dartmoor stone circle walk

26Butler (1997) p.146, Baring-Gould, S, A Book of Dartmoor, (1900), (Halsgrove reprint 2002) Dewerstone to Ivybridge on the Dartmoor Way. Socket holes were found at Merrivale: "The outlying stone to the east of the circle and the two 0.3m deep pits survive in situ; they may represent the remains of a second, concentric, stone circle". The walls of this structure are huge, up to 4 metres in width and 2 metres in height, with an entrance made using large slabs. You come to a second wall leading from the forest on the left, and there is a gate and stile to use in crossing it. Some stiles and open moorland to cross. The Buttern Hill and Tottiford circles are in valleys where as the Mardon circle is on the summit of a large hill. Crossing, William Guide to Dartmoor (Peninsula Press, 2001) The walk is divided into six stages and is signed en route, apart from on the moorland itself, where the tramway is still visible and therefore self-evident. 8Burl p344-5 & Turner pp.80-2 The stone circles of Dartmoor are parochial and small in character in contrast to the grand regional circles at Stanton Drew and Avesbury. +44 (0) 7817 329584info@dartmoorsdaughter.comSign up to our newsletter here, Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher), The King Way Walk - Dartmoor Walking Festival. In some areas such as Gidleigh8 and Batworthy9 large numbers of flints have been found which range from the Mesolithic through the Neolithic on to the Bronze Age which shows that these locations were in use for millennia. Scorhill Circle is arguably the most impressive stone circle having the largest stones, one of which is over 8 feet in height. late Neolithic and early Bronze Age (to see both Cut Hill Stone Row and Whitehorse Hill Cist in relation to Grey Wethers, see Monuments within 4km of Grey Wethers or alternatively easier to see via Monuments within 4km of Quintins Man Cairn). WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Sturdy walking boots; warm layers; sunscreen; waterproof jacket and trousers (whatever the forecast); walking poles if you have them;drink/flask and snack or picnic lunch. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "ringmoordown" Flickr tag. 15The precise date range for the Neolithic period varies according to different authors. WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Sturdy hiking boots with gaiters if you have them (there are two wet/boggy areas to walk through); plenty of warm layers including hat and gloves; waterproof jacket and trousers (whatever the forecast); drinks/hot flask, snacks, picnic lunch; and head torch.Dogs - By arrangement only please. Once you have visited the Tree Boys stone you carry on up to Kestor Rock where on the summit you will find an example of one of the finest Rock Basins (or Pans) on Dartmoor. The hard part, I was sure, was over. Includes meditations, chanting and dowsing, silent walking, and an evening event to see the sunset. In the case of Shovel Down the excavation of the nearby Roundy Pound showed evidence of iron working and the extensive reave and field system in the area between Shovel Down and Kestor would suggest the area was occupied during the late Bronze Age and through to the Iron Age.21, Whilst specific dating evidence of Dartmoor Stone Circles is lacking there is evidence from other archaeological excavations which might throw some light on the context of the stone circles. The debris of the former stones remain in place. In terms of funerary practise it should be pointed out that cists often have cremation remains and they are widely distributed, often very distant from stone circles, although they could reflect later cultural practise. The Dartmoor stone circles are around 20-40 metres in diameter and typically consist of small stones enclosing a flat interior located on very gently inclined slopes. 13As late as 1902 Robert Burnard complained bitterly in the Transactions of the Devonshire Association that under the provisions of the Highways Act of William IV the road builders had the legal right to utilise any surface stone to repair roads and he claimed that Dartmoor monuments were still suffering as a consequence and that they had no real legal protection. Some of the stone circles seen on the moor are believed to have been for purely ceremonial purposes. Many of these monuments appear to be associated with nearby settlements and with burial sites. in a discussion about the rows on Shovel Down7. Both circles have 30 stones and diameters very close to 33 m and they are within 2 degrees of being on an exact north to south alignment. Kljune rijei: Summit Or Nothing, Gidleigh, Kestor Rock, Dartmoor Walks, Hiking on Dartmoor, dartmoor walk, scorhill stone circle, kestor rock dartmoor, dartmoor hike, summit or nothing dartmoor, short dartmoor walk, dartmoor walks, walking on dartmoor, dartmoor national park, short walks on dartmoor, north dartmoor (1964) Video posnetek. RISK: Walks and activities are at your own risk. 15Burnard (1894) pp. Car Sharing - Please car share in your bubbles where possible. There are stone rows and cairns close to the Fernworthy, Merrivale, Shovel Down and Tottiford circles. Likewise at Hurston ridge the stone row is similarly partially incorporated into an enclosed settlement20. 4Newman p.24 Older children 16+ years are welcome if they have sufficient walking experience and fitness. The circle was excavated by the Dartmoor Exploration Committee in 1897. 4 Beds. The footpath is part of the Two Moors Way with the distinctive MW sign on the finger-post indicating the way to Gidleigh and the Mariners Way, another long distance path Mariners Way is an ancient trackway supposed to have taken its name from the sailors who founded it. For a photo of this site, see: Megalithic Portal: Sourton Tors Stone CircleNearby sites: SX54688959, OS Map: SX 81095 83161NMR record: HER record: 102539Megalithic Portal: 24205PMD: Tottiford ReservoirShort Name: SC:TottifordDimensions (m): 25.0Notes: The Tottiford circle was discovered in 2009 when there was lower than usual levels of water in Tottiford reservoir; it featured as part of a Time Team dig in 2010. The circle is 26.8m (88 feet) across. One of the stones, lying down, has some signs of an attempt to split it using the feather and tare method. Fernworthy Stone Circle Loop from Throwleigh. 8see also NMR SX 68 NE 63 This home is currently off market - it last sold on December 12, 2002 for $410,000. $300,000 Last Sold Price. Photo: White Moor (Little Hound Tor) Stone Circle. RISK: Walks and activities are at your own risk. 537 views, 53 likes, 9 loves, 4 comments, 3 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Dartmoor Magazine: A deserted Scorhill stone circle on #Dartmoor, visited on a great 10-mile circular walk today. Wessex Archaeology Time Team Report: Tottiford Reservoir, Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results (2011) Extract from the Second Report of the D.E.C. Sites such as the Nine Maidens site on Belstone common are considered to be cairn circles rather than stone circles. Creaber moor gate in Gidleigh. In spite of reckless drivers and narrow hedgerows, I had made it to Chagford and breathed a sigh of relief to see the open country before me. Vol. It would seem likely that most circles were established near population centres and sited to ensure ease of access to the whole community, they probably acted as ritual centres and perhaps also a place for community gatherings much like a local church or town hall. 323 pp55-70. The precise definition of which monuments are included as stone circles has changed over the years resulting in different numbers of circles being stated by different authorities. Vol 24 (1894) p.303-4. The 8 stone circles form an approximate arc so, taking an archaeological as well as phenomenological approach, we will journey together - sometimes in silence and sometimes sharing our experiences - through this wild and beautiful landscape asking questions of the ancestors, stones, and land along the way. 12Grinsell (1978) p. 86 Gerrard, Sandy, English Heritage Book of Dartmoor: Landscapes Through Time, (1997) Day 1 - Saturday 9th June : We will meet at Peartree, Ashburton at 9 am and carshare, or you have the . Older children 16+ years are welcome if they have sufficient walking experience and fitness. The site is in a small clearing in Fernworthy Forrest off the path to Teignhead Farm. But it was worth it. Use Ordnance Survey Map of Dartmoor OL 28 1:25,000. Dartmoor National Park is in South West England in the county of Devon. Welcome to Dartmoor walks Get to know Dartmoor's towns and villages and learn about the landscape and rich history of the surrounding areas with this series of introductory walking routes.. This could be by design or it could be a coincidence given the wide range of orientations of Dartmoor stone rows. There are many double and a few triple stone rows on Dartmoor. Butler suggests it probably originally consisted of around 61 stones many of which are probably buried under the peat where they originally fell although some have no doubt been robbed out.Nearby sites: SX76768720, Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 2]OS Map: SX 55361 74641NMR record: SX 57 SE 8HER record: 4998Megalithic Portal: 116PMD: Merrivale Stone CircleShort Name: SC MerrivaleTurner: G14DPD: 17Dimensions (m): 18.6 x 20.2Notes: "A stone circle with a diameter of 20.0m. +44 (0) 7817 329584info@dartmoorsdaughter.comSign up to our newsletter here, Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher), Kings of the Solar System - Jupiter & Saturn. The original restored circle consisted of 16 stones in a 20.9m circle. I'm not kidding when I say I experienced all the seasons during the hike to these stones. It is about 1km from the Grey Wethers which are to the ENE. Trees only remained in the lowland river valleys and peat bogs started to form probably as a direct consequence of this landscape manipulation by humans in the Mesolithic period11. Tap/mouse over a coloured circle (1-3 easy walks, 4-6 moderate walks, 7-9 hard walks) and click to select. Karin Murray-Bergquist. This leads to the lane taking you to the ruinous Manga Farm, well worth a visit. (2010). Set in the idyllic hills of Dartmoor National Park just north of Newton Abbot, Canonteign Forest is home to some challenging hikes and stunning natural scenery. WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Sturdy walking boots; warm layers; sunscreen; waterproof jacket and trousers (whatever the forecast); walking poles if you have them;drink/flask and snacks and picnic lunch. Dartmoor has long been known for the richness of its prehistoric heritage; stone circles, hut circles, massive burial cairns, and stone rows all pepper the landscape. The dig did not find specific dating evidence for the stone circle but it appeared as part of a ceremonial complex of other monuments including a double stone row which appeared to lead to a large mound. You will be able to transfer your booking to another walk. Mesolithic tools are very distinctive consisting of much smaller flint tools than found during the Palaeolithic. Rising like lonesome watchtowers, these distinctive landmarks are the goal of popular walks. 1. Parking is limited on Dartmoor. Britain would have been uninhabited again during a further cold period known as the Loch Lomond Stadial which ended around 10,000 years ago4. At this time there was a rapid period of deforestation and grasses and bracken appear in the pollen records indicating a period of deforestation at the tree line. The moorland landscape we see today is a direct consequence of this period. Worth, R.H. Worth's Dartmoor (David & Charles, 1971), Wessex Archaeology Time Team Report: Tottiford Reservoir, Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results. Places to Visit near Haytor. Moretonhampstead 1: Mardon Down Stone Circle & Cairns ROUTE: Short walk. Many of the monumental sites on Dartmoor were partially or totally reconstructed by the Dartmoor Preservation Committee in the early twentieth century. 1 (1872) 27-86 (1990) Opportunity to find Pixies House or Piskies House Cave. Mardon Down. Photo: Emily Woodhouse. The Mesolithic is the period between the Palaeolithic and the Neolithic or "new" Stone Age. [HER MDV6400]. With these additions Worth's list agrees with Butler. The hills to our right include the distinctive Hound Tor and to our left the closest hill is Meldon Hill above Chagford. The walks featured are all based on the use of public transport, see Guide to Public Transport. It takes place on the weekend of 9 and 10 June. Dartmoor Walks & Experiences Dartmoor's Daughter - Walks & Nature Connection Experiences on Dartmoor, Devon We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. 19Butler Vol. . The stone rows and cairns probably came later and surround the site. After viewing the stone walk upstream and using the two bridges cross the Wallabrook and the North Teign river. For those who wish to continue with the walk, on the blue 5-mile route, to Teignhead Farm, at the end of the plantation instead of turning left back to Batworthy simply continue up the hill in the dip between the sloped on your left and right. Down Ridge (Hexworthy) was partially excavated in 1904 with charcoal being found "strewn on the floor". At this point a small detour to our right, along the path will take us to Scorhill stone circle at SX654 873. 16See: Dartmoor tomb treasure horde uncovered by archaeologists . The description of the route promises to . The outer ring of Yellowmead is the largest by diameter of these examples with a diameter that approaches 20 metres. Finish Steps Bridge. It is 32m in diameter consisting of recumbent stones of a similiar size to those used in the Grey Wethers. Buy Searching For Stone Circles: On Dartmoor (North) by B, Miss Helen Louise (ISBN: 9798576157488) from Amazon's Book Store. Stone Circle Walk Dartmoor's Daughter - Walks & Nature Connection Experiences on Dartmoor, Devon We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. Langstone Moor stone circle was restored in 1894. Summer like heat to freezing snow. The East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve and Bovey Valley holds many clues and can tell many stories about our ancestors' lives in the area. These settlers were responsible for the remarkable construction of the widespread and systematic field boundaries known as reaves. It was discovered in 2009 when reservoir levels were very low and excavated in 2010 by the Time Team. Find popular and cheap hotels near Fernworthy Stone Circle in Dartmoor Forest with real guest reviews and ratings. It would not be difficult to produce accurate circular structures with a peg and a rope yet only the Scorhill, Little Hound Tor and the two Grey Wethers circles are close to being exact circles, the others having the appearance of having been laid out roughly by eye. White, Paul Ancient Dartmoor - An Introduction (Bossiney Books, 2000) In 2012 tin beads were discovered when the Whitehorse Hill cist was excavated which perhaps for the first time gives an indication of tin working on Dartmoor during the Bronze Age16. It gave way after the last ice age, around 12 thousand years ago, to a gradual move towards farming - the Mesolithic or middle stone age period. The walks featured are all based on the use of public transport, see Guide to Public Transport. Worth, R.H. Worth's Dartmoor (David & Charles, 1971), For a more comprehensive listing of books on Dartmoor including links to versions available online see Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks Resource: Books, First humans arrived in Britain 250,000 years earlier than thought, Guardian: Humans ventured as far as Torquay more than 40,000 years ago, Nature: The earliest evidence for anatomically modern humans in northwestern Europe, Telegraph: Ancient stones older than Stonehenge discovered on Dartmoor, BBC: Stone row sheds new light on Dartmoor prehistoric life, Dartmoor tomb treasure horde uncovered by archaeologists, Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks Resource: Books, Ringmoor, Brisworthy Circle and Legis Pound. You could then either go down to Chagford (and get the bus back to exeter) or carry on further. It is interesting to note that 7 (now 8, see below) of these stone circles form an arc, or crescent, with each site separated by around 2 kilometres, they are; Grey Wethers (2 circles), Fernworthy, Shovel Down, Scorhill, Buttern Hill and Little Hound Tor (White Moor). It's a double stone row separated by a leat which is 263 metres long. These are thought to have been used as places of ritual or burial, and the largest of these is the Bronze Age stone circle at Merrivale. It is formed by eleven stones spaced between 2.7m and 6.7m. The Nine Maidens . In size it compares with the circles of the Grey Wethers and Scorhill". There are 34 stones remaining, 23 standing and 11 fallen, though these only account for a portion of the circle. On the way, detour to visit the mysterious Nine Maidens stone circle, climb Winter Tor, take a river dip and enjoy the views from Cosdon Beacon. Gerrard (1997) states there are 18 circles which is 4 more than Butler although he includes the 4-fold cairn circles at Yellowmead and Shoveldown and two other smaller circles which presumably would now be considered to be cairn circles. Approximately 14 miles/23 km through hilly moorland terrain. Dartmoor sits upon a granite plateau, and occasionally bare granite "peaks" (called tors) break through the heather. This stone circle is one of Dartmoor's finest: only thirty four stones remain of an original sixty five to seventy, and only twenty five of those are still standing. Once you have left the bridge continue to the large footpath ahead and turn right with Holly trees and Rhododendrons lining the way. There are hundreds of stone circles in the British Isles that have survived mostly in the highland areas.3 It is very likely that there were many more which have not survived due to clearance and there is evidence that in some areas such structures were constructed of wood. 24Eogan, George & Simmons, J.G. The walk covers a lot of moorland and prehistory and provides some awesome views. 37 pp. The later Neolithic period sees the transition from the use of stone tools through to the age of widespread metal working, first the Bronze Age and then the Iron Age. Butler points out that reaves constructed later near the circles seemed to make deliberate deviations in their course to ensure that the circles were not included in enclosed land such as at Scorhill and perhaps at Fernworthy (the reave at Fernworthy has been destroyed but the projected path excludes the circle), only the "Grey Wethers pair, Langstone Moor and Little Hound Tor are located some distance from settled areas".26. The article can be read on line here: The date and context of a stone row: Cut Hill, Dartmoor, south-west England Fox, A Excavations at KestorT.D.A Vol. Here we'll spend a short period of time in silence exploring the circle and then talk about the various archaeological and phenomenological theories of circles. The stone circle measures 24.8 metres in diameter and is denoted by five upright granite slabs standing up to 0.76 metres high. Dartmoor National Park is the area within the Datrmoor National Park boundary. 2See: Guardian: Humans ventured as far as Torquay more than 40,000 years ago and Nature: The earliest evidence for anatomically modern humans in northwestern Europe So far we do not even have accurate dating evidence for these monuments although it seems that they are from the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age. The path takes you through the woods to an open clearing and vehicle turning area where the footpath sign indicates your way to a lane under some large Beech trees. Today the circle is fairly dilapidated. 48 pp. Clifford Bridge. It is on the same arc as the previously known circles in northeastern Dartmoor.Nearby sites: SX63028281, OS Map: SX 54683 89587NMR record: SX 58 NW 21HER record: 4626Megalithic Portal: 3472PMD: Sourton (Corn Ridge) Stone CircleShort Name: SC SourtonTorsTurner: G3Dimensions (m): 32.0Notes: "A stone circle, diameter about 110 ft and appearing to have comprised 32 stones of which all but six remain where they have fallen, has been discovered between Sourton Tors and Cornridge. 2256 Meadow Oak Cir. Easily-accessible paths. Pettit, Paul Prehistoric Dartmoor (David & Charles, 1974) So, taking an archaeological as well as phenomenological approach, we will journey together (sometimes in silence and sometimes sharing our experiences) through this wild and beautiful landscape asking questions of the ancestors, stones, and land along the way. 7Gerrard p. 26 Thank you. The County Gazetteer for Devon (p.344-5) includes 40 stone rings on Dartmoor most of which are cairn circles. Fine examples include the Erme or Stall Moor Circle, The Pulpit (Trowlesworthy Warren E.), the Down Tor Circle (Hingston Hill) and the Ringmoor Down cairn circle and the Hartor cairn circle. At the bend you leave the tarmac lane and turn left into a footpath and over a stile. It is located in Kissimmee. They often form part of a larger ceremonial complex that includes stone rows, burial chambers, and standing stones. The lane follows the woods on your left and open farmland on your right until you reach a gateway leading out onto a tarmac lane. The Sourton Tors circle consists of 32 stones all but 6 of which remain were they have fallen. Two days of mindful walking and connecting with the energies and ancestors of the moor, visiting tors, interacting with sacred sites such as stone circles and stone rows, plus simulacra, holed stones. 3Burl (1976) (p.8, 11) states that there are over 900 stone circles. The Langstone Moor Stone circle had been restored in 1894 when all of the stones were re-erected in their original socket holes. See also, Legendary Dartmoor: Scorhill Stone Circle and HER MDV6122Nearby sites: SX65468740, OS Map: SX 63946 73187NMR record: SX 67 SW 23HER record: 6290Megalithic Portal: 1252PMD: Sherberton Stone CircleShort Name: SC SherbertonTurner: G5DPD: 101Dimensions (m): 29.5Notes: Remains of a 97 ft diameter stone circle with a stone wall passing through its western side. Click here for more information on cookies and our Privacy Notice. The largest by diameter are the Mardon Down stone circle (38.2 m) and the Grey Wethers (North 32.2 & South 33.6), the smallest are the Shovel Down (17.7 m) and Merrivale (19 m) circles. Also there is useful coverage on the Legendary Dartmoor website, see: The Legendary Cut Hill of Dartmoor SOLD FEB 16, 2023. The day-to-day life and culture of prehistoric peoples would have remained lttle changed from the late Neolithic through to the early Bronze Age. Both circles have 30 stones. Haytor is the most famous of these rocks. We will stop and spend time at each stone circle depending on our group pace. The best known of many prehistoric settlements on Dartmoor, Grimspound dates from the late Bronze Age (about 1450-700 BC). Burl8 (1976) and Turner (1990) both list around 30-40 circles but these listings include sites which are now considered to be cairn circles (see Turner Stone Circles). Since the days of the Dartmoor Exploration Committee when hundreds of hut circles and other monuments were excavated in a decade or so of frantic activity only a few Dartmoor monuments have been excavated. Hound Tor Walk 8. The Scorhill, Brisworthy circles are located near rivers but others such as the Mardon circle are nowhere near a river. 17Baring-Gould Fifth Report of the Dartmoor Exploration Committee, T.D.A. 9see also NMR SX 68 NE 29 The current condition of many of the Dartmoor stone circles owes much to the work of the Dartmoor Exploration Committee (D.E.C.) There's fascinating geology, a variety of wildlife and a number of granite tors there's so much to see. With small stones from the barely visible above the turf to only a little over 1 metre tall. The stone circle stands near the confluence of the North Teign River with its tributary the Wallabrook. These are all under a metre in height, and the ring measures about 8 metres in diameter. Pettit, Paul. Vol. Three upright stones, between 0.3m and 0.75m high, are visible. Around 1 million years ago Britain was connected to the continent and the first humans arrived in Britain. 30 pp.97-115 (1898) Find out more Great Plantation During the drought of August 2022 the stones were exposed again for the first time for years. Easy. Distance 10km. carried out excavations, the following are the most notable cases related to Dartmoor stone circles. The restoration was supervised by Baring-Gould. Just a brief walk from the town square lay the moor . Start Moretonhampstead. Later Neolithic farmers were more proficient in agriculture and started deliberately clearing large areas of forest for agricultural use. Some of the stone rows and stone circles are also thought to date from the late Neolithic although most are from the early Bronze Age. The early Stone Age hunter-gather period, the Palaeolithic, encompasses around 99% of human history. Typically cairn circles on Dartmoor are much smaller in size with very few having diameters greater than 20 metres. Fleming, Andrew The Dartmoor Reaves (Batsford, 1988) By continuing to use the site, you agree to cookies being used. Nearer is the narrow fir plantation leading down into the valley of the North Teign River, the trees leading right down to the location of the Tolmen Stone which is on our route shortly. The path takes you down hill into the woods and continues downhill left at another signpost to the North Teign River, which you cross by way of a wooden footbridge SX671 875. This would suggest Dartmoor was first exploited by humans in the Lower Palaeolithic although the evidence is weak. Walk through meadows, woodland and moorland, and take in the fascinating cultural heritage of ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and submerged clapper bridges, while enjoying beautiful lakeside views. Through open moorland and wooded valleys, taking in wild swimming rivers, ancient stone circles and monuments. Route is dependent on weather conditions and group pace. . Gerrard suggests Brisworthy stone circle could possibly be a ring cairn as a "low rubble bank, some 2.5m (8ft 2in) wide surrounds 75 per cent of the circumference"9 although Butler suggests this is probably a later feature.10, There is a possibility according to the investigations of the Dartmoor Exploration Committee that the Merrivale and Langstone Moor stone circles originally consisted of two concentric circles. A further six recumbent stones lie where they have fallen. These rows, some of which have little cairn-circles at their higher ends, are still an enigma: no one knows for sure why they were built. 1014 Dartmoor Pl is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. 20Newman (2011) p.25, Gerrard (1997) p.24 (Red route) Over Shovel Down to Manga Farm and Teignhead Farm ruins and return via Kestor Rock to Batworthy Corner. These early farmers are thought to have used wooden shelters and no evidence remains of their settlements. A six-mile walking route to the summit of White Tor in Dartmoor National Park. 3 Baths. Prijava. from the northeast side and 0.3m high, is angled towards the circle and may be quite unassociated". These early humans were not Homo sapiens but of the same genus Homo. HAZELL SILLVER met archaeologist Andy Crabb to find out more about these The circles were restored in 1909 by Burnard. Carry on down the other side of the hill along the wide grassy path until you reach a small bridge over a leat. Before You Go. 20Gerrard p.25, Baring-Gould, S A Book of Dartmoor (Halsgrove, 2002) 94-114 (1979) (Blue route) Into the valley of the North Teign River to Gidleigh then to Scorhill Down and the Tolmen Stone and back to Batworthy Corner. 4Butler (1997) p.145 In the West Country there are 25 stone circles in Cornwall, 17 in Devon (15 of these on Dartmoor), 5 or 6 in Somerset and 7 in Dorset4. It is clear that many settlements were built long after nearby stone rows, for example the enclosures known as Erme Pound Rings were built with total disregard for the Hook Lake double stone row which is partially incorporated into one of the enclosure walls19. Thank you. 5Butler (1997) p.146 At a point opposite the end of the plantation is found the Tolmen Stone. 14Gerrard p.37 By continuing to use the site, you agree to cookies being used. Fallen menhirs and ruined stone rows and circles were re-constructed with varying degrees of accuracy. An excavation trench was dug right across the circle and was found "strewn with small pieces of wood charcoal". Dartmoor is home to an impressive number of stone circles and rows. Scorhill Stone Circle is now the commonly known name for Gidleigh Stone Circle or Steep Hill Stone Circle, one of Devon's biggest and most intact stone circl. There are a large number of settlements consisting of "hut circles" which can be seen all over Dartmoor except on the highest moorland. The path leads you to the left side of the drift lane and to the left wall corner as you go out onto the moors. The exact purpose of these prehistoric monuments is unknown. Sit by the open fire and enjoy some renowned Dartmoor . Apparently "wether" is an old English name for sheep and legend has it that a drunken farmer leaving the Warren House Inn was persuaded that the Grey Wethers were a desirable flock for sale!