One of two moorland national parks in Devon, Dartmoor is well known for its eerie vistas and spooky landmarks. It has the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in Britain, and scattered throughout the often bleak moors are numerous burial mounds, stone circles and the leftovers of long dead industry.
In this gallery we teamed up with Instagrammer @VariationGhost who has captured Dartmoor on many visits over the last few years. They selected 18 photos from 6 of Dartmoor’s spookiest places.
All photos are copyright of @VariationGhost. For reuse please credit @Variationghost on Instagram / History Hit and link back to this web page.
Hingston Hill Stone Row
A favourite amongst Dartmoor’s many intrepid antiquarians – this stone row (also referred to as ‘Down Tor’) stretches for over 300m and ends with an impressive cairn circle. It’s also relatively close to both Ditsworthy Warren House and Drizzlecombe (below) – so can be explored on the same walk.
Drizzlecombe
Huge standing stones, burial mounds and a long stone row can be found on the slopes of Ditsworthy Common. The arrangements date from the Bronze Age.
Fernworthy Forest
Dartmoor’s largest forest was planted artificially in 1921 by the Duchy of Cornwall. It’s also home to one of Dartmoor’s most picturesque stone circles. Go at dusk to enjoy a spooky sunset.
Merrivale
This Bronze Age village complex serves almost as a gateway to the western entrance of Dartmoor near Tavistock. There are remnants of the settlement, numerous standing stones, stone circles and a double stone row. All of them face west – making it the perfect place for a sunset walk.
Nun’s Cross Farm
Located near Prince Town, photographers love Nuns Cross because of its isolated setting and symmetry. It’s similar to Ditsworthy Warren House, but there are fewer trees around and the building is technically still accessible – indeed, an adventurous party could hire it for up to 36 guests.
Hundotura Medieval Village
Near to the huge rock outcrop at Hound Tor sits this long abandoned medieval village. It appears that it was settled until the mid 14th century – and its abandonment coincides with the Black Death.
Redlake China Clay Works
Redlake is a very isolated site in the middle of southern Dartmoor. A cone like structure sticks out of the rolling heath – but rather than being a volcano, it’s a spoil heap from a china clay quarry. The top photo from this gallery is also of Redlake – from the Two Moors Way about 1km south.
Huntingdon Cross is near to Redlake on the River Avon. It’s hidden behind a recently built wall and is probably a marker cross for the old Abbot’s Way. It is also haunting because it sits on grid reference 666 – creepy.
