Dartmoor & Exmoor
Black Hill
414M
1359FT
About Black Hill
Situated in eastern Dartmoor's 'granite country,' this broad, heather-smothered ridge offers a more secluded experience than nearby Haytor Down. The climb rewards walkers with impressive views over the Bovey Valley toward Lustleigh Cleave, while the rugged profile of Smallacombe Rocks provides a distinctive landmark on the hill's western flank.
Key Statistics
Rank
50th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Dartmoor
Prominence
?
33.3
Nearest Town
Haytor Vale
Geology
Black Hill sits on a foundation of solid granite, hardened mudstone, and flint-like rock. These durable materials create the rugged ground beneath your boots.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SX761786
Latitude
50.5943°N
Longitude
3.7518°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely stems from the Old English 'blaec', referring to the dark, sombre appearance of the dense heather and peat hags that coat the slopes, which stand out against the greener pastures of the Bovey Basin below.
- •The summit is frequently visited alongside Smallacombe Rocks to the west, a collection of weathered granite outcrops that offer far more architectural interest than the hill's relatively understated high point.
- •Looking south from the top, you are treated to a clear perspective of Dartmoor’s most famous landmarks, including the unmistakable granite twin-peaks of Haytor Rocks and the sprawling, ruined-castle silhouette of Hound Tor.
- •Navigating here requires more than just a name; Dartmoor contains several other 'Black Hills', meaning you could easily find yourself on the wrong side of the moor if you rely on titles rather than coordinates.