TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Hameldown Beacon RocksHamilton Beacon
 Nearing the summit of Hameldon Beacon on the south side and straddling the wall there is a small ruined tor of flattened outcrops with a scattered rock field below extending down towards the prominent line of trees known as Beech Hedge. This outcrop is very much lesser-known and can be found just off the main Two Moors Way path that ascends the ridge.  Tim Jenkinson, writing in Dartmoor Magazine, explains; "Described as a tor by Egerton Downard, the Beacon's rocks are scattered above the top end of Beech Hedge and consist of a wide spreading clitter within which small and mostly flat outcrops reside." The largest outcrop is at SX 70780 78687, presenting as a rock face of about 2 metres in height just below a conspicuous bulge in the wall which has utilised the highest part of the tor having been built over the top of it. Below this point is a granite gatepost that is embedded in the wall at the point where it becomes a fence. There are other low outcrops scattered through the heather, one of which is shown below and not far from the Beacon at SX 70830 78751.  On top of the Beacon itself there is one of the Duke of Somerset's boundary markers dated 1854 complete with the spelling error 'Hamilton'. On the south-east side of this is an OS benchmark that is severely weathered and difficult to discern in low light, but the area is noted for its fabulous panorama that is one of the finest on Dartmoor and is well worth the visit for this alone on a clear day. 
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