Sunday, June 8

#1110 Newton Abbot - Beeflicker - 8 June 2025

Another small pack for Beeflicker's virign r*n with us, and his first lay.  We should be paying him money!

There were no walkers, but a walking trail was marked.  We all considered doing the long - we were promised 6 miles, but in the end, everyone opted for the 4 mile short.  Wide balmed Rosie's little legs, despite Tesco's Finest offering to carry her in her back pack! But we definitely appreciated the effort put in by the hare!!  

We were told to anticipate a hilly trail, and that was absolutely correct.  Beeflicker also told us that the views were fantastic, and he was right there too.

The trail initially took us away from Newton Abbot, up the steep roads and steps, to the meadows looking over the town.  Pretty fields and churches, and green paths and lanes.  The sun was coming about so getting quite warm.  We wound our way around the fields, noting the fences keeping us off the new build sites which are disappointing to see.

Lots up ups and downs, with bogs and marshes along the route, as we headed down towards Decoy.  Here we had the sweetie stop and the hash flash.  This was where we collectively made the decision to all go Short.  Beeflicker talked us round the long route anyway, so we felt like we had all done it!  It was around the lake, and all the way to Penn Inn.

Some really horrible steep climbs on the way home - with step-widths not big enough to swap legs!  Fantasic views over the surrounding area, with the racecourse and estuary in full view. Wide could nearly see his house in Kinsteignton.  

A great trail - thanks Beeflicker - we were all back on the hour and with 4 miles on the clock!   

Next week we are at Wonford Sports Centre for a trail laid by Happy Snapper.




  

Sunday, June 1

#1209 Littleham - Wobblybitz - 1 June 2025

Just a small gathering this week, despite the sun. Wobbly laid the trail alone, with Oddbitz giving advice via phone-a-friend... He has a bad foot! 

Wobbly wished us luck as we left the hash circle, with a warning to wear head (who said head?) protection gear when appropriate. 

The trail took us a mile or so into the surrounding countryside along Castle Lane, and me and Bollards both needed a wee... to a long short split. The longs took us further along the lane before heading right onto the golf course. Now we realised why we needed helmets 🟣 🍆.

I'm never sure whether to shout on on when hashing across golf courses. I've had some dirty looks in the past. But they really shouldn't build courses across hash trails...

Then away from the course for a bit, on another long, skirting the edge of Budleigh Salterton, before back past the club house and along the coast path, and worryingly close to some cliff falls, but fantastic views.

A regroup and sweetie stop marked by a sign on a stake, but which had blown over so Xbitz and Itzy had missed it.  Then down the cliffs towards Sandy bay, through the caravans and soon we were on home. 

Then a beer and chat in the pub, which all got a bit gruesome with talk of bowel movements and consistency... 

And then heard that Tampa had arrived late and was working his way around the trail. He made good progress, until a golfer sent him the wrong way, bit did catch up with us as he was leaving.

A great trail with beautiful views and breathe 5 miles of challenging terrain! 

Next week we're in Newton Abbot, at Newfoundland Way CP

On on



Sunday, May 25

#1208 Obelisk car park, Mamhead - Tampa - 25 May 2025

You usual car parking shenanigans at the car park, and why are there always plenty of spaces by the time we return? 

Wide welcomed the pack, which includes a few sure heads, and it was good to see the D family out in force, plus GHR and She's Ready from southern climes.

It was a big loop at the start, and having checked wrong, I decided to cut across to avoid going back to the check. Big mistake, legs scratched, eyes nearly gouged out by branches! 

Then once almost back to the start, it felt like the trail proper started. Lots of fish hooks, and alongside a new green security fence that separated us from the valley,  which was quite a shame.

The sweetie stop was at the Obelisk itself, with sour lightning ⚡ strikes and Pina colada sweets to enjoy. Then we headed back the way we had just come, to confuse most of them pack. 

Beers and snacks back at the car park, with next week's trail from Wobbly and Oddbitz