Lustleigh walk

I was asked to help with my friends walk for the Ramblers which started on the edge of Dartmoor. Last time we had done a trial run was back in October and we had got hopelessly lost near the return leg of the journey. Based on the idea that two heads are better than one we hoped this time we would remember the way back and get it right.
Dartmoor is a very distinct and special place where high rainfall and dense woodlands make for a lush mossy environment. Having crossed a stream we headed up through the scattered boulders and entered the open moorland. Around us on the distant hills were the clear features of Hound Tor and Haytor lit up in the morning light. After a while the moor changed from random scattered bolders to Gorse bushes as we weaved our way down off the moor to a remote farmhouse. Entering an Oakwood I saw a male spotted flycatcher in a high tree watching over his territory.
The woodland and the lanes take on a abundant quality in late April with Primroses, Blubells and early Purple orchids in flower. We managed to get back to the village without getting lost this time! A quiet feeling of success came over us as we headed to the pub