TORS OF DARTMOOR

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

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South Down North-East

A small collection of metamorphic outcrops can be viewed on the grassy north-east slope of South Down with wonderful views over Meldon Reservoir and the gorge. Starting from highest to lowest; follow the line of trees from the footpath, up onto the ridge where can be seen outcrops at grid reference SX 5591 9150 (altitude 305 metres), which are larger than the rather disappointing summit.

The middle section is some 10 metres lower in height at SX 5600 9160, comprising of two scruffy low patches of bedrock close to each other on the ridge line.

Hiding off the ridge, some 15 metres lower still at SX 5609 9165, is the best of the bunch you can reach. It is the largest and lowest of the outcrops on the ridge of South Down. It sits just above the track that led to the old permissive footpath that made a circular walk around Meldon Reservoir possible before it was barricaded off. Whilst the three sections can be visited all year, they are best viewed in the winter months when the bracken has died down.

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South Down North-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 560 916
Height:
305m
Parish:
Okehampton Hamlets
Tor Classification:
Emergent
Access:
Private (but accessible)
Rock Type:
Metamorphic
Credit:
Paul Buck
Reference / Further Reading:
Paul Buck: South Down

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