Hangingstone Hill

Hangingstone Hill is bang in the middle of North Dartmoor and is a good place to start exploring the wilderness. It is a high exposed point (603m) at SX 617862 which is visible from many other parts of the moor. There is no tor - just an army observation station - but the views on a mist free day are superb. The name Hangingstone derives from a logan rock (or rocking stone) that is on the NW sloppe of the hill. Alas the rock no longer rocks.

The easiest way of getting to the hill is to drive along the military roads from Okehampton and make for the observation post at Okement Hill (Observation Post 15 - SX 603878). You can park there and then head along the southern track towards Hangingstone Hill. Allow 2.5 hours for the walk. It is an easy walk.

This area lies in the army firing range, so it shouldn't be approached if a red flag is flying nearby.

	This is the road junction near to Okehampton Camp (SX 589930).
	The road on the way to OP15. The view faces north. On the centre right is East Mill Tor and on the left horizon lies Yes Tor.
	Observation Post 15 (OP15) on Okement Hill. This is a convenient place to park when walking some of the Northern moors.
	Looking south towards Taw Head and Whitehorse Hill (to the left).
	The path leading down to the Taw ford.
	The Taw stream looking southwards. In the distance lies Taw Head.
	The Easterly view from Hangingstone Hill. In the distance lies Gidleigh Common and the trees of Fernworthy are to the right.
	The SW view from Hangingstone Hill. On the horizon appears Fur Tor. Just below the ridge lies the boggy watershed of the Taw and Dart rivers. Cranmere Pool is nearby.
	The NW view from Hangingstone Hill. High Willhays and Yes Tor are on the horizon.
	The S view from Hangingstone Hill. The indistinct hill is Whitehorse Hill. There's a lot of blanket bog between these two points.
	The army observation hut on Hangingstone Hill.
	Heading back down. West and East Mill Tors are in view on the right with High Willhays on the left.
	The army is never far away on North Dartmoor. This camouflaged tent was on the path to Hangingstone Hill.
	Journey's end! OP15 is on the skyline, it's getting dark and the mist is approaching.
	Here comes the Dartmoor mist.