South Down

Hill, Mountain in Devon West Devon

England

South Down

Valley of Vellake Corner and Meldon Reservoir The figures in the distant are trekking across the moor with four miniature ponies
Valley of Vellake Corner and Meldon Reservoir Credit: David Smith

South Down is a prominent hill located in the county of Devon, England. Rising to an elevation of 305 meters (1,001 feet), it is considered one of the highest points in the region. Situated within the Dartmoor National Park, South Down offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.

The hill is characterized by its rugged terrain, consisting of rocky outcrops and heather-covered slopes. The summit of South Down is marked by a trig point, providing a reference point for navigation and offering an opportunity for visitors to take in the stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the English Channel and the distant peaks of Dartmoor.

The area around South Down is rich in wildlife and natural beauty. The hill is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. The rocky slopes provide nesting sites for birds of prey such as kestrels and buzzards. The surrounding moorland is dotted with ancient stone circles, evidence of the area's prehistoric past.

Access to South Down is relatively easy, with footpaths and bridleways leading to the summit from nearby villages and towns. The hill offers a mix of challenging and more leisurely routes, catering to different ability levels. Whether visitors are seeking a challenging hike or a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature, South Down provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Devon's countryside.

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South Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.702962/-4.0463882 or Grid Reference SX5591. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Valley of Vellake Corner and Meldon Reservoir The figures in the distant are trekking across the moor with four miniature ponies
Valley of Vellake Corner and Meldon Reservoir
The figures in the distant are trekking across the moor with four miniature ponies
Moorland valley west of Vellake Corner
Moorland valley west of Vellake Corner
Scrub and valley west of Vellake Corner, Dartmoor
Scrub and valley west of Vellake Corner, Dartmoor
Miniature ponies on Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Miniature ponies on Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Wall on the north of Sourton Tors, Dartmoor Marking a boundary between moorland and farmland
Wall on the north of Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Marking a boundary between moorland and farmland
Wall on Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Wall on Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Imagine a gate here, Sourton Tors, Dartmoor Once this was a barrier; now it isn't, but the stones remain
Imagine a gate here, Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Once this was a barrier; now it isn't, but the stones remain
Windswept tree, Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Windswept tree, Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Corner of field, Sourton Tors, Dartmoor Part of a boundary between farmland and moorland
Corner of field, Sourton Tors, Dartmoor
Part of a boundary between farmland and moorland
Sourton Moor service area A basic toilet stop on the A30.
Sourton Moor service area
A basic toilet stop on the A30.
Walkers on Sourton Tors There's a trig point up there somewhere.
Walkers on Sourton Tors
There's a trig point up there somewhere.
Boundary stone by Sourton Tors This one not shown by the OS. Several others are.
Boundary stone by Sourton Tors
This one not shown by the OS. Several others are.
Heading down from Sourton Tors The Prewley water treatment works lie ahead but lower down.
Heading down from Sourton Tors
The Prewley water treatment works lie ahead but lower down.
A group of youngsters hiking on the West Devon Way Descending from Sourton Tors.
A group of youngsters hiking on the West Devon Way
Descending from Sourton Tors.
Gate on the path to High Bowden Named variously as the Two Castles Trail, The West Devon Way and Dartmoor Way, also, possibly, The Ruby Ride. Take your pick.
Gate on the path to High Bowden
Named variously as the Two Castles Trail, The West Devon Way and Dartmoor Way, also, possibly, The Ruby Ride. Take your pick.
They don't need CCTV around here... ...just let the cattle keep watch!
They don't need CCTV around here...
...just let the cattle keep watch!
A green lane Heading across Prewley Farm.
A green lane
Heading across Prewley Farm.
A view towards Meldon Reservoir From Sourton Tors.
A view towards Meldon Reservoir
From Sourton Tors.
Show me another place!

South Down is located at Grid Ref: SX5591 (Lat: 50.702962, Lng: -4.0463882)

Administrative County: Devon

District: West Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///gliding.amuse.truckload. Near Okehampton, Devon

Nearby Locations

South Down South Down

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.702962,-4.0463882
South Down
Natural: peak
Source: OS 1:25k
Lat/Long: 50.7029888/-4.0463888
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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