Jay's Grave

Jay's Grave is a low roadside burial mound near Manaton, marked by a small granite headstone and stone edging. It's a brief, quiet stop rather than a large burial ground or a developed attraction. Flowers often mark the mound, and it's easy to drive past. If Dartmoor folklore interests you, give it a few minutes; if you're expecting a dramatic monument, keep your expectations small.

Local legend calls the woman Kitty or Mary Jay, but historical accounts don't settle her identity. Older reports use other names, including Ann and Kay, and don't firmly establish who was buried here or when. That uncertainty is part of the place: a real grave wrapped in a story that changed as people retold it. The legend also inspired John Galsworthy's 1916 short story The Apple Tree.

The grave sits beside a minor road about a mile northwest of Hound Tor. Its low stonework and small offerings reward a closer look. Dedicated safe parking at the grave and current walking access from Manaton weren't verified, so check your approach before making it a standalone stop.