Ryder's Hill facts for kids

The Summit of Ryders Hill

Ryder's Hill is a special place located in the southern part of Dartmoor, Devon, England. It stands tall at 515 meters (about 1,690 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point in this area of Dartmoor. When you reach the top, you'll find some interesting old markers, including two tall standing stones and a low pile of rocks called a cairn. On top of the cairn, there's a modern marker called a triangulation pillar, which helps mapmakers.

What is Ryder's Hill?

Ryder's Hill is a significant landmark in the Dartmoor landscape. It's known for its height and the historical features found at its peak. The hill offers a great spot to look out over the surrounding countryside.

Features at the Summit

When you climb to the very top of Ryder's Hill, you'll discover a few important structures. These include ancient standing stones and a cairn, which have been there for a very long time.

Standing Stones

There are two standing stones on the summit. These are tall, upright stones that were placed there by people many years ago. One of these is called Petre's Bound Stone. This stone is very important because it marks where the borders of three different local areas meet. These areas are called civil parishes, and they are Dartmoor Forest, Holne, and Buckfastleigh. A civil parish is like a small local government area, similar to a town or village district.

The Ancient Cairn

You will also see a low cairn on the summit. A cairn is a mound or pile of stones, often built as a memorial or a landmark. This particular cairn might not look very big, but it has a long and interesting history. It was one of the original boundary markers for the Forest of Dartmoor. This was mentioned in a very old document from 1240, which described the boundaries of the forest. For hundreds of years, since at least the 1600s, this cairn has been known by names like "Knattleborough."

Exploring Ryder's Hill

If you enjoy walking and exploring, Ryder's Hill is a great place to visit. It offers a rewarding hike and fantastic views.

How to Reach the Summit

You can reach Ryder's Hill by walking along a path called Holne Ridge. This path starts from a place called Combestone Tor. As you walk, you will pass by Horn's Cross, which is another interesting landmark. The walk from Combestone Tor to the summit of Ryder's Hill is about 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) long.

Views from the Top

Once you reach the summit of Ryder's Hill, you'll be treated to amazing views. From this high point, you can see far across the southern part of Dartmoor. It's a perfect spot to take in the wide-open landscape and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.