TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Chimney Bow RocksBow Combe
 For its first kilometre from the foot of Hangingstone Hill, Steeperton Brook meanders gently through a mire scarred by the tinning industry to Bow Combe Ford. From thence on, the banks narrow and the watercourse encounters steeper terrain more pleasing to the eye.  It is Eric Hemery who draws our attention to the name and gives a brief description; "At Chimney Bow, the brook falls between huge boulders and steep hillsides to its tiny middle reach under Steeperton Hill." This is a quite charming and tranquil combe enhanced by the soothing sounds of water tumbling over a succession of rocky steps and waterfalls. A couple of metres from the left bank, there can also be seen some fine rounded boulders of significant size.  A short distance above the rocks, to the south of Steeperton Hill and just below the ford, the visitor will encounter one of the finest remains of a medieval tinners hut on Dartmoor (OS grid ref: SX 62069 88158). Jeremy Butler, in the second volume of his Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities, says this is; "one of the best preserved examples with all four walls standing to 1.5m high, a cupboard recess at the far end and the lintel lying in the doorway." 
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