TORS OF DARTMOOR

a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops

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Black Hill Rocks

Not referred to nor recorded by this name anywhere in the literature of Dartmoor until an article on Hound Tor Combe by Tim Jenkinson in 2015 (DM 119) he explains 'Leaving the tor (Lower Leighon) one now needs a good constitution and stamina to climb the slopes and head south and eastward eventually to reach the small compact outcrop at SX 760786 that I have always known as Black Hill Rocks set some 200 metres south east of Leighon Tor (but not visible from there).'

The name came to light in the late 1980s during a letterbox walk in the area and seems most appropriate give the position of the rocks on the brow of the hill before it falls away sharply down to the Combe. The small tor consists of a prominent outcrop that is plainly visible looking north-eastwards from the track beside Smallacombe Rocks and with a fair sized clitter beneath. The summit rock is a grand platform from which to sit awhile and see the thrilling vista of dipping vales to the north picking out the light faced tower of Manaton church some three miles distant.

The photo below, taken from Greator Rocks, shows its position above the most prominent outcrop known as Leighon Tor.

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Black Hill Rocks
The map above is not a navigation tool and we recommend that the grid reference shown below is used in conjunction with an Ordnance Survey map and that training in its use with a compass is advised.
Grid Ref:
SX 7604 7864
Height:
404m
Parish:
Manaton
Tor Classification:
Emergent
Access:
Public
Rock Type:
Granite
Credit:
Tim Jenkinson
Reference / Further Reading:
Tim Jenkinson: Dartmoor Discovered: Houndtor Combe - Dartmoor Magazine No 119 p.40-41, Summer 2015

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