OK, I have to plead guilty of living in a beautiful part of the world. True it’s not on the scale of the Alps, The Grand Canyon or the Norwegian Fjords, but you know in it’s own way Cornwall is right up there with the best of them!
The 80 square miles of Bodmin Moor lies in the heart of Cornwall’s geography and life. To explain, a Moorland is a type of habitat found in upland areas that are generally characterised by low growing sparse and tough vegetation on acidic soil. The United Kingdom hosts approximately 15% of the world’s moorland, which is great for me because I just love the wildness of this type of hard country. Best of all, Dookes H.Q. is right on the edge of the high moor; my moor.
I don’t intentionally take our easy access to the Moor for granted, but occasionally I have to give myself a slight kick on the backside to get out on the wild side and let my senses drink in the landscape.
The beauty of the moor can be deceiving, this is truly hard country when the weather takes a turn for the worse and although you are never really very far from civilisation its easy for the unwary to get into trouble. On a day like this though, when skylarks soar and sing and the plaintive mew of the curlew drifts across the landscape all is well in the world.
I find that even a short excursion onto the peatlands clears my head, both literally and spiritually, but then I always have loved the high country landscape.
On a clear day it is possible to spot the other high moors of South West England, Exmoor and Dartmoor, from the slopes of Bodmin Moor.
Looking East at distant Dartmoor.
Like many moorlands, Bodmin Moor is almost totally bereft of trees. It is believed that clearance started in the neolithic era, between 12,000 – 6000 years ago. Those trees that remain are usually isolated and stunted by the poor soils and constant winds. This particular hawthorn, Crataegus in latin, always fascinates me. 
I couldn’t help taking a few shots in black and white just to experiment.
I hope you agree that I am really lucky having all this just five minutes from my front door!
“On the hills where the wind goes over sheep-bitten turf,
where the bent grass beats upon the unploughed poorland..”
John Masefield
Catch you soon.
Dookes
Hogrider Dookes 
Beautiful country! The black and white photos are excellent. Yes, you are lucky HD. Is it wet out on the moors? Sherlock Holmes mysteries are always warning folks to stay away from the moors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Bob.
If by wet you mean boggy ground, then yes there are places that can easily catch out those not familiar with the area. The underlying geology on Bodmin Moor is generally granite, which doesn’t allow water to drain through. Peaty soil holds water well too and a number of rivers rise on the moor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spectacular. I’ve only been able to spend a few days in Cornwall. Beautiful country that I’d love to see again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I guess that you know where it is….
So saddle up and head down here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree you are lucky to have this on your doorstep. But isn’t there supposed to be a ‘Beast of Bodmin Moor’ or did I just read that in a book somewhere?
Oh yeah, love the pics but the colour one of the tree is my particular favourite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kind lady.
The Beast is only seen outside the local pubs late on a Saturday night……
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
gorgeous photos! I love “barren” countryside and moors. I need to get me there asap!
LikeLike
I’m pleased you like the photos. It is a very special place and well worth exploring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that cloud formation in the ‘looking east’ pic. They look like they’ve all gathered there to admire the landscape.
LikeLike
Who can blame them Curtis, it’s a pretty special landscape, but I am biased!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magic motor cycle country, fabulous vistas and not over populated. Thanks for the tour, most enjoyable.
LikeLike
You are most welcome my friend.
LikeLike
It’s easy to take it for granted when you live in a small piece of paradise. Living in the Florida panhandle has taught me that. Of course it’s tourist season now so later in the year we will have to do most of our exploring and appreciating the view! ~Elle
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the only problem….the tourist season, we have it too!
Like you say though, once they all go home we get the place back to ourselves again! 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person