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Cuckoo Rock

Cuckoo Rock is a strangely shaped rock that forms part of the rock clitter on the SW slopes of Combeshead Tor. Quite why it is called Cuckoo Rock is unclear. It did however, host one of the earliest letterboxes of Dartmoor. The letterbox used to be located on top of the rock but it has now vanished. The area around the rock abounds with the remains of medieval tinning, there are the remains of a number of well established farmhouse and nearby is one of the best stone rows that Dartmoor has to offer. Oh - and on a good day there are some great views of the surrounding countryside to be had.
Take the road to Burrator Reservoir and park at the NE car park at Norsworthy Bridge (SX 569693). Then head SE and follow the track that follows the granite wall. This leads past the ruined farmhouses of Middleworth and Deancombe. At Deancombe start walking up the hillside through some small enclosures. You should be able to see the unique shape of Cuckoo Rock as you get nearer to it. Then onwards to Combeshead Tor, the stone row and then along to Down Tor. Once you've admired the views walk down the northern slopes down to Newleycombe Lake. Depending on water level this may not be trivial to cross. Then walk through the fields until you get to the track which will take you back to Norsworthy Bridge.
This is a reasonable walk with some scrambling up clittery ground. You're subject to the vagaries of Dartmoor so be prepared. No military restrictions to worry about.
 
The track that leads from Norsworthy bridge towards Deancombe.
The substantial granite building of Middleworth Farm at SX 572692. The earliest recorded farm at this site was in 1281 although earlier Saxon buildings possibly existed. This farm was abandoned when Burrator Reservoir was constructed in early 1900's.
A closer look at the ruins of Middleworth Farm.
The track between Middleworth and Deanscombe.
An old granite trough at Deanscombe. SX 579688
A couple of granite stoneposts that mark the position of one of the buildings of Deanscombe Farm. This would have supported a hay rick off the ground (and away from rodents). There has been a farm here since 1317 when it was known as Denecomb.
A nice oak tree spreading out from the ruins of the stone wall.
One of the boulders that form the extensive clitter that lie in this area.
Cuckoo rock at SX 585687. There's an old story that smuggled liquor was hidden below this rock. Maybe the drink was used to refresh the thirsty tin miners or maybe the store was used to cheat the exciseman. Anyway there's no store here at present.
Some say that the top of the rock resembles a cuckoo. Others say that it is a favoured place for the cuckoo to perch on. There are a couple of letterboxes in the vicinity.
A stone wall just south of Combeshead Tor. You can see the characteristic traces of tin working on the hillside opposite. This was part of the Narrator workings.
Combeshead Tor - SX 588688
The NE side of Combeshead Tor.
The NE view from Combeshead Tor. On the right side is the head of the Combeshead brook.
The Hingston Hill stone row (or is it the Down Tor stone row?). This is a good example of a Bronze Age row. Restored in 1894 and it now probably looks something like what it originally looked like.
The circle at the end of the stone row - SX 587693. The first few stones leading away from the cairn descend gracefully in height.
A westerly view SX 586692. Down Tor is in the middle distance with Leather and Sharp tor in the further distance.
Approaching Down Tor
One of the blocks of Down Tor - SX 581694
There are great views from Down Tor. Eric Hemery writes that on a good day you can see 23 other tors from here.
Here's the SW view from Down Tor looking over towards Burrator Reservoir.
The view over the gently curving line of Newleycombe Lake. There's much evidence of tinning in this valley. On the other hillside there are many stone walled fields but all the farms have been deserted since the early 1900's.
The fast flowing stream of Newleycombe Lake at SX 580699. Newleycombe probably derives from the Anglo Saxon 'neowel' meaning deep gulf. Lake in a Dartmoor context refers to a small tarn or pool that was the source of the stream (which has since been drained by the tinners). However, the word Lake now refers to the whole stream course.
One of the water filled ditches that the old tinners dug out.
Some of the ruins of the 17th century Clazywell famhouse. SX 581700
The stone walls and fields of Clazywell Farm. Note the sheep hole on left side of the wall. This worked as a kind of gate.
The track that takes us back down to Norsworthy Bridge.
More ruins - this time Victorian ones. This is part of Norsworthy Farm at SX 568695. Norsworthy derives from Northworthy (Northisworthi in 1384).
The River Meavy just before it enters Burrator Reservoir.
 


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