TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Island Rocks Island Rocks is a local name for a cluster of large outcrop type rocks that are set on a small hillock close to the west bank of the West Dart River on private land to the south of Dunnabridge Farm. They have been named on account of them overlooking an island in the river below, although the enclosures here are actually shown on the Tithe Map of 1840 as Eaver Close and Lower Clapper Hill.  It is a picturesque location with the river close by and the mostly green moss covered boulders are split, fissured and arranged in such a way as to warrant attention forming an interesting albeit small avenue on the eastern side. Other rocks in the group have curious shapes and large boulders near the gentle summit look to have toppled forward on the slope. Dartmoor Guide Paul Rendell (PR) had earlier noted the rocks here and the current tenant of the Farm advised him of the name. Shortly after this an on the ground assessment by Max Piper and Tim Jenkinson, facilitated by PR in January 2024, confirmed their status.  The visit also allowed for an inspection of the nearby Dunnabridge Cross at SX 6398 7379 that was set up as a memorial to 9 year old Christopher Holman Richards who tragically died in a drowning accident at this spot in 1928. A comprehensive account of the incident can be found in the Winter edition of the Dartmoor Magazine from 1990 (see references).  Please be advised that both the cross and the rocks here reside on private land and are therefore inaccessible without prior permission to visit from the occupants of the Farm.
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