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| Holwell Rocks |
Eric Hemery: "...from where it drops north-eastward into the border-country, is visible from Holwell Rocks (approx. 1,275 feet), a small though interesting tor of two piles on Holwell Down... The east pile, known locally as 'Big Rock', is a huge cohesive mass; on its north side is a very large, isolated boulder."
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| Holwell Rocks |
A look at my current bagged tors around the Bonehill Down area only one was missing, and I'd admit it was a slightly embarrassing one, given how easy it is to access. I've passed it many times before without a single thought in mind. Time to remedy that!
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| Big Rock |
William Crossing is the first to mention this splendid tor of two main outcrops at the summit of Holwell Down, at SX 7391 7769. The way I accessed them is from the Emsworthy Mire side, through an open wall where the must've once been a gate. A sign warns of a bull, but that feels unlikely to me.
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| Holwell Rocks massive logan stone |
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| Holwell Rocks |
If you approach from this side, then you will first notice a boulder on your left, with what Eric Hemery has later called 'Big Rock' on your right. This outcrop is surrounded by a fence with grass atop; I can only speculate the reason why is to prevent cattle from using it as a scratching post?
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| Fence around Big Rock |
Nearby, the summit of Holwell Rocks is much more interesting, especially if you round the whole outcrop to reveal a different perspective from below. Hemery also mentions an unrecorded logan stone on the western pile, possibly being the summit rock. It looks precarious, to say the least.
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| Holwell Rocks |
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| Holwell Rocks |
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| Holwell Rocks |
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| Holwell Rocks |
The longer I spent at the tor the more I warmed to it. Not only are the outcrops interesting but also the views capture my soul. Even with the road close by, I could spend all day up there, with Hound Tor and Haytor Rocks dominating the views, with most of the lesser known tors and rocks in the area.
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| Holwell Rocks |
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| Holwell Rocks |
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| Holwell Rocks |
There is also what I thought to be a rock basin, albeit very shallow if it qualifies. I did one last look around the summit pile, then retraced my steps back to Big Rock but still no bull in sight! I will mention though that I have seen cattle in the field the summit resides in before, but not recently.
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| Holwell Rocks |
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| The shallowest rock basin I've seen |
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