TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Balstone Wood Tor At the far south-western tip of the National Park is a magnificent tor that is composed of broken sedimentary rock in the north part of Balstone Wood. From the edge of the woodland (the east side), on a path heading northward to Tavy Cottage and Double Waters, only the summit rocks can be seen: a rather disappointing set of emergent outcrops that barely protrude from ground level. An interesting cluster a few metres below then unveils itself as the visitor descends the slope.  From the western side of the summit rocks, you can see a small ledge in the woodland which hides a better outcrop: a modest one which, when seen from below, resembles a diving board similar, but smaller than, nearby Buck Tor. A gap in the trees allows for a bit of a view from the top of the ledge in winter months of Blackmoorham Wood.  This is an indicator or appetiser of what lies below, the true gem here, a stupendous wall of rock that in places must be at least 15 metres tall, dwarfing anyone that stands below its foot, with more cascading below on the steep hillside towards the River Tavy. These crags are rugged and immense and cannot be seen from above. They will come as a surprise to anyone unfamiliar with these parts. 
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