Weather: clear , bright, strong wind.

Time taken: 1 hr 45 min.

Park at Amy Tree (365668) and navigate one of the most complicated junctions in the world by heading towards Pillaton along the lane. Take the first  right fork into Pillaton. In the village centre ,opposite The Weary Friar take the sharp right  along a No Through Road. Past some small bungalows the road changes into a track- it is well marked- and then - cross the stile into a field. The next stile is clearly visible as is the next one. At this point I lost my bearings a little as I was concerned about the bullocks in the field  although they were not in the least concerned with me,and headed down the very steep hill side on the wrong side of the hedge. Keep the hedge heading down the hill on yourright..At the final, even steeper field, there is a way marker post and the exit is clear.Turn left as indicated by the sign and exit onto the lane through a kissing gate that looks as if it has been uplifted from a London park. Turn right along the lane through Tor Wood following the path of the Lynher to Clapper Bridge and then turn back up the hill to return to Amy Tree.

( Most walks can be done either way round but I think that it is probabaly easier to go down the field hill than up it and gently plod back along the lane over New Down to Amy Tree. There are great views to the sea and Maker church.

Flowers: somewhat sparse.

Birds: A very chirrupy robin posing for a Christmas card on a sign but not long enough for the camera to catch him.

Small joys: The view from the field up the Lynher Valley is one of the loveliest of all the walks. The winter tree shades of brown and grey are not well caught by my camera. There is a new walk developed under the countryside stewardship scheme along the Lynher at the bottom of the hill accessible from the lane which would make a very sensible walk from Pillaton.