Beside the River Lyd on its west bank is this non-granite outcrop, the best of a group, that is a popular spot for family gatherings in the summer as it is mostly sheltered from the wind and there is a chance for paddling in the inviting waters nearby, especially when the river levels are low. It can be reached from the west at High Down car park or by crossing the bridge over the Lyd to the north and walking back down the east side to view.
Hemery describes it, in High Dartmoor - Land and People, walking from High Down Ford; "...where a further two hundred yards brings Lyd to the end of its middle reach. An abrupt bend to the south-east casts the river into a rocky hole below the crags of Black Rock (approx. 1,000 feet), a tor consisting of several crags breaking from the lower valley side." Tim Jenkinson estimated in August 2011 that there are at least seven different outcrops here, albeit rather scruffy when seen from the lower slopes of Brai Tor just above the river where they are seen as a range tucked under the lower side of High Down. He writes: "Collectively these are known as 'Black Rock', a distinctively lesser known tor first described by Harry Starkey and later by Eric Hemery in 1983." Whilst the outline of the outcrops are shown on modern Ordnance Survey maps of the area, they are not named.
On the main rock there is a large plaque, that is inscribed with a poem, placed in memory of Captain Nigel Duncan Ratcliffe Hunter, who was killed in action during World War I. The edited report on the dedication below, that includes the name of Black Rock, appeared in the Western Morning News (WMN) of May 15th 1919 and is the earliest reference we have found:
"Yesterday in a romantic spot on the western edge of Dartmoor the Rev. G. S. Thorpe, rector of Lydford, dedicated a tablet in memory of the late Capt. N. D. R. Hunter, M.C., R.E., once a frequent visitor to the district. The spot was chosen by the gallant young officer's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Hunter, of Cheltenham, because it was visited by their son in July, 1915, a few days before he first went to the Western front. He was deeply attached to that part of the country, and composed there on that occasion some verses of farewell, which showed a premonition that he would not live to return. The spot will be known to many as the Black Rock, a massive stone which stands boldly above the waters of the Lyd as they tumble over their rugged course, loitering awhile with limpid calm in the Fairy Pool immediately below the Rock. On the eastern side of the stream rise the treeless slopes of Dartmoor, with Bray Tor, conspicuous by the Widgery Cross, immediately opposite. It was this scene of peace and grandeur that appealed to the young officer on his last holiday, and it is to these surroundings that his parents have returned to make their memorial of him. The tablet, which is placed on the Black Rock, immediately over a new seat for the use of visitors, bears the crest of the Royal Engineers, and the inscription:-
In loving memory of Capt. Nigel Duncan Ratcliffe Hunter, M.C. and bar, Royal Engineers, who was killed in action at Biefvillers, near Bapaume, on March 25th, 1918, aged 23 years.
He lost his life during the German spring offensive of 1918, being last seen gallantly holding a railway embankment at Biefvillers, near Bapaume, on March 25, 1918."
Easily reached from High Down, Black Rock is a most pleasant spot to stop awhile, read the inscription on the plaque and take in the scenery before perhaps embarking on a longer walk. The huge hillside under Brai Tor dominates to the east as per the WMN article.
Black Rock (Lydford)
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 5329 8527
Height:
311m
Parish:
Lydford
Tor Classification:
Valley Side
Access:
Public
Rock Type:
Metamorphic
Credit:
Eric Hemery Harry Starkey Western Morning News
Reference / Further Reading:
Hemery, E. (1983): High Dartmoor - Land and People Jenkinson, T. (2011): Flickr Photostream Western Morning News (1919): Memorial on Dartmoor: Dedication of a Tribute to a Gallant Soldier, 15th May
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