Dewerstone

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Dewerstone

Dewerstone is a rocky promontary marking the south edge of Wigford Down in Devon, at the southern edge of Dartmoor between the gorges carved by the River Meavy heading south and the River Plym heading south-west, which rivers meet below the escarpment of Dewerstone. The top of Dewerstone is the site of an Iron Age Hill fort.

The fort consists of ramparts to the northern side of the promontory at about 690 feet above sea level.[1]

Dartmoor tradition has it that the Devil, riding a gigantic black horse, gallops across the Moor each night and leads a phantom pack of black hounds to chase weary or foolish men over the Dewerstone to their deaths. Another legend has it that a shepherd actually saw the black hounds devouring an unfortunate man on his way home from the fields one night.

The path by the Meavy

The area is also popular with climbers, with over 100 climbs listed. [2]

Location

References

  1. Sellman, R.R.: 'Aspects of Devon History' (Devon Books, 1985) ISBN 0-86114-756-1. Chapter: "The Iron Age in Devon" (Map of Iron Age hill forts in Devon)
  2. White, Nick: 'South Devon and Dartmoor - a climber's guide' (Cordee, 1995) ISBN 978-1-871890-32-7 - pages 277 to 301