Dartmoor Day 3

Drove half an hour to Princetown this morning which lies right in the heart of the moor. The approach was as scenic as it can get with wide views of the moor making it impossible for me to suppress a "Whoah".
Parked at the visitor centre and set off at 10:30. No rush. There were quite a few mountain bikers and hikers around. This seems to be a hub for outdoor activities as well as Sunday/bank holiday family strolls. Still, as soon as I hit another ex-railway path I only met very few people. 
The going on the gravel path was easy and views amazing, being quite a mixture of my day 1 and 2 rides. The strong consistant breeze was a bit unnerving but couldn't spoil my happiness.  Rode a loop around King's Tor, climbed it and followed the bridleway then to Burrator Reservoir.
The smell of wood was quite a welcome difference and I rode around the lake at a leisurely pace enjoying the sun that had come out. Short break at the waterfront before I set off to tackle part two of today's ride. So far no real ascent and no rocky bits. This was going to change.
First a tarmac and then  very rocky path led more or less straight up eventually veering north towards Princetown. Rode some, pushed some, rode some again. The going was a bit slow but looking back the view got ever better. Vast bleak hills again, a few old stone walls and the odd cow/sheep/horse. This is Dartmoor.
Back in Princetown my venture to its famous prison was stopped by a sign making it clear that passing it may have some unpleasant consequences. Boo! Went to a café instead and couldn't resist to order a cappucino and an apple pie that I discovered happily was drowning in custard, when placed in front of me.
Will drive down to Halwell to meet up with some friends of mine who are on a Devon/Dartmoor holiday with a group. Will have dinner and then drive home hopefully without any incident!