Meldon Quarry, Granite quarry in Devon, England
Meldon Quarry is a granite extraction site at the northern edge of Dartmoor, sprawling across hundreds of acres in Devon. The landscape displays steep rock walls and exposed stone formations that resulted from more than a century of intensive mining activity.
The quarry opened in 1897 and rapidly became a major supplier of material for railway construction. Over the following decades, it developed into one of the most significant stone extraction operations supporting British rail infrastructure.
For many decades, this location shaped the lives of workers who developed deep expertise in extracting stone from the earth. Their skills and knowledge passed down through families created a strong connection between the community and the land.
The terrain is uneven with loose stones and steep drops, so sturdy footwear and careful movement are essential. The best times to visit are during drier months when surfaces are less slippery.
The granite formations here possess exceptional durability that made them particularly valuable for railway ballast. This natural quality meant the stone could withstand the pressure and wear from passing trains better than materials from many other locations.
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