Beautiful morning on the North Moor

I needed to test out my calf as I haven't been running for the last 3 weeks and I have a mountain marathon in the Lakes this weekend, so I took the opportunity for a walk on the North Moor.  The weather was not nice, so I am wrapped up in my running waterproof to try and keep my calf as warm as possible.  I parked up just south of the village of Belstone near the moor gate and was soon out into the Dartmoor weather,  I took it easy trying to warm up properly before attempting any sort of pace.  Quickly I was up to Tors End (206), not  named on the Ordnance Survey map or on my list, but marked clearly on my harvey's map, which is the reason I used Harvey's most of the time I am on the moors.  Next the short hop to Belstone Tor (59), then across Irishman's wall to Higher Tor (57).  I can't ever remember visiting any of these tors before but there is certainly plenty to explore on a nicer day.  Next it was over Knattaborough and through an army war game with smoke, gunfire and thunderflashes going off all around.  I picked up the speed at this point one to get away from the Army, and two to test out the calf on this flatter section.  A 7 minute km with everything feeling OK.  Over Oke Tor (69) where I took shelter had a drink and chatted to some Army guys who were waiting to be attacked!  Then off down into Steeperton Gorge, took sometime over the river crossing not fancying getting my calf cold before the climb up to Steeperton Tor (21).  I took it steady up the climb want to test but not over do it.  A fleeting hello to a group on the top before dropping the south west side to pick up the track in Steeperton Gorge.  Once on the track I picked up the pace to under 10 min Km's and kept that up for the rest of the outing.  I kept on the track north until just after Winter Tor when I cut across to Scarey Tor (137) my last tor of the day.  A quick trot back to the car and 11.2km covered in 2hrs 14min.  


Route on Endomondo   

On Tor End looking towards Belstone and Higher Tor

Crossing Irishman's Wall on the way to Higher Tor

Southern outcrop on Higher Tor

The climb up to Steeperton Tor

On Steeperton Tor looking north

Steeperton Tor

Wet looking group on Steeperton Tor

Approaching Winter Tor

Best of the weather on Scarey Tor