The Granite Way starts at
Okehampton Station. I had taken the bus from North Tawton as I knew
that a longer walk would be too much for my ankle. By the time I had
walked up the hill to the station, and taken the track here, I was
already nervous.
It was very difficult to walk normally. As soon as I tried to stride out I found myself limping badly, so I had to take small slow steps, using the stick for assistance. For a while the track ran close to the main road, and it was quite noisy. I wished I could walk faster, to get past it, but had to progress at a snail`s pace.
I think these are called Meldon Woods - the bluebells were amazing - they haven`t photographed well, unfortunately.
On the right is the timetable at Meldon. I discovered the train went as far as Sampford Courteney.
There is a cafe in the old Buffet car of this train.
The picnic area, with Yes Tor in the background
This walk had taken a very long time, but I had managed to walk five miles, and the ankle wasn`t too bad, even if it did hurt.
I crossed the main road, and then suddenly it was quieter again, and I was in a beautiful tree lined lane, with views to all sides - with Dartmoor behind, and Exmoor in the distance to the North.
The sun came out, and although it wasn`t hot it was a glorious day.
Mel met me in the lane, with George their dog, then we went in, and she put the kettle on. I felt at home straight away.
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