Coffin Stone, Dartmeet, Dartmoor National Park
Study the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map and you'll come across lots of evocative place names. There's the Heap of Sinners and Deadman's Bottom, Mount Misery and the Coffin Stone. All these names tell fascinating stories about Dartmoor's past.
Once, the dead were carried in coffins across the moors to be buried at Lydford St Petroc's Church and Widecombe St Pancras Church. If those carrying the coffins were coming from the Dartmeet area, they'd have to climb the steep hill at Yartor Down towards Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Given the height of the ascent, they'd have to stop for a breather. They placed the coffin on the coffin stone which is how the stone got its name.
The coffin stone is situated on the flank of Yartor Down just east of Dartmeet. We've positioned the stone on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
To visit, we'd recommend starting from Dartmeet car park. Cross the road and follow the rough path that climbs Yartor Down to the right of the road. You'll come to a boundary marker where the road bows. Walk straight on up the grass path. You'll come to a large chunk of granite that looks as if it's been cleaved in two. This is the Coffin Stone. Walking in this direction it's easy to see why those carrying the coffin would need to stop for a rest.
If this is of interest, see also the Lichway/Lych Way and Church Way.
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