Granite from Foggintor was used in the construction of the piers for the original London Bridge.
The stone was used to build the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square.
At its peak in the 1840s, the quarry employed over 500 men and boys.
The site was served by the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway, an early horse-drawn line.
The deep, flooded pit is notoriously cold and can reach significant depths, making it dangerous for swimming.
Many of the ruined buildings surrounding the quarry were specifically designed for the housing of quarrymen and their families.
Foggintor is part of the wider industrial landscape of the Devon granite industry that significantly shaped the Victorian architectural era.
The abandoned quarry acts as an unofficial nature reserve with deep, stagnant water levels that fluctuate based on rainfall.
Foggintor Quarry is a significant industrial archaeological site located within Dartmoor National Park, once a primary source of granite for major Victorian construction projects. The quarry ceased operations in the early 20th century, leaving behind dramatic, flooded granite pits and derelict stone buildings. The site is a key component of the local mining heritage, showcasing the remains of engine houses and worker accommodation. It is accessible via the Princetown Railway trackbed, which formerly facilitated the transport of stone to Plymouth. The landscape is characterized by stark, sheer vertical cliff faces and a central lake that has formed through natural water accumulation. It sits at an elevation of approximately 360 meters above sea level on the high moorland. The area remains largely undeveloped and serves as an important habitat for local wildlife, including dragonflies and rare moorland flora.
The raised vantage point overlooking the main pit from the path approaching from the west.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the terrain is uneven, rocky, and often boggy.
Bring a physical map or GPS device, as phone signal is highly unreliable on the moorland.
Check local weather forecasts before heading out, as fog descends rapidly on this part of Dartmoor.
Attempting to swim in the quarry pool, which contains submerged jagged machinery and remains hazardous due to cold temperatures.
Stay on marked paths; do not enter ruins that show signs of collapse; keep dogs on leads to protect ground-nesting birds.
