Rock Idols A Guide to Dartmoor in 28 Tors

About this book

Fantastical yet natural, Dartmoor's 280-million-year-old tors are among the most iconic landmarks in Southern Britain. Victorian antiquarians described them as 'rock idols', believing them to be stone deities worshipped by the Druids. Thousands of years before that, they inspired our ancestors who built ceremonial stone rows and circles aligned with them. Today, the tors are loved by walkers, climbers and locals, who visit in their thousands every year. Rock Idols is a hymn to these mysterious monoliths, in which the authors share tales of their trips to 28 of the tors. With stunning original drawings, the book delves into the moor's archaeology, folklore and geology. It is a meditation on the human relationship with ancient stones and wild places, and the hold they have over our imagination.

Rock Idols tells the story of Dartmoor through the lens of its tors. With captivating original artwork, personal stories and practical information, discover why these ancient stones continue to fascinate us.
- Hike to the dramatic heights of Bench Tor, where the River Dart carves its way through the valley below.
- Explore the twin tors of Blackingstone Rock and Heltor, linked by legend and geology.
- Stand where medieval tin miners once held parliament at Crockern Tor, where the spirit of 'Old Crockern' still inspires.
- Experience the haunting beauty of the Dewerstone, its sheer cliffs rising above the River Plym, shrouded in myth and cloaked in Devon rainforest.

Contents

Introduction   7
Good to Know   17

- Greator Rocks   19
- Bench Tor   27
- Mel Tor   33
- Dewerstone   39
- West Mill Tor   45
- Luckey Tor   51
- Fox Tor   57
- Great Mis Tor   63
- Ugborough Beacon   69
- Blackingstone Rock and Hel Tor   75
- Down Tor   81
- Sharpitor (Lustleigh)   87
- Hookney Tor   93
- Hen Tor   99
- Crockern Tor   105
- Calveslake Tor   111
- Vixen Tor   117
- Kes Tor   123
- Sittaford Tor   129
- Devil's Tor   137
- Leather Tor   143
- Rippon Tor   149
- Brat Tor   155
- White Tor   161
- Fur Tor   167
- Watern Tor   175
- Belstone Tor   183
- High Willhays   191

Glossary   198
Bibliography   200
Index   202
Rights and Responsibilities   207

Customer Reviews

Biography

A writer and photographer, Sophie Pierce has long been drawn to the wild landscapes and ancient history of Dartmoor, and is passionate about sharing its stories and secrets. Alex Murdin is an artist who has lived on Dartmoor for over 25 years. The moor's granite landscape is a rich source of inspiration for his writing and drawing.