Blackingstone Rock

Blackingstone Rock is a good example of a classic Dartmoor tor. It has characteristic jointing and the rock is coarse grained with large crystals of felspar embedded in it. Geologists are keen on Blackingstone. However, in May the surrounding area is well carpeted in bluebells making this a very beautiful site to visit.

Park at the small car park at SX 787857 and take the path that leads up to the rock. It's a short walk. The path winds around the tor and leads you to a short steep climb up a set of rails. The climbing involved may not suit everyone. On a windy day it will be blustery on top of the rock.

	Walking towards Blackingstone Rock from the car park at SX 787857.
	This picture is taken in late May at the height of the bluebells that carpet the surrounds of Blackingstone Rock.
	Another picture of the land immediately surrounding Blackingstone Rock.
	A photo of Blackingstone Rock which shows the characteristic horizontal bedding.
	On the rock at SX 786856. This is a southerly view and there's the silhouette of Hey Tor on the horizon. On the surface of the tor you can see a weathering pit which has gradually grown from a small depression.
	Another view from Blackingstone Rock. This is the westerly view looking over to Mardon.
	The top of Blackingstone Rock.
	The guard rails of Blackingstone Rock.
	The view down to the carpark from the top of Blackingstone. It looks a long way down from here.
	The steps that lead up to the top of Blackingstone. These were erected in the 1870's and are a real boon especially when there is a bit of wind.
	Blackingstone Rock. One story associated with this rock concerns a young woman, a baby and 3 ravens. The young mother lived in a farm just outside Moretonhampstead. One day she heard the church bells announcing the fair and she wanted to go. She left the baby nearby to play unprotected while she went, but on the way she saw 3 ravens flying over from Blackingstone. They croaked a warning. Despite her unease she went to the fair and returned in the evening. All that was left was a pile of bones.
	Blackingstone Tor
	Blackingstone Tor