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This week we set off from Okehampton Station and walked up the west bank of the East Okement River and then crossed over to the Nine Maidens Stone Circle before taking a big loop back . . .

And here’s the elevation plot against distance.   It’s got quite a few tough-going little ramps, very yoyo-esque, and can be very wet underfoot.   But it’s well worth the effort . . .

Altogether we climbed 283 metres up and 283 metres down over 9.82 km and took us 4 hours almost to the second.

The last view of Okehampton looking back . . .

Nothing magic about these mushrooms . . .

Jasper was having a good run.   Definitely not interested in pacing himself: oh, to be young again . . .

The weather was a bit of a pick-and-mix with the occasional bit of sunshine breaking through the clouds, and it timed it perfectly just as we were passing this beautiful meadow to light up some lovely Autumnal trees . . .

Then we came across a farm that had loads of random breeds of chickens (sorry about the chicken wire playing havoc with the focus). . .

I really liked this little one, it was soooo fluffy and cute . . .

Ball Hill Viaduct over which the train comes into town . . .

The old ford, which, thankfully, we won’t be wading across today . . .

The river begins to get really pretty from here . . .

But don’t forget to shut the gates on the way . . .

There’s some nice stalactites growing in the arches . . .

And a look back to see the sunny side . . .

And then we’re off up the river bank path . . .

It really is a lovely place to walk . . .

The sun kept on teasing us . . .

This bit looked quite sketchy to walk on, especially with all the water and leaves on the stones, but there was still plenty of grip . . .

Dazzling . . .

I love these old mossy stone walls . . .

And now we get a really steep bit: up, up and away from the river . . .

For a great view of the little waterfall . . .

And some more mushrooms . . .

Then we crossed over the river and kept on climbing up.   This photo shows the view down into the valley we just walked up . . .

Watchet Hill Cottage . . .

East Bowden Wood and the view up the river . . .

Still climbing up as i look back down . . .

Higher Halstock Farm from the East. . .

The first rainbow of the day . . .

Tor’s End and Belstone Common Tor . . .

Belstone Tor, Higher Tor and i’m guessing the one on the right is Winter Tor . . .

Nine Maidens, three men, one dog, and . . .

a cow . . .

Then we walked down towards Cullever Steps . . .

Irishman’s Wall with Higher Tor on the right and Belstone Tor to the left . . .

Okehampton Parish Boundary . . .

Higher Halstock Farm from the South . . .

The rainbow came back with a full-on primary bow and a faint secondary bow . . .

There be a pot of gold and a leprechaun around here somewhere . . .

From the top of the hill this would be an amazing view on a clear day . . .

Today we just got the last bit of rainbow . . .

Panda cow . . .

The hawthorns have lost all their leaves already, but there’s plenty of haws left for the birdies . . .

Heading down to The Halstock & Blackertor studs at Lower Halstock Farm . . .

The farm is all about breeding and showing bonsai horses . . .

1, 2, 3, altogether now, awwwwww, so cute . . .

The farm from the North . . .

Wait for me . . .

Our last view of the moors today . . .

As Okehampton appears in the distance with another tiny slice of rainbow. . .

I was very happy to be going down the hill . . .

That middle tree was just showing off . . .

I’m awarding this “Cottage of the Day” . . .

And this be “Hawthorn of the Day” . . .

Nearly back . . .

Just a little further . . .

And thus endeth this walk . . .

A really good and colourful autumn walk.   Shout out to Andrew for leading us around and pointing lots of things out along the way, thank you.   I’ll definitely be suggesting we go back in Spring to see all the Spring colours, buds and flowers.

See soon.