周辺の天然記念物・トップ19

Hunters Tor on Dartmoor – overview and practical guide Notes on the feature Name variants: Hunters Tor (also found in some guides as “Hunters’ Tor” or “Hunters Tor” with occasional apostrophe usage). It is one of the granite tors you’ll encounter on the eastern Dartmoor plateau. Location context: Situated on the eastern Dartmoor moor, in the general area between Widecombe-in-the-Moor and the higher moorland to the north and east. It’s often visited as part of longer routes from classic eastern Dartmoor starting points. What to expect Elevation and geology: A granite tor typical of Dartmoor—weathered outcrops with rough boulder features and exposed granite. Provides a vantage point to survey surrounding moorland. Scenery: Wide moorland views with horizon lines; potential for good visibility across East Dartmoor on clear days. Getting there Access points: Likely starting points include car parks and laybys near the eastern moor, with access from roads serving Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Ashburton, or Two Bridges. Public transport: Buses to nearby villages with a short walk onto the moor; check current timetables. Parking: Local parking areas around the eastern moorland; follow local signage and

Sharp Tor on Dartmoor – overview and tips Notes on the name Sharp Tor is a well-known tor on Dartmoor, sometimes spelled “Sharp Tor” or “Sharp’s Tor” in regional references. It is one of the classic granite tors that dot the eastern moor. Location context: Sharp Tor sits in the eastern part of Dartmoor National Park, behind or near the villages of Widecombe-in-the-Moor and intersecting with other moorland features such as Haytor and Hound Tor in the wider area. What to expect Elevation and geology: Granite tor forming a rocky outcrop that offers elevated views over the surrounding moor. Typical Dartmoor granite features, weathered by wind and rain into distinctive boulders and crags. Scenery: Expansive moorland around, open horizons, and, on clear days, distant views toward the coast. Getting there Access points: - Likely starting points include nearby car parks on the eastern Dartmoor plateau and routes from towns like Ashburton or Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Public transport: Bus routes to nearby villages with a short walk onto the moor. Parking: Depending on the exact access point, there are local parking areas; check current signage and National Trust/ Dartmoor NPA guidance. Popular routes and what to expect Short circulars: There are moorland circuits that incorporate Sharp Tor as a highlight, often around 2–4 miles (3–6 km) depending on the exact start point. Longer explorations: Combine Sharp Tor with adjacent tors such as Hound Tor, Widecombe area, or more northern tors for a full moorland day. Expect rolling moorland

It is a distinctive rock, not only for its magnificent views, but also for its huge rock pool at the summit, formed by the weathering of weakened feldspar crystals. Before geological processes were fully understood, rock pools were described in folklore as the work of the Druids, who needed a camp as close to the sky as possible to "store sacred water and collect the blood of human sacrifices". More info here: https://visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/moors-tors/kes-tor/

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A charming start to the extensive collection of tors on the Belstone Ridge, Tors End is a long thin band of exposed granite, stretching up the north-western edge of Belstone Common, with an extensive clitter field on the western side. In 'High Dartmoor' Hemery mentions the outcrop but appears to incorrectly place it at the northern edge of the higher ground, at what we call 'Belstone Common Tor'; "...the land falls sharply to a fine satellite pile; smaller, but fiercely characteristic, its bold cone dominates the declining northward crest and is aptly known as Tors End (approx. 1,500 feet)." Also, there is, according to Hemery, a small quarry at the north end known as 'Sand Pit'. As Tors End was the easiest tor to get to and being located closest to the village it seems to have been a target for quarrying. A quarter segment of an abandoned apple crusher can be found on the east side of the main outcrop. There are also abandoned millstones and troughs on the slopes all around the Belstone Tors area. Tim Jenkinson (2001/2) writes; "The quarry at Sand Pit is symbolic of the interest in Belstone's granite and most probably reflects the execution of Venville Rights, a privilege bestowed upon the inhabitants of Dartmoor in return of the payment of rent to the Duchy." Venville Rights allow local people "to remove anything from the Forest that may be for their own use and good"; they date back to 1609 during the reign of James I when it was decreed that the "digging and removal of moorstone is to be used only for the mending of houses and land." Just over 100 years ago Dora James (1911) depicts an interesting scene at the village of Belstone; she bemoans; "There are now at least two granite working yards in the village, although the owners have I believe to pay an annual fee to the Duchy for the removal of stone in such large quantities, which, if for their good, can scarcely be considered for their 'own use'." At that time Belstone was a hive of industry and rocks that were being plundered from the tors, and some stones were worked upon in situ and presumably cast aside if imperfect - that's why we find so many abandoned artefacts up there. Dora was very unhappy about the whole situation as she calls the working places an "eyesore" and felt that the process of "digging out and cutting up the glorious piles" of Belstone Tors "are infinitely to be regretted." She refers to the stones as "grey memorials". It is more commonly accepted by the locals that this, the lower outcrop, is the actual location.

Unfortunately, the Ordnance Survey representation of the Belstone Ridge is rather disappointing, naming only Belstone Tor and Higher Tor; and while indeed these are prominent tors, it leaves out equally impressive and fascinating outcrops, particularly at the north end. As a result of this, there has been confusion as to the names for some of these rockpiles, leaving some to call the entire collection 'Belstone Tors'. One tor in particular between Belstone Tor and Tors End despite its prominence appears to have never been named, so we have simply labelled this 'Belstone Common Tor'. In the past it has been incorrectly labelled 'Tors End' and even 'Ladybrook Tor', the latter a robust outcrop sitting on the opposite hillside above the River Taw. Eric Hemery (1983) mentions the outcrop at the northern end of the high ground but identifies it, in our opinion, incorrectly; "...the land falls sharply to a fine satellite pile; smaller, but fiercely characteristic, its bold cone dominates the declining northward crest and is aptly known as Tors End (approx. 1,500 feet)." Whilst this is certainly the end of the high ground, which may have swayed Hemery, it ignores the outcrops below to the north-west, which are the true end of the Belstone Ridge and the accepted location of Tors End known to locals. Belstone Common Tor is a fabulous tor in its own right, sufficiently detached from its neighbours to warrant an identity. Its composition is surprisingly dissimilar when compared to the rest of the common: its main pile is a massive heap of broken stones, presenting almost alpine-like from the south. The tor's appearance - that of a jumbled mound of granite rocks - is reminiscent of Sharpitor near Burrator Reservoir. The concentration of clitter all around, but particularly on the east flank of the hill, is mesmerising and indicative of these tors' former magnitude before they were brutally broken up by weathering. The area, strewn as it is by magnificent granite blocks, has also been a target for stonecutters who utilised the abundance of rock and easy accessibility from Belstone village to cut up stone for monetary gain. The north side of Belstone Common Tor has suffered by the scar of a small quarry where you can find an abandoned granite roller at SX 61589 92494, buried in the turf. Where granite cracked under pressure or transportation was deemed to be too laborious, these artefacts were simply abandoned in situ. A number of millstones, troughs, and apple crushers can be found amidst the clitter. The lively stonecutting industry at Belstone Common was not without its critics, however. One well-known figure was Dora James (1911) who proclaimed that the "digging out and cutting up of the glorious piles are infinitely to be regretted." Later, she refers to the stones as "grey memorials", clearly expressing her sadness and frustration at the enterprise. It is fortunate that the extent of the quarrying was kept to a minimum and never took off or else we may be left with an entirely different scene today. On top of the tor you will notice the remains of a concrete flagpole base; presumably this was placed here because of the more extensive views afforded of Belstone from where it could be viewed. Bob Fitzpatrick (2017) also noted no less than three rock basins near to this which are thought to be undocumented. At least two of the basins can retain water and are unusual in that none of the other Dartmoor tors this far north possess any basins. Mr. Ormerod (1859) himself states that: "From near the same point in the northerly part of the moor the Tavy flows westerly and the Teign easterly: to the north of these rivers very few rock-basins exist, and those too are in the immediate vicinity of these rivers. The Belstone examples are therefore unique.

Nice views. Probably great in autumn, see the trees in different shades of color.

If a Dartmoor tor could reveal what it has seen down through the millennia then Kestor surely would have some stories to tell. Its rocky outcrops survey directly over a ancient landscape of ritual monuments and old stone huts. In previous centuries some early antiquarians believed that the tor was the central focus for druidical ceremonies. The rock or tor is located on Chagford Common and sits at an altitude of 1,382ft (421m). Many wonder as to the origins of the name and why sometimes it’s called a rock and others a tor. in 1856 a local antiquarian called G. W. Omerod was doing some ‘antiquarianing’ on the tor/rock when he discovered a large rock basin on the summit. A hole had been filled in with peat and stones in a presumable effort to stop sheep from falling into it. When he cleared the hole out it was found to be the largest rock basin and Dartmoor and according to Worth, when empty it measured 6ft 8in wide, 8ft wide and 30in deep. The largest rock basin on Dartmoor.

Many people exploring the Teign Gorge head to Sharp Tor for breathtaking views. Fewer people visit nearby Hunter’s Tor, however, which is surprising as it affords equally-stunning views. Whilst it is quite small, Hunter’s Tor has enough room for a few folks to sit on the rocks and enjoy the wonderful views.

Great view, on a good day.

Hike along the banks of the River Teign and you will see impressive crags erupting vertically out of the gorge. Once climbed, these crags boast exceptional views of the Teign Gorge, Castle Drogo, the Chagford area, and Dartmoor's high north plateau around Hangingstone Hill.