A beautiful pair of Ravens etched in glass in Walkhampton Church – Dartmoor.
As the Raven flies – Walkhampton isn’t that far from my favourite Dartmoor wood – so a walk to both made a perfect April pairing. First off – I enjoyed a quiet amble through Ravens’ Haven and almost immediately stumbled upon treasure – or leftovers! A second squirrel’s skull complete with two sharp yellow teeth…
Skull and crossbones.
Spring clean!
I think the Ravens had been Spring-cleaning as the skull, plus bones and numerous pellets were scattered beneath their tree-top nest.
A handful of Ravens’ leftovers.
A little further on through the wood – I picked-up another treasure – a Witch’s hat!
A dried, blackened Toadstool – or frilled Witch’s hat!
All the while I was searching the woodland floor – the pair of Ravens were searching me…
Raven watchtower.
Not wanting to crick my neck – their exact position high in the tree-tops was difficult to pinpoint at times – but by following their distinctive call I was able to track them around the wood. My ‘Raven’ isn’t very good but they did allow me to join in their conversation – probably amused – or bemused – by the fool on the ground who tried to talk their talk!
Raven!
Eventually it was time to move on and leave the Ravens in peace – and wander over to Walkhampton Church with its fairy-tale tower…
Four over-sized pinnacles silhouetted against a darkening sky. St Mary’s Church – Walkhampton.
At around sunset – I would have expected the church to be locked – but as luck would have it – the door was left on the latch…
Bringing the outside in. Etched on glass – Ravens, Ponies and Granite Tors inside Walkhampton Church.
Stained glass window detail. Beautiful ‘Sugared Almond’ coloured leaded lights.
As well as its impressive church – Walkhampton boasts another equally impressive shelter – its surprisingly comfortable bus stop!
If ever you are passing through Walkhampton – it’s well worth a STOP!
I finished this visit to Dartmoor – with an impromptu stop on B3357 betwixt Foggintor and the Staple Tors to meet up with my tousled haired friend again…
My luckiest find of the day.
Homeward bound. A perfect end to a visit full of simple pleasures…
Including a lungful of early ‘May’ near Ravens’ Haven – aah.