Twenty-seven intrepid walkers successfully completed the beating of Mary Tavy Parish counds on August 2 — and they included Kenneth Baker, of Brentor Road, who is a sprightly 88 years young!
The day dawned with a dose of Dartmoor drizzle but this quickly cleared and conditions proved ideal for walking.
Twenty-nine parishioners set off from Mary Tavy Church and followed the Tavy Valley to Hillbridge. Lunch was at Willsworthy Camp car park where complimentary local pasties were much appreciated.
Now 33 strong, the bounders' route took them towards Lydford Station and along to West Blackdown. Here they met up with children from Mary Tavy Primary School who were taking a break from their annual camping weekend in the wilds of Brentor.
Following a line of boundary stones put in place in 2002 to celebrate the millennium, the group crossed the River Burn at Smallocombe Bottom and via Brinsabach, the Gliding club and Cherrybrook Cross arrived at Wilminstone Hall where Cliff Down was on hand with a coach to ferry everyone along a dangerous piece of the A386 to Harford Bridge.
A short hike along the West Devon Way saw the remaining 27 walkers safely back at the start point some 17.5 miles later and exactly on time!
All those who took part expressed thanks to the people of Mary Tavy and neighbouring parishes who helped out and made a very enjoyable day possible.
Mary Tavy Parish Council is looking to repeat the event in 2012.