South Hessary Tor

 193 .......... and about time too!

Nice walk around Devonport Leat before heading up to (77) South Hessary Tor.  Strange that I haven't been there since I started this list 10+ years ago, it's about time.  The Tor is also Square O8 in the Dartmoor 365 book, so two birds and all that.  Absolutely hammered it down just before I got there hence not many photos, had a very soggy walk back to the car at Whiteworks.  

 

Hedge Down Tor

I am really not sure why I haven't noticed this tor before.  Maybe it gets lost in the view from Chinkwell and Honeybag Tors because of the distraction of Hound Tor which looms behind.  Or maybe I have noticed it but disregarded it thinking it was not accessible.  For whatever reason it popped up on my radar during lockdown, and so after a bit of home schooling off I went with Evie for a bit of exploring.  Normally when discovering unvisited tors they are a little disappointing.  Small outcrops on the side of a hill or an uninspiring boulder.  Not Hedge Down Tor though this is a great tor which keeps on giving.

Made up two major outcrops the highest of the two to the south stands at 414m and although small has plenty to explore.

The second outcrop to the north takes the form of ridge which winds its way down the hill side for some 50m or so.  Evie loved running down the ridge, but beware it has a large drop off on the east side.

The start of the ridge from the east side

Part of the joy of visiting this tor is that it is remote enough to be very quiet, unspoilt and not battered by the crowds other tors get.  It also has nice 360 degree views.  We were also luck to be treated to the formation of a Altocumulus Standing Lenticular Cloud, which you can see forming the photos.  After visiting the Hedge Down Tor we did made a quick visit to Honeybag, Chinkwell and Bell Tors before descending to the car. 

Altocumulus Standing Lenticular Cloud format over Chinkwell Tor