TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Higher Stonelands Tor The densely wooded landscape of East Dartmoor never fails to disappoint the visitor. All across the valley sides there lie hidden tors, many of which rival those out on the high moor, yet there is situated close to the public byway that is called Little John's Walk this small but interesting collection of large rocks with a central compact outcrop near to John Cann's Rocks.  It is best seen on the ascent to Furzeleigh Cross but the trees obscure the main pile, a characteristic though quite modest outcrop that takes on a bulbous form as you round it. It seems to be tilted to one side with the joints in the granite running parallel to the gradient of the hill. Little caves occur throughout and coupled with the small tor's sheltered position it provides a moist environment for moss to thrive.  A short way above this, and more readily visible from the Walk, there are two distinctive boulders. When viewed from the track, the left boulder appears peanut-shaped and smoother whilst its neighbour is much more rugged and grotesque. Were the area clear of trees, we would have one of Dartmoor's most striking landscapes, where granite outcrops that have been flung about the hillside would overlook the charming lowlands of the River Bovey. But now, it is largely forested, concealing numerous rock masses with the tor above Stonelands being just one of many to be found gracing the slopes. 
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