Really beautiful midday on the moors started off cool, until the clouds rolled back and it really started to heat up. Probably not a day to sit around as still a cold wind, but an ideal day for a run. Started from Hay Tor car park then down to Bag Tor(148), always feel like a good runner on this stretch but it doesn't last long as soon after Bag Tor you cross the ford and start the 120m climb to Rippon Tor(62). After the first section of the climb, there is a short respite after the gate, as you follow the wall before the final ascent. Great views from Rippon Tor in every direction, making it a firm favourite. Leaving the Trig point I retraced my steps before finding the path over to Saddle Tor(158). Saddle Tor lives in the shadow of Haytor rocks, and so is much quiter but still has a large chunk of rock at its summit. Onwards now to Holwell Tor(109) my final Tor of the day, great views from here over to Greator Rocks and Hound Tor. Looking forward to racing in this area next weekend for the Devon Orienteering Club Long-O . Finally I turned for the run between Haytor Rocks and down to the Car Park. 7.1km in 55mins.
South West Orienteering Champs 2010 - Wareham Forest, Dorset
Firstly what amazing weather, blue skies all day and even the northerly wind couldn't ruin it. When I read the course lengths in the final details I was a little concerned 7.0km 140m is really on the short side and generally that means the forest is tough going. And it was, but that just meant taking the long way around the paths and diving into the controls, only going straight when you didn't mind taking it easy. Due to this and the blocks of forests and felled areas the navigation wasn't particularly challenging, just keep map contact and the running under control. The problem is my running speed on the paths can't match that of others. But hey maybe one day I'll be the only M35 in the champs and I'll win......................
GPS Track on Endomondo
Results
Orienteering - Devon OC Champs 19th September 10
Devon Orienteering Club Champs one hour school event. Nice run but feeling the event yesterday in my legs, 7.5km and got in with 45 secs to spare.
Cornwall OC - Craddock Moor Event 18 Sep10
Brown course today should have checked the length before venturing to the start as i would have noticed it was 10.4km!! Normally I would be up for it but not feeling on top form at the moment. Was surprise to get around in 9 min K's. Even more surprised that winning time was under an hour!! Off to Princetown tomorrow for a Devon Event. Hopefully feel OK in the morning. Bit jealous of guy competing in City of London O race think I will have to put that one on my list of things to do over 700 ran today!
See gps track at http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/roGJowXwZR4
7 Tors
Another gentle run on the moors, well that was the plan. First off the short run to Mel Tor with it's great views into the River Dart valley and over to Bench Tor. Bench Tor stands at a similar height and less than a Km away, but it is vicious decent and ascent. Then a blast down Dr Blackall's Drive to Aish Tor, and the small cairn that marks the lack of any sort of Tor. Next I descended and crossed the road and made the short run to Leigh Tor . After a little time on the summit, I turned and retraced my steps around Aish Tor, across Mel Tor and onwards towards Luckey Tor . It was soon obvious that the easiest route would be to descend to the river and follow it to below Luckey Tor. I was glad I did as it turned out that the most spectacular views of the Tor were from below. The Tor rises up nearly vertically from the valley floor. I quickly scrambled up the west flank and cut myself a path to the summit through the bracken. Once off the Tor I looked for some sort of path west to get around the private land before heading to Sharp Tor. But it was impossible and I was faced with no option but to return to Mel Tor, then take the path through to Sharp Tor. Onwards to Yar Tor, now the rain had really set in so I quickly turned for Corndon Tor then descend for the run to the car. I really enjoyable run with contrasting Tors, unfortunately I managed to forget Hockinston Tor deep in the valley, maybe I will be brave and combine that with a Bench Tor, Combestone Tor to make circuit!! Who knows.
Next up the 5 Days of Orienteering in the Lake District
Cornwall OC - Coldrenick Local Event 15th August 2010
Track
Backout Running
Got away for a good run, out on Hameldown and took the opportunity to visit some more Tors and Hill Tops on my list (see www.dartmoortors.blogspot.com ) Only planned to get out for an hour but felt good so extended it to go out to Shapley Tor.
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