In Search of the Nutcrackers

Nothing to do with getting ready for Christmas, the Nut Crackers are rocks on the slopes of Rippon Tor that used to have a rocking stone on them. The  stone apparently weighed 14 tons and could be rocked with one hand. Local forlks would crack nuts under it.

It seems that it was vandalised over a long period of time. The stone was stopped from rocking in the 18th century but it remained where it was until late in the 20th century when it was completely dislodged from its pivot stone. Shame, I think we should get a team of squaddies to take on the task of setting it back again once they've finished their work in the Caribbean islands.

It's been a lovely day and it seemed quite warm as I climbed the slope up there this afternoon. I've added some pics here including a black and white version of this one, if you'd like to see them.