TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Hayne Down North TorHayne Down Tors, Hayne Rocks (Hemery)
 In his book entitled 'One Hundred Years on Dartmoor', Crossing (1901) makes reference to Hayne Down Tors as being two tors that lie about a mile from the village of Manaton. On the down occupying the grid reference of SX 74 80, there is a widespread scattering of rock outcrops, of which the most celebrated is undoubtedly the north-western group where the impressive towering stack of the much sketched and photographed Bowerman's Nose forms part. The 'Nose' itself forms a column of huge square blocks upon which thinner slabs rest, that give the rock the twisted facial appearance that is associated with the legend.  Without doubt it seems that the continued fascination and enthusiasm for this rock pillar, has led many of the Dartmoor authors to overlook the splendour of the additional outcrops that lie further to the south and east across the down. Above Bowerman's Nose for example, the North Tor is where a set of impressively split and fissured outcrops level to a gentle grassy summit that is encompassed by a series of great rocks, that stand together like a huge stone circle. Other than the Nose, this tor like others on the down is poorly represented on OS Maps and is part of what Hemery (1983) describes as 'Hayne Rocks', although the author gives no credence to Crossing's much earlier assertion.  The sprawling nature of the outcrops here are a good example of a Summit Avenue Tor according to Richard Horsham's classification, and indeed the panorama is extensive and quite beautiful, the bracken in winter turning to a rustic brown that is dotted with numerous rocks. To the north-west, the various tors on the south side of Easdon Down are visible, most prominent the South Tor and Figgie Daniel that stands proudly on the south-east shoulder. Westward the great ridge of Hamel Down is noticed, and southward the grand tors of Hound and Hay (Hey) stand sentinel above Hound Tor Combe where the Becka Brook leaves the moor. There is so much to enjoy on Hayne Down, where the quite beautiful scenery is further complicated by the oddity of Bowerman's Nose and yet in spite of the main attraction's popularity, the outcrops remain relatively unspoiled and the down provides a peaceful haven for anyone who cares to venture. 
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