Brown Willy Cornwall - 2 October 2010

The final Southern County challenge started from Camelford where a long straight lane with scary roller coaster hills, led to a car park and entrance to tracks up Rough Tor. The threat of bad weather later in day spurred me on, and after a quick check of the OS map purchased in Bodmin, started the climb up Rough Tor. As Brown Willy was a reasonable distance beyond Rough Tor I did not go to summit but kept going over sadle and on towards Brown Willy. Once up to top the trig point identified, took time to take in the view especially back over to Rough Tor and Little Tor. Then went back to climb both summits including the rocky outcrop that gives Rough Tor it's name. Having got back down to base identified the monument marking the murder of Charlotte Dymond by Matthew Weeks in 1844, a grim and somewhat bizarre memorial in such a beautiful place. I then proceeded along a track towards a distant small tor, but came across a No Access Sign, so decided to call it a day.

High Willhays Devon - 25 September 2010

Late start to walk as previous night with Jonny on IOW, so started from Meldon Reservoir at 16:45, made way along side of reservoir and up southern end following river. Clearly not the easiest way as no track at end and had to clamber up rock strewn hill side dodging soggy underwater streams that gurgled away underground. Finally made it to top at 18:00 only to find High willhays further on and high point I had reached was in fact Black Tor. Found all Tors quite close together and of course High Willhays pile of rock marking the summit. Just about sunset as I decided to walk back down on track as now starting to get dark. Found myself in Army Camp at dark but squaddies all out of town so no clue which way to reservoir. Continued in dark back through Okehampton and then long trek to Meldon arriving back at car by 21:00 having secured accommodation at local pub en route. Quite a day but fantastic views from top especially at sunset. Ended up doing calculated 11.5 miles, not bad for a hangover cure!