Part 2 of from Forest to Moorland

The menhir or standing stone

Moorlands view

Highlights this week have been climbing up to a couple of Tors and a visit to south Cornwall. At the start of the week the weather was a bit damp and overcast, and wee bit chilly. However that didn't stop us venturing out to one of the Tors. The one we chose was not one of the most challenging but it suited our capacities. It is called Loughter or Laughter Tor. We had to walk up about 1 kilometre and up about a 6% slope under a overcast sky and biting wind but it was worth the effort. We didn't quite reach the rocks but stopped near one of the standing stones (or menhir) that has stood since prehistoric times about 5000 years or more. Menhirs are thought to be part of a complex of stone circles and rows, Dartmoor abounds with such features as well a remains of medieval settlements and tin mining shafts from medieval times to the 20th century.
As we draw near the top you become conscious of only the sounds of the wind across the vegetation, the cries of circling birds and the faint bleating of the sheep. It is certainly a place for silent contemplation of the world around you. It seems a timeless place connecting past and present.

A change of scenary was our visit to Portwrinkle on south Cornish coast. It was a beautiful day. Sunny and warm. We spent it strolling on the little beach and sitting outside the cafe on the cliff soaking up the view . We talked to a true cornishman who said his mother's family had lived there for about 400 years. Smugglers among them too! 

Climbing towards the Tor

Laughter tor

We made it!

Portwrinkle