COGS and Wheels Ladies Morris from Sticklepath gave a whole new meaning to the term ‘wild camping’ this May morning when they discovered three tents pitched within the Nine Maidens stone circle, scene of their annual ritual dancing.

It was 5.45am and their loud music, jangling bells and clashing sticks were not enough to rouse the sleepy campers, or perhaps they simply did not dare emerge for fear of finding themselves part of some ancient and mystic sacrificial ceremony.

After a few dances and some cheery good wishes, the dancers, musicians and their intrepid band of followers departed for a hearty breakfast before more dancing in Sticklepath.

Previously on the moor above Belstone they had greeted the rising of the sun during a spectacular dawn with an invocation to the spring and their first dance of the season, the appropriately named ‘Queen of the May.’ The side are looking forward to a happy summer of dancing at pubs the length and breadth of Dartmoor, and at events such as Lustleigh May Day, The Royal Cornwall Show and the Dartmoor Folk Festival.

l The Cogs and Wheels are pictured right at Nine Maidens.