TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Summer Hill Boulders (Manaton) Two giant rounded boulders flank the public footpath/lane to Tanglewood that runs down from Cross Hill, at about a quarter of a mile to the north-east of Manaton village. Together, these are known as the Summer Hill Boulders with a nearby cottage taking this name.  The largest rock, just to the left of a field gate to the north of the lane, is seemingly propped upon the wall or at least has been used to form a natural part of the boundary, with a gatepost situated in front of it. The other boulder that is set across the road is the less prominent of the two and presents as a fissured mass part involved in a hedge.  During a visit to the area in January 2022, Max Piper found himself speaking to a local whose land boundary incorporates part of one of the boulders. The gentleman advised that he cleared the south boulder roughly 4 years ago and that the landowner opposite followed suit at the same time. Now, nature is being allowed to reclaim. Max was also informed that the owner opposite colloquially calls the north boulder 'The Pulpit', bearing as it does a close resemblance to a raised stand in a church.  Summer Hill Boulders are very easy to visit by walking north-east from the village centre towards Neadon Cleave. This public footpath first takes a tarmac lane that serves numerous houses before breaking out into a field beside the secluded Tanglewood Tor. The boulders are passed en route and are worth closer inspection as they have been admirably avoided by both the lane and surrounding development.
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