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The Dartmoor Giant Chair

The 20 ft high oak sculpture, which stands near Widecombe-in-the-Moor was built in 2006 by artist Henry Bruce on private land without planning permission. Mr Bruce was granted retrospective permission by the Dartmoor planning authority providing the chair was removed by March 2009. Many people have objected to this saying what's the harm in allowing this unusual sculpture to remain. Apparently the planning committee was concerned that the sculpture may result in traffic congestion caused by visitors and that this could impact on the area.
Park near to Jay's Grave (SX 733799) and take the track to Natworthy. It's an easy walk of about a mile. The Giant's chair is in one of the adjoining fields. You can't miss it. If you wanted to extend the walk then carry along the path, cross over the road and take the track up to Hambledown at Natsworthy. This walk includes King Tor and part of Hambledown. You can make this as long or as short as you wish.
The walk is pretty easy but weather conditions can change dramatically on top of Hambledown. As described the walk is about 4 miles.
 
The path that leads from Jay's Grave down to Natsworthy. On the way we pass by the Dartmoor Chair.
View over the West Webburn valley. Honeybag Tor on the left and part of Hambledown on the right.
Here's the Giant's chair at Natsworthy with a lovely view over the West Webburn valley - SX 722800.
The start of the Hambledown trackway at Natsworthy.
Looking back at the car park at Natsworthy (SX 721802).
Top of Hambledown at SX 708810
Top of Hambledown.
The main rock of King Tor - SX 709814.
View over Chagford from King Tor.
View over Easdon Tor from King Tor.
A lone guidemark on the quiet top of Hambledown.
Jay's Grave - SX 733799. Kitty Jay was a young orphan who was employed at a nearby farm (Canna) as a servant around 1800. The farmer's son was attracted to her and so one thing led to another resulting in the pregnant girl being thrown out of the farm. Rather than endure her shame Kitty hung herself and her body was consequently buried at these crossroads - a common fate of suicides.
 


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