TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Metheral Hill Rocks Often bypassed by the walker when marching to greater heights, Metheral Hill is dismissed as a small featureless spur of little significance. Sat on the southern edge of Taw Marsh and nestled between White Hill and Steeperton Hill, it is more known for its twin Throwleigh Parish boundary stones than notable rock formations. The route south to Steeperton through Taw Marsh is not popular so the ruined tor and boulders on the western slopes of the hill have been overlooked and when viewing from the Oke Tor ridge it is only with a favourable light that the extent of them is apparent. Once across Taw Ford, to the north, the way through the 'Marsh' to the foot of Metheral is not difficult but for those wishing to visit, we suggest it is done in the cooler months when the bracken beneath the rocks hasn't taken hold.  Taking the suggested route, the first formation of note is an emergent outcrop at SX 6228 9013 with good horizontal jointing (pictured above). Continuing south on a narrow sheep track a large exposed slab slopes 45 degrees at SX 6225 9001 (pictured below). At its lower end it has a small passage beneath that, whilst too narrow for even a small child to pass through, would make a good lair for a fox.  At SX 6224 8992, the biggest pile can be found (pictured below). It is a combination of exposed bedrock and toppled boulders and the clearest evidence of a ruined tor on Metheral Hill. Whilst there is plenty of granite from hereon, the size diminishes and the attention is diverted to where the slope meets the beautiful combe of Steeperton Brook. 
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
