Today we did a Wags reconnoitre in Yarner Woods, for a possible Miles Without Stiles route for the DNPA. We were accompanied by Chris from the National Nature Reserve, and Tim from Dartmoor National Park. There were 4 of us on Scooters, with 5 walkers for todays reconnoitre.
Although we were looking at level 3 routes, for All Terrain Scooters, the first 2 tracks were deemed too difficult. Due to combination of rough surface and steepness, two of the scooters overheated and cut out on the first track. Although the first tracks are steep they can be done, but only as an organised group.
The third route will be added to the Miles without Stiles list, when the gates have been improved.
We made our way back to the car park for our lunch, making use of the facilities there. After lunch we made our way to the northern edge of the woods, alongside the Bovey Tracey to Manaton road. There is access to Yarner Woods, from car parks on this road, with gates that are difficult for mobility scooter users.
For access to the proposed Miles without Stiles route, we recommended that 4 gates need to be modified. Once these modifications have been completed, the walk will be added to the Dartmoor National Parks website.
As we finished early, Gill and I went and sat in the bird hide next to the car park with a coffee. There are 4 bird feeders hanging above the water, in front of the bird hide. While we were there two squirrels, were feeding on seeds and peanuts dropped in the water by the birds. We were there for over an hour, as there was so much activity on the feeders.
As usual we made our way home via the Twisted Oak, where we had a lovely meal to finish another lovely day out
