Down in the Drizzlecombe Valley are the remnants of a prehistoric ritual centre comprising of standing stones, a stone, row, barrows and kistvaens. For thousands of years these ancient granite stones have held the secrets of the old men of the moor. Throughout the millennia they have silently stood in …

There is one place on Dartmoor that when in company and responding to the question: ‘where have you been today‘ will always get a snigger, namely: ‘up the Deadman’s Bottom‘. This by no means infers that you have both homosexual and necrophilic tendencies but simply that you have been walking …

Here are two short legends very similar to the Nine Maidens, both on the lines of youngsters breaking the Sabbath and being turned to stone for their troubles. The Legend of the Dancers. A group of youngsters went up on Stall Moor to have what would have been the equivalent …

‘Rock Art’ seems to be a popular subject in certain archaeological circles with new discoveries being made all the time. Cave paintings have been discovered at Cresswell Crags and Cheddar which previously were said not to be exist in the UK. Under the ‘umbrella’ of rock art comes the ‘cup …

On the edge of the infamous Fox Tor Mire stands an old stone cross, it’s mounted upon a three stepped pedestal. This ancient cross is said in legend to be the tomb of Childe the Hunter who was a wealthy Saxon lord who loved the thrill of the chase. The …

Since the year dot there has always been a need for navigational aids when travelling, especially in unfamiliar landscapes. It is known that the Romans introduced milestones whose use continued well into the nineteen century. These were later replaced by the road signs of today and thanks to GPS have …

Today the general consensus is that the Romans never ventured very far onto Dartmoor however just over 100 years ago there was a strong theory that in fact the famous Fosseway Roman road crossed the moor as it went from Exeter to Tavistock. This route became known as the ‘Great …

At an altitude of about 1,300ft stands a lone cross firmly affixed to a large boulder, this is known as the Cave-Penney Memorial or the Sherwell Cross. It is an impressive monument in memory of a brave young man who died in the First World War. At the bottom of …

In a field just outside the town of Bovey Tracey stands a forlorn looking granite cross, it is sometimes known as Longston Cross or Challabrook Cross. At some time in the past it has been used as a gatepost as is evident from the two rusty gate hangers that still …

One thing Dartmoor is not lacking in is cairns, there are big ones, little ones, ancient ones and modern ones. It is impossible to look on a map of the moor and not see one somewhere. But what are there purpose? The explanation for the modern ones initially appears simple, …