Our week in Devon was punctuated by differing weather conditions but we were still able to get out and about, this post brings all of these days together to capture the highlights.
On Sunday the 2nd August we returned to Dartmoor, this time in the south with a walk to the Avon Dam. We set off early again to avoid the crowds and as we drove down the single track road to the designated car park we didn't encounter any cars in either direction, so imagine the surprise when we arrived to find a full car park at Shipley Bridge.
We managed to find a place to park and in lovely conditions in what was considered to be a good forecast we set off along a very nice tarmac path that wound its way alongside the river Avon with surrounding trees. On the other side of the path was bracken and bramble bushes and I was surprised to find a Dark Green Fritillary moving between the bramble flowers.
While a rather worn and faded individual, here you can just see the dark green wash on the underside
The walk then came out of the trees and the river could be seen running over the flat granite rocks and reminded us of similar scenes in the Red Rocks National Park in Arizona.
Another view looking up stream, the weather still looking good.
With the walk now more in the open moorland it was possible to see some more activity. Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff could be heard both calling and singing from the Rowan trees, and it was from here Blackbirds would fly out after eating the many berries that were on the trees. Despite scrutiny none of the Blackbirds could be made into Ring Ouzels.
As we got closer to the dam the clouds started to roll in, and while we could see blue sky away to the south and also the sea the conditions looked like they were going to change around us. We walked the final path to the dam where there were lovely views across the lake and dam.
But the moor was conspiring to have an impact as misty rain swept over the lake and then over us.
With the rain coming it was time to head back down the path we had just arrived on.
The rain turned from misty to light to very heavy, fortunately we had waterproofs but many others didn't including several young children. Despite the appropriate clothing we still both got wet. About halfway down the weather eased and I was able to catch up with a family group of Whinchat fly catching from the Rowan trees, the camera though was covered up and I was reluctant to get it out.
On reaching the car the weather started to ease, but we were wet and not really up for anything else that involved challenging the Dartmoor weather for the rest of the day.
On the 4th August we decided to try a walk in south Dartmoor that was recommended by the Devon Wildlife Trust, but on arriving the initial reserve was heath land amongst an industrial estate, and the walk seemed to wind through the said estate so we decided against this and decided on a visit to Caste Drogo and the various walking trails to Fingle Bridge in the Teign Gorge.
From the car park we followed the Hunters Path high above the River Teign, passing Sharp Tor and then makes its way down to Fingle Bridge, the area around here is mainly water plain meadows alongside the river. We crossed the bridge and turned right to take the Forester’s Way that follows the river but rises and falls as the river meanders.
In places we passed through areas of Bramble and it was here we encountered more Silver-washed Fritillaries.
We crossed the river on the Iron Suspension Bridge and rejoined the path on the other side of the river and then followed the Two Moors Path that wound its way back to the Hunters Path and back to the Castle Drogo car park.
In the afternoon we drove around the moor enjoying an ice cream in a wind swept car park and then visiting two Bridges and Princetown.
On the 6th we were all set up to visit Lydford Gorge, the weather looked good and the hope was that we could go from there to the butterfly Conservation reserve with the hope of seeing the rare Heath Fritillary. However the Dartmoor weather once again stepped in and completely shut down any thoughts of finding butterflies.
Leaving Okehampton we encountered mist and drizzle almost immediately and in the Lydford car park it was constant drizzle. We waited but the conditions did not improve, and didn't look likely would change any time soon. With a break in the drizzle we set of to walk the gorge at least. The only trail open was to the White Lady Falls and we made our way down a good track to the river then to the falls, which in different circumstances would have been impressive.
It was arranged as a one way walk back and the trail took us up to the old railway line and then back to the car park.
With the weather not looking as if it would change we decided to go somewhere else and ended up at the Devon Wildlife trust reserve at Halsdon Woods. The track heads down hill to the River Torridge and then makes its way alongside the river. The track though is not well kept and there are no signs that allow you to find a suitable route. The locals clearly no the best way around but we decided once having reached the nd of the river trail to turn around and come back.
There was nothing moving on the river despite the number of Kingfisher photographs shown on the web site and trail boards. We did though get to see a group of three Spotted Flycatchers hunting flies and insects from a fence close to a large clump of Himalayan Balsam.
From there we returned to the car and the cottage to get prepared for the journey home.
There was a bonus though, I was fore warned by the owners of the cottage that there was an otter on the river and that they had caught images of it on the camera trap. With this information I ensured I brought my camera trap. I had some technological problems to start with but finally managed to get it working and was able to get a collection of clips which I have put together here. The Otter arrived and I am pleased with what we captured but obviously would have liked to have seen the otter myself. There is also a nice little clip of a Dipper coming to the rock in the morning.
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