Alex Jones

Extracts from an observational journal of Dartmoor Legends

Since my arrival and subsequent residence in Dartmoor I have, for as long as I
can remember, been fascinated by the various myths and legends surrounding
this bleak area. I have always been a glutton for folklore and fables and there is
no place quite like it for catalysing such an interest. In recent days I have found
myself, on my free days, walking out onto the moor for hours at a time in the
hopes of catching a glimpse, perhaps, of the ghost of the old Highwayman or the
legendary Beast of Bodmin moor. In the comfort of my cosy home these ideas
do, of course, feel absurd, but I have found that when standing upon the moor on
a foggy evening with the wind behind you and the moon above they are not so
easy to dismiss. In any case, I have decided to begin chronicling my excursions,
merely for my own enjoyment, and the hope to have some physical reminder of
the mystery I feel as I explore.
November 14th
Spent a few hours up on Haytor this evening, after the usual set of tourists had
gone home to shelter from the storm. A good night for watching as the moor was
unusually clear tonight despite the rain. Saw the usual set of foxes which I
happen to know have a den behind the retirement home at the bottom of the hill.
As of yet no ethereal sightings however! A friend assures me that if you sit
beneath the large rock and listen carefully you can hear the sounds of old
knights battling on the hilltop heard nothing tonight, but whether it was the
storm or my own scepticism muffling the sounds I cannot say!
November 19th
Took a trip to the Lydford Gorge today, seemed like it had been a long time. Its
always quiet on a weekday so its a good time to sit and watch theres a
particular spot high up on one side where you can comfortable perch and look
down at the river below. My interest is of course also stirred by the stories of the
Devil appearing out of the swirling rapids. Its certainly a disturbing place, the
crashing water sounds more like some diabolical, hellish machine than anything
terrestrial I admit a certain morbid fascination for it.
December 4th
Snow fell on the moor today excellent news for the local hotels and tourist
traps as it always gives the moor that idyllic Christmas card look. Less good news
for me as Ive always been a bit susceptible for the cold. Nevertheless I wrapped
up warm and went for a trek this evening in the hopes that the chill might inspire
movement from some of my prey Im not sure how the legendary large cat
living up on Exmoor would respond to the cold but theres no harm in being
optimistic! As it happens I was more fortunate than I expected; I spent a good 20
minutes watching a large silhouette prowling about on the horizon up by the
Hound rocks, although when I approached I found nothing there. Could have

been one of the ponies but Id like to think I might have had my first supernatural
encounter! Who knows.