The majority of military activity takes place on the North Moor across the three live firing ranges (Okehampton, Willsworthy and Merrivale). Many of the structures associated with the military’s activities can be classed as ‘archaeological features’ which includes the observation posts. The locations of these posts and other militarised points of note were documented in the Okehampton Artillery Range: Historical Appraisal in 2002.

Originally these were granite built ‘bunkers’ where on the Okehampton firing range military personnel could observe any firing activities that were taking place as well as keeping a look-out for any stray animals or ramblers that might be wandering into the line of fire.

At one time there were around 23 observation posts on Dartmoor - today there are just 7, yet clues of previous activity in the old locations still exist.

The Observation Posts of Dartmoor

Observation Post 6

Located at the head of a target railway system, this is a former target carrier shed, converted into an Observation Point. It is constructed of granite block side walls and a rear wall of cast-insitu concrete which has been set into an earth bank. There are RSJs supporting a reinforced concrete roof which is covered with a large earth and grassed mound on three sides. There is a half-height wall inside with metal hand holds for easy access.

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Grass-covered bunker entrance with a worn metal door, partially hidden by overgrown shrubs and rocks, evokes a sense of mystery and abandonment.
A concrete shed is built into a grassy hill with dry grass and rocks surrounding it. The sky is blue, and the scene conveys isolation and calmness.

Observation Post 7

Observation Point 7 is constructed of a reinforced concrete box-frame in three sections. Independent of the frame along the front elevation is a half-height reinforced concrete blast wall. The structure is covered with earth and grass with granite block retaining walls around three sides.

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Bunker with stone walls and grassy top in a vast, open landscape under a clear blue sky. The scene conveys isolation and historical intrigue.
Stone bunker partially buried in grassy terrain under a clear blue sky. The structure conveys a sense of history and solitude in an open landscape.

Observation Post 16

Close to Okement Hill is Observation Point 16 of unique design. It consists of a tunnel-like natural stone structure covered in earth and grass with granite block retaining walls. The front elevation has a half-height concrete blast wall with an entrance gap separating it from the main structure. From this structure, a railway descended towards East Okement Farm.

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