Memorial walks to remember Laurie Bruce:

Caroline Colville was pleased to lead two walks on Dartmoor to celebrate the life of Laurie Bruce – a long standing member and great supporter of Newton Abbot Ramblers Club – who sadly died earlier this year. Laurie was passionate about walking and the walking club where she had fulfilled many posts, including club secretary and walk co-ordinator. Prior to the start of both walks, Caroline paid tribute to Laurie’s contribution to the club over so many years.

Caroline’s best memory was when Laurie led a walk from Hound Tor to Widecombe Fair one year. Out came the song sheets followed by the harmonica and Laurie accompanied our singing of ‘Tom Pearce, Tom Pearce, lend me your grey mare’. What fun!

On Tuesday the 7.5 mile walk started at Hound Tor car park and the large group went up the hill past several climbers enjoying their rock climbing on the tor. On to Holwell Lawn where they went over the pony jumps and through the bracken. The group walked up to Chinkwell Tor where the 360 degree views are spectacular right over to North Hessary mast above Princetown, Haytor, Hayne Down and round to Honeybag, where you can look around and play ‘Name That Tor’.

Natsworthy Gate is a popular picnic spot and the group made the most of the sheltered grove to have lunch. Then along the ridge through the beech trees to the grave of Kitty Jay and yes, there were fresh flowers, as always. You can find out more about Kitty Jay at the new museum in Newton Abbot.

The group walked up Hayne Down to say ‘Hello’ to Mr Bowerman who many years ago was entrapped in stone by the witches when he disturbed their meeting one dark night. The llamas were out in the fields and made an interesting sight on our way back to the car park.

All in all everyone enjoyed the sounds, scents and colours of a great winter walk.

On Thursday the day dawned fine, but cold and 15 walkers arrived at Hound Tor carpark for the start of the 6 mile circular moorland walk.

As Gill D said ‘I always enjoy the ritual of greeting the other regulars, donning our boots, scarves and woolly hats....at this time of year....then welcoming any new walkers. There is a feeling of anticipation at the start of any walk, but Dartmoor walks are always very special.

We started the hike by climbing the rocky ascent to the top of Hound Tor... pausing to enjoy the spectacular view of surrounding tors, and the light and shade on distant coombes and bare leafed trees....still warm tones to the light, even though it is the start of Winter.

We crossed Holwell Lawn....which in spring is covered in a stunning carpet of bluebells. Not true that bluebells only grow in woods! We crossed the road and climbed the second hill up to Chinkwell Tor.

We skirted Honeybag Tor then walked the road to Natsworthy Gate, where we had lunch beside the stream warmed by some welcome winter sunshine.

After lunch we took the green lane to Jay’s grave, enjoying fabulous views of the Widecombe valley.

We paused, as usual, to pay our respects to Kitty Jay, a poor servant girl who committed suicide.

Fresh flowers appear on the grave but no one ever admits to placing them.

We walked over fields with a view of the iconic Bowerman’s Nose, turning right up the road back to the carpark at Hound Tor.”

After both walks it was lovely to take the group to Ullacombe Farm for a cup of tea after the walk and share a delicious lemon drizzle cake to remember Laurie, our great walking friend.

On Sunday the sun was out, but so was the wind. With wind gusting to 60mph only a few brave souls set out from Bennett’s Cross for the 11.5mile walk, but weren’t they lucky. With the wind behind them they quickly ascended Hameldown Tor in bright sunshine that lasted all day.

The ridge of Hamel Down features For more information about the many other walks offered by Newton Abbot & District Ramblers see www.newtonabbotramblers.org and come along and enjoy good company.