This week once again the weather was testing with below zero temperatures and strong winds but overcast hazy light. Hey-ho I decided to go over to Hound Tor and across Becka Brook to Smallcombe Rocks. I set off early but had a Plan B as there had been some snow in the night and I thought some of the untreated roads out to Hound Tor Car Park might have been un-driveable, as it was I got to the car park relatively easily.
Hound Tor in the afternoon light.
The light was entirely different in the morning though very overcast.
As I got over the top of Hound Tor I thought Haytor Rocks were worth a panorama shot, this is with the GFX 50S in 25x64 aspect ratio.
What a difference the direction of light makes on Hound Tor.
Along from here is Greator Rocks which are distinctive and can be seen from both sides of the Becka Brook valley.
Having rounded the rocks I saw this Ice puddle in the track.
It wasn’t long before I was past them and heading down the Bridleway towards Becka Brook.
The Bridleway down to the Brook passes through the woods and various gates (that are in need of some TLC).
On the way down I could see the climb ahead of me to Hole Rock and Smallcombe Rocks which was my next objective.
Eventually I reached the Brook and a small Clapper Bridge.
Once up through the woods on the other side from the Bridleway I could see back to Greator Rocks and Hound Tor.
I had my lunch up there whilst trying to shelter from the bitter cold winds, I got this hand held shot with my X-T2 before setting off back.
As I made my way back down the Bridleway I thought how difficult it might be on Horseback.
The Bridleway goes down through the woods and is very rocky plus this day it was a small stream in places, not overly Horse friendly.
It winds its way through the woods.
Eventually it comes to a small gulley and out on to the Clapper Bridge.
From here it’s uphill through the woods again and out on to the open track.
Once at the top there is a good view of Hound Tor and the Medieval Settlement.
From here it was back up the track to the top of Hound Tor then back to the car.
Last shot of Hound Tor from the Car Park in the afternoon sun.
That’s all for this week folks, as always comments welcome.
Tags: Landscape and travel Dartmoor Photowalk Hound Tor on Dartmoor Smallcombe Rocks Dartmoor Rocky Landscapes
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