Bowerman's Nose

Bowerman’s Nose is a tall granite stack on Hayne Down near Manaton. It’s the remaining core of a ruined tor, with fallen blocks below. From some angles, the broken rocks form a human profile, which gives the Nose its name. This is a small-scale landmark best added to a moorland walk rather than treated as a summit outing.

Walk around the outcrop before you leave; its outline changes with each angle. For a photo, include some of Hayne Down around the stack so it stands out against the open moor. Dartmoor folklore says Bowerman, a hunter, was turned to stone by witches and that his hounds became nearby Hound Tor. It’s a story attached to the landscape, not an explanation of how the granite formed.

Approaches start at Swallerton Gate by Hound Tor or in Manaton, then climb onto Hayne Down across open moorland. This isn’t a pull-up-and-look stop; allow for a walk over the down. The route details don’t establish a dependable distance, path surface, or accessibility picture, so check your chosen approach before setting out.