Great Rock East

Separate and distinct from the main pile of Great Rock this tor consists of two massive outcrops set high on the slopes above the main footpath running through Greatrock Copse. This excellent tor could easily be missed, for it is not visible from the path which adds to the danger of straying which is discouraged on notice boards at the entrance to the wood because the mine shafts on the hillside pose a risk.

The dark and brooding rocks with deep caves and cracks are part involved with what seems to be a small wall on the upper side. Another grand tor that rises many metres into the trees it is truly intimidating at close-quarters and Tim Jenkinson (2017) makes a brief reference to this rockpile when he writes "I have located other sizeable rock piles at SX 823817, in Lake's Copse nearer the mine at SX 826817 and a smaller flattened series of rocks in Easterndown Copse at SX 819818." A number of TWM (Torquay Water Main) 1858 stones may be noticed when walking along the path to reach Great Rock East which mark the original undergrown piping into the town of Torquay from the Hennock Reservoirs.

Tim concludes quite nicely; "Greatrock Copse is a place of considerable industrial history with not only a once vibrant iron mine works in the vicinity but also where underground piping was first laid to bring water to the people of Torquay in 1858. In addition it has numerous hidden rock piles of considerable magnitude, including the magnificent rock itself from which the area is named."

Great Rock East
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 8229 8175
Height:	209m
Parish:	Hennock
Tor Classification:	Valley Side
Access:	Private (but accessible)
Rock Type:	Granite
Credit:	Tim Jenkinson
Reference:	Tim Jenkinson: Dartmoor Discovered Greatrock Copse Dartmoor Magazine 127 Summer p34-35

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