Phase 1 – Meldon to Fernworthy
The route I chose for this section with hindsight was a poor choice given I would do this section at night and if visibility was poor would require a compass as there are no features to follow. However, I chose a nearly full moon weekend but alas the mist. Perhaps a better choice would be to cross Yes Tor and pick up the trail to Quintin’s Man from Hangingstone. But that felt like a lot of elevation.
I followed the Meldon reservoir to the source then along the West Okement river to Kneeset Nose. Upon climbing to Great Kneeset it was very misty, extremely wet and boggy with long grass, holes and probably a whole host of other things that were best left in the darkness. From there it was an easy run over Sittaford Tor, through Fernworthy forest to the dam where I had earlier that evening hidden some drinks.
Phase 2 – Fernworthy to Vennford
I have only ever crossed Chagford Common at night and never found a good path across. Found myself trudging through the brambles for what seemed ages before stumbling upon the B3213, between Two Bridges and Moretonhampstead. Through Soussons Down and around Yar Tor, which was covered in head high ferns this time of years but the going under foot was good. Across the bridge at Dartmeet, along the valley below Combestone Tor before arriving at Vennford. More dropped drinks, a change of socks and shirt.
Phase 3 – Vennford to Avon Dam
This was probably the easiest section. It starts from the road on the Vennford, steady climb through Holne, Scorriton then pick up the Abbot’s Way at Cross Furze. The Abbot’s Way to the Avon Dam is a lovely meadowed route before joining the moor. The sun was up, the sky was blue, and the morning light made the vista stunning. Such a beautiful place to stand and look.
Phase 4 – Avon Dam to Burrator
As I made my way up the Avon valley, picking up a small section where the Two Moors Way runs along the same route as the Abbot’s Way then continue west along to the Erme Head a slightly tricky route through some old mine works. The path appears to get lost so with good visibility I just took a line of sight route to Higher Hartor Tor and contoured around to Ditsworthy Warren. Good section to run heading down to the small copse where you pick up a road that leads to Sheepstor. Looking forward to my rest at Burrator which soon arrived albeit behind my original run plan.
Phase 5 – Burrator to Wheal Jewell
After a good rest, change of clothes and lots of food and drink I paced all the way up the rail track to King’s Tor which really broke the back of this section as it is good to get a steady pace going as the incline is slight but steady. Weather at this time was sunny but the clouds were massing although rain was unlikely. I made my way over Great Mis Tor, picking up the Merrivale range marker posts until a well-marked trail taking us around the south slope of White Tor. I turned right at Stephen’s Grave heading down into the field systems towards Cudliptown. We crossed Hill Bridge weir and must have been distracted but we took the right-hand road instead of the left. This meant I arrived at Wheal Jewell from the East, whereas had I turned left at the weir I would have arrived from the west. At Wheal Jewell I fed on tea and cakes before the last and final leg which would return back to Meldon reservoir.
Phase 5 – Wheal Jewell to Meldon
The final leg is a straightforward section although by this time I was feeling sore and tired. The good news was I knew the finish was in the bag, the weather remained good, but my body temperature had dropped, and I wasn’t going to be moving very quickly so I put on my coat. This made a great deal of difference as I didn’t get cold and was able to focus wholly on finishing. It became clear I was going to finish in under 20hrs if I remained focued on achieving timed goals. Once across the Wilsworthy firing ranges to Nodden Gate it’s a straight steady climb along the rail bed before heading across Sourton Down to the finish.
I finally came to the end in 19hrs 56mins.