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Bellever Forest
We left from the village of Postbridge and were soon on lovely wide tracks in Bellever Forest. Luckily, there are very picturesque vistas all around in spite of the trees and all day we looked out upon the Tors and surrounding sweeping hills. We had a little rain to start, needing to “tog up” but this soon stopped and the sun came out. Quite a varied route with one section over rough grass with great views all around, but I should think this part would be dodgy in the winter as it could be very boggy by the feel of the terrain. We stopped for lunch with wonderful countryside and distant Tors to look upon before carrying on to our intended afternoon stop at the old clapper bridge near the quaint old village of Bellever, which used to be a crossing place over the East Dart River in days gone by, this has now lost its central clapper (large granite slab, these measured two and a half metres in length and were only suitable for foot passengers) and was replaced by a 19th century bridge, which is also rather a picturesque sight. This area is very popular with families and is very beautiful with the river running through that people can swim and paddle in, and use the large rocks to cross from side to side. We met some very friendly people during the day, including two hikers one resplendent in kilt and tartan shirt with their backpacks, always ready for a chat and to exchange experiences. Then homeward, tinged with a little sadness as tomorrow is the last ramble of what has been a really great week. Again, thank you to Dawn, the Moorland Guide who came with us today and once more, thanks to Gordon and the rest of the WAGS group for their constant, hard work (even though I know it is enjoyable), in reccying and checking all these routes. Val
