Nine Devon members enjoyed a classic Dartmoor 'tor-bagging' route with spectacular scenery right from the start. Top Tor, Pil Tor and Tunhill Rocks are all clustered together near our starting point. We paused to permit a distribution of sweets and admire the view of Widecombe-in -the -Moor nestling in the valley below under the massive whaleback ridge of Hamel Down which dominates this part of the moor.

We encountered some rough terain at times made easier by the generally bone dry state of the moor. Crossing Pudsham Down many skylarks could be heard as well as a distant cuckoo. We crossed a bridge over a stream to tackle an enclosed stony track rising steeply amongst a profusion of bluebells to a gate leading once again onto the open moor. At last our summit lunch stop was now in view. One last push and we could rest and eat. A narrow winding track through prickly gorse covered moor took us onwards and upwards to Buckland Beacon and the best views of  the day, definitely worth the trek.

The summit rocks provided shelter from the wind whilst we ate our sandwiches. Nearby is the Ten Commandments Stone which a sculptor took 6 months to inscribe in 1928. Due to weathering the lettering was renewed in 1995.  Refueling complete, we strolled along grassy paths to a car park where pre-positioned cars ferried us back to the starting point.

Afterwards we all enjoyed some lovely tea and cake at a cafe near Bovey Tracy.