Topsy's Dartmoor Rambles

[Topsy]

Hi all, this is a carry over from my 52 challenge from last year which I will no longer update. I will however carry this thread on and share my Dartmoor Photowalks with you as well as keeping the full stories in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

Last week Mrs T and I had intended to go out to the Bleak House via Arms Tor and Great Links Tor but we had to abandon the plan because of bad weather/light so this week we decided to try again and were successful. I took along the Bronica SQ-Ai loaded with Portra 400 as well as my Fuji X-T2s.

Bleak House (Bronica).



En-route, Willsworthy Tors, Sharp Tor, Hare Tor with Gt Staple in the distance (X-T2).



The route out took us past some familiar Tors.

Widgery Cross on Brat Tor.



Great Links Tor.



As I said, you can see the full story in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 2.

This week Mrs T and I decided to go out to Huccaby Tor which is quite near to Dunnabridge Pound and Laughter Tor. I thought it would be nice to take along an old film camera (Yashica Mat 6x6 TLR loaded with Kodak Tri-X) as well as my usual Fuji X-T2s. The weather at home was very foggy but the forecast was for it to clear later in the morning and by the time we reached Dunnabridge Pound it was clear.

Huccaby Tor.



We started bt shooting The Judge's Chair in Dunnabridge Pound on the Yashica.

Photo courtesy of Mrs T.



The result on Tri-X.



We took lunch in the old Sheep Pound on Leather Tor.



Before heading down past the Satnding Stone on to Huccaby Tor.



On Huccaby Tor we had Ponies that seemed to think Mrs T had something for them.



I shot some more with the Yashica, photo courtesy of Mrs T.



One of the results.



You can see the rest of the results and the full story in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

Thanks for looking in, more next week.

 

[Topsy]

Week 3.

This week Mrs T and I went out to Childe’s Tomb which sits on the outer edge of Foxtor Mires just underneath Fox Tor. We had originally planned to do this last week but given the proximity to the infamous Foxtor Mires and the heavy fog we postponed the trip, this week though the weather was significantly better. Foxtor Mires is thought to have been the inspiration for Grimpen Mire in the Sherlock Holmes novel Hound of the Baskervilles.





This shot shows Childe's Tomb in situ under Fox Tor on the edge of the Mires with the disused Tinworks in the background.



The ground was very wet.



Our route back took us through Nuns Cross Farm where some Ponies were grazing.



As usual you can see the full story and more photos in my Blog https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[billy nomates]

Once went looking for Ducks Pool letterbox and made a silly mistake taking my compass bearings, as soon as I realised I had messed up I tried to retrace my steps towards Whiteworks before realising I was in the middle of Fox Tor Mire.
Self preservation kicked in when the ground started to alternate between sounding almost hollow and then walking on areas which would undulate underfoot so I let the dog run ahead of me to test the ground.

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

You got to love that Tri-X ! All lovely shots Paul but the Tri-X really seems to add to the atmosphere of the place, A Hound of the Baskervilles look ! I hope you weren't out after dark !

 

[Topsy]

You got to love that Tri-X ! All lovely shots Paul but the Tri-X really seems to add to the atmosphere of the place, A Hound of the Baskervilles look ! I hope you weren't out after dark !

Oh no, defo not.

 

[Topsy]

Week 4.

This week Mrs T and I went out to Cox Tor with a view to going on to Roos Tor then over to Gt Staple Tor. We had intended to carry on to Middle and Little Staple Tors but I spent such a long time trying to get a shot on Cox Tor that we eventually ran out of time for the last 2 legs. The weather was pleasant enough but the light was dreadful all day overcast low cloud and heavy moisture in the mist.

Cox Tor Trig Point (Gt & Middle Staple Tors in the distance).



From Cox Tor we could see across to Roos Tor (on the left) our next stop and Great Staple Tor.



On the way up to Roos Tor.



From Roos Tor our next stop would be Gt Staple.





Then back to the car, along the way was some boggy ground.



And Ponies.



That's all for this week folks, as usual you can seed the full story and more photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog/

 

[Topsy]

Week 5.

This week Mrs T and I went out to Pew Tor via the famous Windy Post, passing Vixen Tor en-route for a quick photoshoot. The weather once again was less than ideal with thick wet Fog and strong wind filled with moisture. Photographing was a challenge as I could only shoot with my back to the wind or have a layer of drizzle on the front of the lens (soft focus effect).

Windy Post.




Pew Tor.



Vixen Tor and Feather Tor.



The wind and mizzle was relentless, even the hardy Dartmoor Poinies were sheltering.



As usual you can see the full story and more photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog/

 

[Topsy]

Week 6.

More bad weather on Dartmoor so Mrs T and I went out to Wistman's Wood. I took my Bronica SQ-Ai loaded with Portra 400 as well as my usual Fuji X-T2s. You can see the full story in my Blog on ePHOTOzine https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

Here are some of the shots;

Bronica.





Fuji.





Both, kinda...............



Thanks for looking, as I said the full story is in my Blog https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog.

 

[Topsy]

Week 7.

Yet more bad weather, rain and wind again plaguing our photography. We decided to try to get out of the worst of it by going around Burrator Reservoir to shoot the old Longstone Manor ruins.

The Manor.



The reservoir.



We used the woodland walks for a different view, it was muddy.



It did afford us different views of the Reservoir.



As always you can see the full story and photos in my Blog over on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 8.

More rain and wind, this time I was alone for a walk along Belstone Cleave in search ov Ivy Tor and the Old Rifle Range.

Ivy Tor.



Old Rifle Range Infrastructure.



The valley has loads of gnarly trees along it's banks.



Crossing the river is made easy with the footbridges provided.



The walk starts and finishes in the very picturesque village of Belstone close to Okehampton.



As always, you can see the full story in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 9.

Another rained off plan, I had intended going up to Sourton Tors but when we got to the car park we couldn't see the Tor so I headed back to Burrator Reservoir to try to save the day.



We explored the woods around the reservoir to try to stay out of the rain.



We also looked at some of the old abandoned buildings in the woods and on the edge of the reservoir.





As usual you can see the full story and more photos in my Blog over on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 10.

The weather was kinder this week and we got out on to the open Moor. We went out to Honeybag Tor from Bonehill Rocks enroute we stopped at Widecombe to shoot the Church.

Widecombe Church.



Honeybag Tor.



Bonehill Rocks.



As usual you can see the rest of the story and photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 11.

This week I was on my own, as well as my usual Fuji X-T2s I took my Bornica SQ-Ai loaded with Portra 160 up to Great Links Tor via The Dunnagoats and Arms Tor.

Gt Links Tor X-T2 10-24 lens.



The Bronica set up to shoot Gt Links Tor.



The shot I was taking (Bronica).



I also got this shot of Arms Tor with the Bronica.



As usual you can see the full story and more photos in my Blog, https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog. Thanks for looking in.

 

[Topsy]

Week 12.

This week I was on my own for a gain, I went out to Holwell Tor from Saddle Tor via Emsworthy Rocks to shoot that Lone Tree. I took my Fujifilm GFX 50S as well as my X-T2 for those grab shots along the way. The weather was fine but the sky was cloudless and very hazy but as I have said often I work with what I am given.

Hound Tor and Greator Rocks from Holwell Tor.



That Lone Tree on Emsworthy Rocks (I love that 65x24 aspect ratio in the GFXs).




Some of the rock formations on Holwell Tor.



As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 13.

This week I went out to Grey Wethers Stone Circles and Sittaford Tor, as always you can see the full story and photos in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

Grey Wethers Stone Circles.





Some "Jungle" on the way out.



Sittaford Tor.



Thanks for looking.

 

[Topsy]

Week 14.

This week I wasn't able to get out on the Moor as I was away in Wiltshire for a work reunion. I did manage to snag a shot of Vixen Tor from the side of the road though between the travelling and bad weather.



Hopefully normal service will be resumed next week.

For those interested I did do a walkabout in Devizes with my Leica M9, that story can be seen in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 15.

This week I was back on Dartmoor, because of the poor weather on the high ground I headed up the Gutter Tor Valley to Ditsworthy Warren House then on to the Drizzlecombe Stone Row.



I took my Yashica-Mat loaded with Tri-X to get some atmospheric shots in the fog. I haven't got the film back yet but I replicated each shot on fil;m with my Fuji X-T2.

The Drizzlecombe Menhir.



Ditsworthy Warren House in the fog.



As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 16.

Another ramble over Dartmoor, this time to Beardown Man another ancient Menhir.



As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 17.

This week I took my Bronica SQ-Ai out with a 6x4.5 back loaded with Fuji Provia 100F.







As usual you can see more photos and the full story in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Deleted member 34016]

Loving No1 Paul a wall hanger for sure

 

[Topsy]

Loving No1 Paul a wall hanger for sure

Thanks Les, well worth lugging the gear down there. It was on this walk that I saw the Crossbills etc.

 

[Deleted member 34016]

Thanks Les, well worth lugging the gear down there. It was on this walk that I saw the Crossbills etc.

Never seen on myself although I would recognise one if I did

 

[Topsy]

Week 18.

This week I went out over Belstone Common taking in Scarey Tor, Belstone Tor, Higher and Winter Tors plus had a look over Taw Marsh. It was a nice day for a walk, I took my Fujifilm GFX 50S along as well as my usual X-T2. You can see the full story and pictures in my Blog, https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

Scarey Tor with Belstone Common and Tor in the distance.



On the way up to Belstone Common I passed the Nine Stones Circle.



Overlooking Taw Marsh and the Irishman's Wall.



As I said the full story and photos are in my Blog, feel free to visit it. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

Thanks for looking

 

[Topsy]

Week 19.

This week I visited Grimspound and Hookney Tor as well as Hameldown Tor and the old Vitifer Mine Works on Headland Warren.

Grimspound with Hookney Tor in the distance.



Hameldown Tor Trig Point.



Headland Warren Farm.



Vitifer Mine Workings.





As usual, you can see the full story and photos in my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com/user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 20.

This week I headed out on my weekly photowalk over to Higher and Lower White Tors, Lower being the centremost Tor in the Forrest of Dartmoor.

Lower White Tor.



Wistman's Wood.



There were of course Ponies on the high moor.



As usual you can see the full story and photos over on my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 21.

This week was Yar Tor, Sharp Tor and Combestone Tor with the Bronica SQ-Ai loaded with Provia 100F in a 645 Back in "changeable" weather.







As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 22.

Another walk on Dartmoor with the Bronica, this week out to photograph Hound Tor and Greator Rocks on Provia 100F. As usual I had my X-T2 along for the on the move shots.

Hound Tor and Greator Rocks.



The Bronica setup.



I did see some Ponies on the way.



As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 23.

This week I took my Fuji GFX 50S out to Black Tor on North Dartmoor, adjacent to an ancient Oak woodland called Black-a-Tor Copse.

Black Tor.





As usual I had my Fuji X-T2 along for those grab shots.

Black-a-Tor Copse.





As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 24.

This week I visited the North Moor again, this time Sourton Tors and the less well known Shelstone Tor which sits in the West Okement Valley and has views up to Black Tor where I was last week.

It also has a Lone Tree, how could I resist?



I shot a pano on the GFX up the valley.



Then on to Sourton Tors which has a Trig Point.




Sourton Tors has several peaks/outcrops.



And a nice view of the village of Sourton.




As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 25.

This week I went out to Bellever and Laughter Tors as well as Laughter Hole Farm and the Stepping Stones on the East Dart River below Laughter Hole House.











As usual you can see the full story and photos in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com//user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Paulie-W]

You have some really nice images here

 

[Topsy]

You have some really nice images here

@Paulie-W. Thanks Paul and thanks for taking the time to comment. I'm fortunate to live close to Dartmoor so I can get out frequently.

 

[Topsy]

Week 26.

This week's outing wat to Hound Tor and Greator Rocks, a short walk as rain was forecast for midday onwards.

Hound Tor.



Greator Rocks.



Between Hound Tor and Haytor Rocks is a Medieval Settlement.



From Greator Rocks you can see Haytor Rocks a very popular Dartmoor landmark.



As always you can see the full story and pictures in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com///user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[tijuana taxi]

I often catch up with your adventures on the Fuji forum, keep them coming please Paul.
Dartmoor is a very interesting and beautiful place, wasn't so enamoured when as an 18 year old I did the Ten Tors walk.
Me being a born and bred Londoner didn't realise you could have so much fog and rain in June.
Remember the prison looking especially grim, doubt you get many escapees from there.

 

[Brentor]

I often catch up with your adventures on the Fuji forum, keep them coming please Paul.
Dartmoor is a very interesting and beautiful place, wasn't so enamoured when as an 18 year old I did the Ten Tors walk.
Me being a born and bred Londoner didn't realise you could have so much fog and rain in June.
Remember the prison looking especially grim, doubt you get many escapees from there.

I tried to find you on the Fuji forum but it looks like your old account has been closed. Perhaps I am looking at the wrong member.

 

[Topsy]

I often catch up with your adventures on the Fuji forum, keep them coming please Paul.
Dartmoor is a very interesting and beautiful place, wasn't so enamoured when as an 18 year old I did the Ten Tors walk.
Me being a born and bred Londoner didn't realise you could have so much fog and rain in June.
Remember the prison looking especially grim, doubt you get many escapees from there.

I tried to find you on the Fuji forum but it looks like your old account has been closed. Perhaps I am looking at the wrong member.

Thanks Rich, unfortunately because of the new T&Cs on the Fuji Forum I have closed my account. I now only post a short one on here and my full day is on my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com///user/topsyrm-149719/blog

@Brentor as above my Fuji Forum account is now closed.

It is a shame because I had some great virtual friends over there but I made a decision based on the new ownership and am too Yorkshire to go back on it.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Thanks Rich, unfortunately because of the new T&Cs on the Fuji Forum I have closed my account. I now only post a short one on here and my full day is on my Blog on ePHOTOzine. https://www.ephotozine.com///user/topsyrm-149719/blog

@Brentor as above my Fuji Forum account is now closed.

It is a shame because I had some great virtual friends over there but I made a decision based on the new ownership and am too Yorkshire to go back on it.

I did see quite a few people objecting to the new terms and conditions.
I'll carry on looking at your adventures on the blog from now on.
My posts are very few and far between on the Fuji forum these days.
Some good people on there so won't be closing my account yet.
Intend to meet a few of the German members when I rebook my Covid cancelled trip to Stuttgart

 

[Topsy]

Week 27.

This week I went out to Childe's Tomb on Foxtor Mires again but this time I went the long way from Burrator Reservoir via Down Tor and Nun's Cross Farm.

This tree sits on the slopes of D0wn Tor.



Down Tor Stone Row.



Site of old Tin Works near Nun's Cross Farm.



Childe's Tomb.



As always you can see the full story and pictures in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com///user/topsyrm-149719/blog

 

[Topsy]

Week 28.

This week I took the Bronica loaded with Fuji Provia 100F out to Windy Post then on to Vixen Tor and the Staples via the Sett Makers Bank.

Windy Post.


Ponies on Feather Tor, Vixen Tor in the mid ground (Bronica).



Gt Staple Tor (Bronica).



A couple from the Fuji X-T2.









As always you can see the full story and pictures in my Blog. https://www.ephotozine.com///user/topsyrm-149719/blog