New rucksack

In May Valerie used a 20lt Berghaus rucksack, with an added podsack to carry her fleece. This worked very well, even when we had bought an extra fleece each. As we plan for next year, and look at the equipment we are taking, a slightly different system seems a good idea. So we have invested in a 25+5lt Berghaus woman's rucksack. It is comfortable for either of us to carry, unlike the 20lt which didn't suit Terry.
This means we can share carrying it on 'rest' days when we are exploring churches, ancient sites etc and need our waterproofs, food and drink etc with us.

Terry will use the same rucksack as for both his 2009 Pilgrimage and this year. The 20lt will still be good for practise walks.

  So the 25+5 is packed and everything
  goes in easily. Total weight without
  water is just under 6kg.
  Really comfortable and easy to carry
  on yesterday's walk.

  My fleece fits under the top compartment and my bottles will
  go in the side pockets, where the badges are sewn on.
  The side expansion pockets hold my waterproof trousers,
  undies toiletries etc.
  My waterproof poncho is in the top section.
  The small clips hanging at the back are actually tea-towel
  holders and are very useful for hanging small still damp items.
  They are attached to the new style elasticated pole holders,
  which I have clipped back as they flap and annoy me.

Walking on Exmoor

We have just spent some time on Exmoor, staying near Dulverton and walking in the area.

Our first walk was through the woods above Dulverton itself. A steep climb up the track behind the church, then back downhill to the river.
The track passes over the little old bridge over the stream, then turns left over the longer bridge over the river.

Next day we visited Dunster with its ancient church.

Behind it is the old dovecot which was part of the Abbey.The walls are over 2ft thick and the roosts are built into the thickness of the walls.

The Two Moors Way near Tarr Steps.


We walked over Tarr Steps and then a circular route to Hawkridge, crossing the steps again on our return.

Our final walk was to Dunkery Beacon. A stony track leads from the road to the Beacon itself - about 1.5 miles. The black clouds in the distance meant we made a swift descent back to the car.

On the way back we stopped the car above the road to Tarr Steps and walked to the nearby Caractacus Stone, now protected by a stone arch.