Once again we helped provide communications for the Abbots Way Walk starting this year at Buckfastleigh and ending at Tavistock College, Crowndale Road, Tavistock.
After various “ups and downs” the Team settled on an appropriate spot in the grounds for the 2M aerial’s location at the communication centre. This spot was found after a sideways movement of the tripod etc. so that Dartmoor Radio Club could send and receive signals from the outlying posts at Princetown, North Hessary Tor, Merrivale and Whitchurch Down. The weather was brilliant – windy but dry.
Run by Tavistock Youth Forum, the Abbots Way Walk gives youngsters (and a few seniors) the chance to walk from Buckfastleigh over the High Moor following the Abbots Way route, then from Princetown, on a tortuous route via North Hessary Tor, the grinding down and up hill past Merrivale, through Moortown, crossing Whitchurch Down (mind the golf balls ) to end up at the College.
The first group to finish after a 7.30a.m. start were the Devonport High School for Boys Team 2 in a time of 6 hours 35 minutes (beating their rivals Devonport High School Team 1). The route is not a race, but prestigious!! Altogether approximately 360 walkers.
The last 2 teams to finish after nearly TEN hours were the “I’m an Alien” team and “The Three Mustgetbeers” who mysteriously went off towards Kelly College – or a pub!
Thanks from the Tavistock Youth Forum to Dartmoor Rescue Group and Dartmor Radio Club, and comments that all the check posts were helpful …and no team got lost!
We are always are always looking for volunteers to help out with events such as this. If you are interested please get in touch.
Dartmoor Radio Club 