TORS OF DARTMOOR

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Halstock Cleave Tor

Some two hundred metres after entering Halstock Cleave, the rate of descent increases for Moor Brook and it begins a beautiful succession of rapids and waterfalls en route to its confluence with the East Okement. The valley sides (Ashbury Tor north and Halstock Down south) have been shaped by its flow, sections stripped back to the metamorphic bedrock, none more obvious than where an outcrop resides below Lower Halstock Farm.

The brook narrows as it drops into a small gorge, eventually forced left by the bulk of Halstock Cleave Tor. It then passes under the most impressive section, a dramatic three tiered pile that, from the path below East Hill, is obvious in winter but veiled by the canopy in warmer seasons.

Whilst it is best viewed, in its entirety, from the left bank, there is a public footpath above this outcrop making it accessible for a closer look. At the tor, you will find the outcrops much taller than first perceived and discover a small stack. The bank of the brook below is quite beautiful here and a place to linger.

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Halstock Cleave Tor
The map above is not a navigation tool and we recommend that the grid reference shown below is used in conjunction with an Ordnance Survey map and that training in its use with a compass is advised.
Grid Ref:
SX 6020 9387
Height:
270m
Parish:
Okehampton Hamlets
Tor Classification:
Emergent
Access:
Private (but accessible)
Rock Type:
Metamorphic
Credit:
Paul Buck
Matthew King
Cath Wells
Reference / Further Reading:
Paul Buck: Dartmoor News Issue 181 Nov/Dec 2021: Exploring the Tors and Rocks of West Cleave and Halstock Wood

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