TORS OF DARTMOOR

a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops

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Knack

North Dartmoor is renowned for its military live firing ranges with several Observation Posts (OPs) set across the landscape for the purpose of observing and controlling military manoeuvres in the vicinity.

An area of emergent outcrops can be located by one of these, OP 17, to the west of Steeperton Tor across the valley on the gentle spur known simply as 'Knack', a name used by Eric Hemery (1983) in High Dartmoor (p.871) who briefly describes the eminence; "As the ridge continues northward from the head of this hollow, it narrowly separates the waters of Taw and E. Ockment and is known as 'Knack'." The name nowadays is more frequently applied to the well-known ford and disused tin mine on the lower eastern slopes.

The outcrops while lowly are quite plentiful with the bedrock in places being very close to the surface. The OP is, admittedly, of more interest, however, and is described on Heritage Gateway; "It consists of a natural stone walled shelter with reinforced concrete roof supported by rolled steel joists. Along the front elevation is a half-height reinforced concrete blast wall which is independent of the main structure. The post is covered in grass and earth (now only a thin covering remaining on the roof; probably as a result of wind erosion) with granite block retaining walls along three sides." The views are also worth a visit; Knack embraces much of the northern wilderness including East Mill Tor and the Belstone Ridge.

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Knack
The map above is not a navigation tool and we recommend that the grid reference shown below is used in conjunction with an Ordnance Survey map and that training in its use with a compass is advised.
Grid Ref:
SX 6119 8880
Height:
485m
Parish:
Dartmoor Forest
Tor Classification:
Emergent
Access:
Public
Rock Type:
Granite
Credit:
Eric Hemery
Reference / Further Reading:
Eric Hemery (1983): High Dartmoor
Francis, P (2002): Okehampton Artillery Range, 13, plate 36 (Report - Survey). SDV359222.

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