Ball Hill

Hill, Mountain in Devon West Devon

England

Ball Hill

Unusual Bench Mark, near Okehampton, Devon Shown on OS map SX69 SW published 1965 - BM 633.26.
I used good GPS device and map was GPS enabled.

This small concrete block with a stub of iron in centre is exactly at the map BM location.

Just behind camera is an actual bench (modern) and a small quarried area behind that. To south there is a steep drop to leat and river. — Unusual Bench Mark, near Okehampton, Devon Credit: Murray Oates

Ball Hill is a prominent hill located in Devon, a county in Southwest England. It is situated in the Dartmoor National Park, near the village of Chagford. With an elevation of 410 meters (1,345 feet), Ball Hill is classified as a hill rather than a mountain.

The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the rolling hills of Dartmoor and the Teign Valley. It is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers due to its stunning vistas and diverse flora and fauna.

Ball Hill is characterized by its rugged terrain, which features granite outcrops and patches of heather and grassland. The hill is part of a larger network of tors (rocky outcrops) that are scattered across Dartmoor National Park. These tors add to the unique beauty of the landscape and provide opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering.

The area surrounding Ball Hill is rich in archaeological sites, including prehistoric settlements and stone circles, evidence of human habitation in the region dating back thousands of years. Walking trails and footpaths crisscross the hill, allowing visitors to explore the area while taking in its historical significance.

Despite its relatively modest height, Ball Hill offers a challenging climb due to its steep slopes and uneven terrain. Its remote location and lack of facilities make it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a sense of wilderness.

In summary, Ball Hill in Devon is a captivating hill within Dartmoor National Park, known for its stunning views, unique geological formations, and rich historical heritage.

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Ball Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.735581/-3.9867282 or Grid Reference SX5994. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Unusual Bench Mark, near Okehampton, Devon

Shown on OS map SX69 SW published 1965 - BM 633.26. I used good GPS device and map was GPS enabled. This small concrete block with a stub of iron in centre is exactly at the map BM location. Just behind camera is an actual bench (modern) and a small quarried area behind that. To south there is a steep drop to leat and river.

Murray Oates

Benchmark - near Nine Maidens stone circle - Belstone

Rivet type benchmark on top of granite boulder on west side of track. Cut mark worn from erosion. Copper rivet distinct. Please see SX6192 : Benchmark - near Nine Maidens stone circle - Belstone for close-up. What is interesting is that a few feet away lies a second rivet type benchmark SX6192 : Benchmark - near Nine Maidens stone circle. Close by on the east side of track is a Tarka Trail waymark cut into a granite stone.

Murray Oates

Old Benchmark at base of wall

The early benchmark, shown on first OS maps, is carved into the moss covered granite boulder bottom right of photo, to left of broken piece of wood. The East Ockment river (not visible) is at below end of the wall at top left of photo.

Murray Oates

View from north of Belstone towards mid-Devon

David Smith

House with a bulge in the wall for an oven, near Belstone

David Smith

Old OS bench mark

Very old OS BM - this photo shows its location. From the nearest wooden post it's on the first large rock at the bottom of the wall. The cut mark is near the top. The mark consists of 3 linear marks (arrow like) and an upper notch - latter is just visible in my photo. My photo showing close-up of cut mark: SX6094 : Early Bench Mark - near West Cleave Shown as B.M. 808.5 on the OS map Devon LXXVII.5, Surveyed: 1884, Published: 1886

Murray Oates

Early Bench Mark - near West Cleave

Close-up of an early 'cut mark' style of Bench Mark. The mark consists of three linear cuts that form an 'arrow' shape, on the upper half of the rock. They point to, in this example, a small notch. The cuts seemed to have 'bruised' the stone creating a grey/purple blur or 'shadow' - which altogether makes the mark look like a Maltese Cross. There seems to be the start of a cut just to the right. B.M. 808.5 shown on OS map Devon LXXVII.5, Surveyed: 1884, Published: 1886 My photo showing the location SX6094 : Old OS bench mark

Murray Oates

Bench Mark near Halstock Farm

Old OS bench mark, a shallow cut in small rock outcrop. Rock is a type of mudstone with sandstone I think. It is on a very old, long disused track, south side. The arrow's point meets the top surface above the black charcoal stick.

Murray Oates