TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Jurston Rocks Beside the road that climbs south from the farm of Jurston to the open moor, there lies a small tor hard against the verge on the apex of the hill. Just how large this pile once was is difficult to discern.  Closer inspection on the western side of the narrow lane reveals two outcrops rising to no more than 12 feet high, separated by an abandoned gate just visible within the tangled branches of a hedge. Why this entrance into the field was discarded is not clear, it would have made an impressive sight, but it was likely not fit for purpose with the introduction of larger modern agricultural machinery requiring wider access. The low north outcrop is barely recognisable, overcome by gorse, a scruffy fence sitting high atop. The higher southern outcrop shows the tell tale signs of a stone masons hand on the exposed roadside section, inflicted when the lane was either constructed or later to widen the thoroughfare when traffic increased.  There is also an eastern section on the other side of the road which has been lost amongst the vegetation entirely and easily mistaken for a neglected wall. The high boundaries make it difficult to estimate the tor's footprint, but from beyond Jurston Gate to the south, you get a better vantage into the fields on both sides; the west plot of land revealing the extent of the southern section, appearing to be three times as long as high. The eastern field is a scene of disappointing bedrock barely higher than the grass, but as expected, close to the boundary wall, a dark mass of high gorse suggests it hides something more substantial. 
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