Bowerman's Nose is a distinctive granite tor (a free-standing residual rock outcrop) located on Dartmoor, a large area of moorland in central Devon, England. It is one of the most iconic and recognisable natural landmarks within Dartmoor National Park.
- Location: Situated on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, near the village of Manaton.
- Coordinates: Approximately 50.627°N 3.864°W (OS Grid Reference: SX 765 805).
- Elevation: Stands at approximately 514 meters (1,686 feet) above sea level.
- Geology and Formation: Like other Dartmoor tors, Bowerman's Nose is composed of hard granite that resisted the erosion that wore away the surrounding softer rock. It consists of a stack of weathered granite blocks, sculpted by millions of years of chemical and physical weathering, particularly frost-shattering and chemical decomposition. From certain angles, the rock formation is said to resemble a human face or, more specifically, a prominent nose, giving rise to its name.
- Etymology and Legend: The name "Bowerman's Nose" is derived from a local legend concerning a huntsman named Jan Bowerman. According to folklore, Bowerman, a keen hunter, disturbed a coven of witches during a hunt. In revenge, the witches turned Bowerman and his hounds into stone. Bowerman's Nose represents the huntsman himself, while the nearby Hound Tor is said to be his hounds, also turned to stone.
- Significance: Bowerman's Nose is a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and climbers, offering impressive views across the surrounding moorland and into the Teign Valley. It is a well-known feature on Dartmoor's walking trails and is frequently photographed as an emblem of the national park's rugged beauty and unique geology.