Scarey Tor

Scarey Tor is a small, broken granite tor that is found above the East Okement River near to Cullever Steps and beneath the impressive range of tors that stud Belstone Common, meaning that it is often overlooked. Do not make that mistake, though, as there is an abundance of interest on the tor that makes it well worth a visit.At the tor there is, on the south side very close to the summit, an abandoned millstone that rests on an angle, and there is more cut rock on the elongated, albeit heavily weathered, rock ridge that mounts the north slope of the hill. Another millstone can be located to the south of the tor at SX 60659 92366, this containing a tiny hole in the centre that was spotted by Steve Granger. Okay its summit rocks are a bit disappointing but rounding them on the north-west side there is a large split outcrop above a considerable clitter where much of the main substance of the tor seems to have toppled. It also a picturesque spot set as it is above the river. As the artefacts show the tor was partly plundered for its granite and that too might have diminished its stature. The vista from Scarey Tor is surprisingly very fine, despite its relatively meagre altitude; it embraces the East Okement's departure from the high moor where it enters the magical glen of West Cleave, bounded on its west (left) side by Halstock Wood. The ruin of Watchet Hill Cottage and the craggy outcrop of Cleave Tor are seen in the distance too with, beyond, the rolling fields of Devon. The tors on Belstone Common to the east assume impressive grotesque shapes, with an incredible amount of clitter blanketing the hill. To the south-west are the cascades on the river below Cullever Steps that are known locally as 'Slipper Stones' (Hemery 1983).