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

Long Run with Plenty to See - 20th May 19

Parked up below Smeardon Down, it was a hot morning and I was regretting not having any suntan cream in the car.  Off I went up the track to Stephen’s Grave (K4) 

Stephen' Grave with White Tor behind

After pausing at Stephen's Grave I headed cross country to Langstone Moor stone circle (K6).  The running was good and under foot the moor is incredibly dry, crunchy even.

Langstone Circle

Next it was on to Limsboro Cairn (J6) near Lynch Tor.  The cairn seems some what depleted since I first visited it some 30 odd years ago.

Limsboro' Cairn

Lynch Tor

A quick visit to Lynch Tor (35) which lies than 200 metres to the North-West, then off to the Walkham Head Peat Pass.  The going is tough on this part of the moor, but I managed to pick up a few sheep tracks to help me on my way.  The Peat Pass (I7) wasn’t to hard to find with a post marking both ends.

Next it was a short run over to Tavy Hole (I8), a nice waterfall but close enough to Tavy Head that the dry weather meant the river was flowing enough to show it at its best, but certainly one to return to. 

Turning west now I headed over to Standon Hill (54), this would have been heavy going in wetter conditions but it was a case of crunching my way across the plain. It not a particularly spectacular tor but what it lacks in stature it make up for in position with amazing 360 degree views.   

Time to head for home now with a nice run contouring below Lynch Tor over to the Langstone (K5).  The face of which shows the pock marks from American machine gunners practicing in 1944.

All that was left was to run down the hill back to the car, 19km done, I was glad of the building cloud cover on a hot day.




Co-ordinates in brackets eg (Q10) refer to squares in Dartmoor 365 by John Hayward

Quick blast over the moors after work and I notice Tor Rocks (186) on the map at SX641 591 and thought I would go and take a look.  It turned out to be a beautiful little corner of the moors with a small quarry below and the charming Butter Brook to the north.  This ones not on the original list but have added it on.  After visiting continued north and planned on a return visit to Tristis Rock, but it turns out that this is not the best angle to approach from high ferns meant getting to the river was a challenge then the river was wider and deeper than anticipated.  The final decision to turn back was the look of the slope below Tristis Rock itself which looked like deep gorse and ferns! 

Little Tor and West Mill Tor

Wow it's been a while, over a year in fact since I logged a Tor.  There was no planning around this we just decided to go for a family walk up to Yes Tor and as I sat up there taking in the amazing view I remembered this journey (of sorts) I was still on.  I saw West Mill and another outcrop which isn't on the map but with the power of google I found that this was known locally as Little Tor (210).  Both had yet to be visited on this journey although I remember on many occasions visiting West Mill Tor as a checkpoint when Ten Tors training, always nice as generally it came at the end of the day and you c an see the buses waiting for us at the bottom of the hill near the camp.  So Little Tor first only a small pull up the hill after descending from Yes Tor to this nice little outcrop, not sure why it only gets a small ring contour on the OS map.  Next it was on to West Mill Tor. I had forgotten what an amazing tor West Mill Tor(19) is, with plenty to explore, but alas no time today I had to catch up with the family heading back to the car.  Hopefully this has inspired me to get back out on this journey in the near future.   

Little Tor (West Side looking South)

Little Tor with West Mill Tor in the background

 

Looking Across the Roof of West Mill Tor

Dartmoor Photos

Run from West Rook Gate

The summer continues! I was under the impression that it was going to be OK today, so headed out after the school run.  It didn't look promising when I arrived below West Rook Gate but thought it may might clear up as I ran.  I was very wrong!  Once I hit the moor after a short road run I quickly realised that this was going to be a day to test the navigation skills, so set my altimeter at the gate and was glad I did.  The short climb to Rook Tor (170) and the quick realisation that there isn't a lot to see here and so I quickly moved on and up.  I was glad to see Penn Beacon (91) appear out of the mist and stopped to take some photos.

Penn Beacon

Penn Beacon

Seem to remember having been here before probably during a hash or fell race.  Off again this time to Shell Tor (64) which turned out to be a nice little tor, again I was glad to find it.

Stunning Views from Shell Top

Next I made the short hop to the trigpoint at SX602645, I have added this to the list as it it the highest point around unfortunately it is unnamed. 

Next off to Hen Tor which I have already visited so just a flying visit before turning south west to Little (150) and Great Trowelsworthy Tors (140), a nice run and good underfoot, just before the tor I stumbled on two people carrying yellow bags around which they leaving around the place.  I am not sure what they were up to, maybe leaving kit for Royal Marines or other military training exercise.  If anyone knows please let me know.  

Enjoying the weather near Little Trowelsworthy Tor

Great Trowelsworthy Tor

All that was left now was the run home, but that's another story!!

Run tracked on Endomondo.com

   

Dartmoor Runners - Shelstone Tor and Hunt Tor - 21th November 2010

Excellent event on the North West side of the moors from High Down.  Nice run out to Shelstone Tor (122) before turning for the climb upto Branscombe Loaf then over to Hunt Tor (10).  Nearly suckered into Gren Tor but decided to leave it for another day.  After Hunt Tor skirted Great Links Tor before the hard slog over to Chat Tor.  Nice run down to a wall corner across the river from Doe Tor only stopping to pick up an OMM map from a few weeks ago.  Then off back to High Down battling the gorse before the run in. 

Wintery and Wild

7th November 2010

Out and about for a Dartmoor Runners event from Belstone.  This is probably the corner of the moor I know the least so its nice to get out for a run over this area.  The run took in two tors Winter Tor (98) which I haven't visited before and Wild Tor (27).  Apt really as it certainly was Wintery and Wild. .  Looking forward to visiting this part of the moor again soon, still plenty to do.   

View Winter and Wild Tor in a larger map

50 up!! 143 to go!!

The Original Mountain Marathon has meant that many parts of Dartmoor have been off limits for a while.  So it's good to get this event out of the way, and also good to get to visit some 10 Tors whilst competing.  My full report on this event can be found at www.ineedtotrain.blogspot.com .  No photo's I am afraid but here are the tors I visited.

Saturday 30th October
Yes Tor (2)

Lints Tor (46)

Hare Tor (26)

Chat Tor (18)

Branscombe's Loaf (25)

Great Nodden (85)

Sunday 31st October

Kitty Tor (8)

Steng-a-Tor (22)

Sourton Tor (81)

East Mill Tor 'A' (53)

Really looking forward to getting back to this area again I am sure I will revisit many of these again especially the tor a long the ridge above Dinger Valley which is my favourite area on the moor.

Western Beacon, Butterdon Hill, Hangershell Rocks and Ugborough Beacon

Sunset on Western Beacon

A beautiful Autumn evening on the very southern tip of the moor.  From the car it was a straight climb up to Western Beacon (155) and the first view of the setting sun.  Then a welcome run down to Black Pool, before the climb to Butterdon Hill (138).  As the sun continued to set, I continued to Hangershell Rock and though not on my original list it was certainly worth a visit, From there I turned east now with the last of the sun on my back I made for Ugborough Beacon (129).  I spied a group on horseback near the beacon, but when looked again they had disappeared!  I got to the beacon in time for the last of the days sun.  I ran south over Eastern Beacon, before enjoying the run across to the wall above Cuckoo Ball and then picking up the path back to the car.  A really beautiful evening for a run over some classic south moor terrain.  GPS Track

Butterdon Hill

Hangershell Rock

Ugborough Beacon

Four More in the Bag

Really beautiful midday on the moors started off cool, until the clouds rolled back and it really started to heat up.  Probably not a day to sit around as still a cold wind, but an ideal day for a run.  Started from Hay Tor car park then down to Bag Tor(148), always feel like a good runner on this stretch but it doesn't last long as soon after Bag Tor you cross the ford and start the 120m climb to Rippon Tor(62).  After the first section of the climb, there is a short respite after the gate, as you follow the wall before the final ascent.  Great views from Rippon Tor in every direction, making it a firm favourite.  Leaving the Trig point I retraced my steps before finding the path over to Saddle Tor(158).  Saddle Tor lives in the shadow of Haytor rocks, and so is much quiter but still has a large chunk of rock at its summit.  Onwards now to Holwell Tor(109) my final Tor of the day, great views from here over to Greator Rocks and Hound Tor.  Looking forward to racing in this area next weekend for the Devon Orienteering Club Long-O .  Finally I turned for the run between Haytor Rocks and down to the Car Park.  7.1km in 55mins.  

GPS Track on endomondo.com 

Mel, Aish, Leigh, Luckey, Yar and CorndonTor

Cairn on Aish Tor

Approaching Corndon Tor

Leigh Tor

Mel Tor

Luckey Tor

View down the Dart Valley from Sharp Tor

Sharp tor

Sharp tor

Approaching Yar tor

So another gentle run on the moors, well that was the plan.  First off the the short run to Mel Tor (149) with it's great views into the River Dart valley and over to Bench Tor.  Bench Tor stands at a similar height and less than a Km away, but it is vicious decent and ascent.  Then a blast down Dr Blackall's Drive to Aish Tor (173), and the small cairn that marks the lack of any sort of Tor.  Next I descended and crossed the road and made the short run to Leigh Tor (189).  technical stuff on Leigh Tor  After a little time on the summit, I turned and retraced my steps around Aish Tor, across Mel Tor and onwards towards Luckey Tor (186).  It was soon obvious that the easiest route would be to descend to the river and follow it to below Luckey Tor.  I was glad I did as it turned out that the most spectacular views on the Tor were from below.  The Tor rises up nearly vertically from the valley floor.  I quickly scrambled up the west flank and cut myself a path to the summit through the bracken.  Once off the Tor I looked for some sort of path west to get around the private land before heading to Sharp Tor.  But it was impossible and I was faced with no option but to return to Mel Tor, then take the path through to Sharp Tor (126).  Onwards to Yar Tor (99), now the rain had really set in so I quickly turned for Corndon Tor (87) then descend for the run to the car.  I really enjoyable run with contrasting Tors, unfortunately I managed to forget Hockinston Tor deep in the valley, maybe I will be brave and combine that with Bench Tor, Combestone Tor Circuit!!  Who knows.  The other concern is Bel Tor, which currently doesn't have any public access, I'll have to come up with a plan, any ideas....... 

GPS Track on Google Earth Map

Hameldown Beacon, Hameldown Tor, Shapley Tor and Wind Tor

The plan was to pick up the two points on Hameldown and then head back to Wind Tor so about an hours run.  But once on the top I felt good and decided to head onwards to Shapley Tor.  So my hours run soon turned into a 14km 1hour 50min run.  I hadn't visited any of the points on Hameldown before and was surprised at the views both West towards Princetown and East over Hound Tor and Hay Tor.  After the climb to Hameldown Beacon (34) and the ridge run to Hameldown Tor (28) I planned to pick up the path leading north east and then pickup the path to Shapley Tor.  But it quickly came apparent that the path no longer exist, and so what should have been a quick and pleasant decent turned into a case of trying to pick the line of least resistance.  Once on the path I quickly found myself at Shapley Tor (63).  It did cross my mind at this point to head west to Birch Tor before returning.  I quickly gave myself a slap and headed over to Grimspound vis Hookney Tor.  The climb from Grimspound back up to Hameldown Tor hurt but I managed to "run" all of it.  Once back on the top I enjoyed the run along and down the ridge, with the bonus of having the wind on my back.  Once back at the car I crossed the road and headed to Wind Tor (130), the final tor of the Day.  A small but nice enough Tor, I then turned for the short trot back to the car.  An enjoyable run and 4 ticked off the list.


GPS Track

Difficulties ahead........

I always take part in the Original Mountain Marathon in October and have started every one since 1997.  It's just been announced that this years event will be held on Dartmoor and I have a place.  So whats the problem, well once the start list is published you are not allowed to train in the area.  So that puts the main body of the moor out of bounds to me until after the event in October.  That means I have to look carefully at what Tors I can get without going in the out of bounds.  This may well slow me down a little in the coming months.  

Scorhill Tor, Thornworthy Tor, Frenchbeer Rock, Middle Tor and Kestor Rock

Scorhill Tor

Fernworthy Reservoir from Thornworthy Tor

Myself and Bramble chanced the weather and headed for Teigncombe with the plan to take in 4 Tors from the list and 1 that isn't but really should be.  With these I am going to add them on to the end of the list, so the 190 will continue to grow as I visit different areas of the moor.  I am keen to hear of more, so if you have any suggestions then let me have them.  First we followed the wall around to Scorhill Tor (134), via Scorhill Circle.  I remember visiting Scorhill Circle on a DofE expedition a while ago now but we didn't make the short walk to the Tor, so this was my first visit.  A nice little Tor which sits neatly on the side of the hill looking down on the North Teign River.  Next we retraced our steps and made our way to Thornworthy Tor (93), via the stone rows which litter the side of Shovel Down, we crossed the wall and started the short climb to the Tor.  The weather had really improved now and we were treated to great views all around although Bramble seemed interested in other things.  We left the Tor and headed for Frenchbeer Rock (191), before turning back towards the car over Middle Tor(100) and Kestor Rock (86).   We paused on Kestor to take in the view, now I can look out and see places already visited (Hunters Tor) and also those to come including Steeperton, Wild, and Watern Tors.

Kestor Rock

Frenchbeer Rock

 

Middle Tor

GPS Track

Hay Tor

Marcus on the steps to the summit

Just out for an evening walk with Marcus and Dan, who are down visiting.  Unfortunately the sunset  didn't materialise, it was so close to being a classic.  However it was a great evening, and Hay Tor was quiet with only a few walkers and two brave climbers playing in the wind. 

Hay Tor Rocks

 

Sharpitor, Hunters and back for Raven Tor another day

Sharpitor

Hay Tor on the Horizon

Hunters Tor

In my opinion some Dartmoor Tors are worth a visit any time of the year, in any conditions, but as I found today others are at their best at certain times of the year.  Sharpitor nr Lustleigh I hope is one of the latter, as in the peak of summer there is little to see.  It reminded me of a lost Inca city, taken back from humans by nature.  So I plan to go back this winter and have a good look around, anyway I have to go back as we failed to get to Raven Tor at all.  If I been on my own I would have gone for it but with Abbie and Bramble it would have quickly turned into an epic.  We did manage to find three Geocaches so Abbie was happy.   The views of Hay Tor, Hound Tor and Bowerman's Nose were excellent. We continued on to Hunters Tor where we had lunch, a nice tor spoiled only by a farmers fence cutting through the centre of the Tor.  After lunch we doubled back on ourselves, returning to the car.

King Tor, Hookney Tor and nearly Shapley Tor

King Tor

Hookney Tor

I was going to collect all of the Tors in this area during a run yesterday, but alas a dodgy calf meant that I called it off and instead worked in the garden!  But today I ventured out with Abbie and Bramble to take in a couple on what was a nice day.  We started up the hill past Grimspound and contoured into 3. King Tor (51).  Although not a spectacular tor in itself it is worth a visit as on a clear day there are excellent views to be had.  Next we headed for King's Barrow, before striding off to 4. Hookney Tor (45).  A nice tor to stop, relax and have a bite to eat.  You have admire the view from here across to Grimspound and Hameldown Tor both in touching distance, but left for another day as Abbie's legs tire.  Whilst on the Tor, Abbie searched and successfully found a Geocache we signed the log then headed north towards Shapley Tor.  We were within 300 metres of the tor when we decided turn for the car.  A good day out and we rewarded ourselves with an ice cream on the way home.