TORS OF DARTMOOR

a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops

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Prescombe Rocks

Lower Watervale Rocks

In their Tors List of 380 Visitations from 1996, Dr. Peter Sanders and Alan Watson recorded an incipient tor; "This is a moderately sized outcrop of Trap Rock in the fields of Prescombe Farm, termed Prescombe Rocks for ease of reference. Prescombe Rocks are only seen from the road near Raven's Tor."

However, it seems the Rocks do not reside within - or are even adjacent to - land belonging to Prescombe Farm, so perhaps the name of Lower Watervale Rocks might be more appropriate as the farm of Lower Watervale is much closer to the site residing just below the Rocks. Consisting of one main emergent outcrop just off the summit of the hill (at 261m), the Rocks here are non granite and present as a slanted mass of irregularly jointed rock that is well embedded into the hillside. From its cracks lush green grass and reeds sprout, and the Rocks are accentuated by patches of white lichen that is common to this type of geology. Gorse bushes and a couple of robust hawthorn trees decorate the base of the Rocks.

Within the field's eastern boundary another outcrop can be found; whilst seemingly bulldozed into place it is more likely to be natural and in situ, as it resides within a hedge with a fence atop and a sparse clitter.

To the south of the Rocks there is a lane that runs between Open Access Land and a cycle route which gets you close. From there, the top of the Rocks can be spotted at the gate to the field, but please seek permission from the landowner should you wish to visit. The hill has fine views west across to the woodland above Lydford Gorge and to the north and east, the open moor dominates with the likes of Little Links, Great Links, Arms and Brat (Brai) Tor all on view.

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Prescombe Rocks
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 5104 8365
Height:
260m
Parish:
Lydford
Tor Classification:
Emergent
Access:
Private (but visible from public land)
Rock Type:
Metamorphic
Credit:
Alan Watson
Dr. Peter Sanders
Reference / Further Reading:
Sanders, Dr. Peter and Watson, A. (1996): Tors List 380 Tors Visitations (published privately)

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