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

A Winters Run - 26th November 2010

Sharp Tor

View from Chinkwell Tor to Honeybag Tor

A crisp winters day, blue skies and very little breeze meant perfect conditions for a gentle run taking in 6 tors including one not listed, but marked on the Harvey's map so that takes the list up to 194. I started with Hollow Tor (139), a small Tor which overlooks the popular moorland village of Widecombe. Next it was on to Bonehill Rocks (117), just a small school group climbing today, not like the summer when the place is crawling with tourist. Then a short climb to Bell Tor (111), which commands great views over the Hay Tor and Hound Tor area. From there it gets quite confusing. The OS map shows little detail on the summit above, and the labelling of Chinkwell Tor makes it difficult to pinpoint. The Harveys map makes this a little clearer, but adds in Sharp Tor not mentioned on the OS map. So I have concluded that Chinkwell Tor (113) sits on the top of the hill above Bell Tor with Sharp Tor (194) on the side of the hill to the West. So from Bell Tor I contoured around to Sharp Tor before making the final climb to Chinkwell Tor, before making the small decent and climb to my final tor of the day Honeybag Tor (78). I spent some minutes passing the time of day with two walkers. They were out on there regular Friday walk, they had notched up some 150 walks in South Devon and Dartmoor and had as yet not been back over the same ground. This really does indicate the rich walking area we live in. We said our farewells and I skirted Chinkwell and Bell Tor to the east and crossed to Bonehill Rocks before heading to the car. An excellent run out, on beautiful day. 

GPS Track