now, before the purists rally against me, let me be the first to state that this is not a Tor. However, it is on the list of 425 tors and rocks that I have decided to follow, and with it being right on my doorstep, it's quite nice that this should be my first bagged tor.

Joining me on today's adventure was a tired and grouchy baby, a hyper dog, a wife that's not to keen on going up hill, and a cloudy sky that was threatening to rain, so opting for a gentle walk around the old RAF Harrowbeer airfield at Yelverton was a good idea. The quiet road meant that not only did we keep our feet dry, but we were also able to take the push chair so my 5month baby boy could catch up on some sleep.  The large open field is also great for exercising Cleo, my never-tiring Labradoodle, so while we walked around the road, she chased her ball, running at full speed and clocking up considerably more miles than we did!  There are often a number of sheep here, but not today, so I could relax and not panic that Cleo would want lamb for lunch. Kathryn on the other hand started to think that she could be one of the ponys next culinary delight as an inquisitive and friendly chap came to say hello.

 

Clambering up the rock itself brought back some great childhood memories of birthday parties and Sunday afternoon BBQs with friends and family.  I used to love rock climbing here as a kid, and playing hide and seek amongst the trees. Ahhhh, they were the days! It also made me realise that I'm not as young, or fearless, as I used to be, so as I climbed to the top for my obligatory selfie I was extremely conscious of just how slippery the wet rocks were and concerns went through my mind as to "what would happen if I slipped right now".  I don't remember ever thinking that when I was 8! 

I'm a little nervous now as to just how difficult I'm going to find reaching the summit of some of Dartmoors more challenging tors.

Well my journey to the top of all Dartmoors Tors has officially begun, and although completing the list is a long way off, it's the journey, not it's completion, that I'm looking forward to the most.

#EnjoyTheJourney