TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Leather TorLether Tor, Lader Tor, Lodertorre, Lledr Tor, Ledder Tor, Leddertor
 Of all the tors that encircle the beautiful Burrator Reservoir and tower high above the glimmering lake, it is perhaps the dragon's back of Leather Tor whose unrivalled stature makes the greatest mark. This is a breathtaking ridge of granite which, from certain angles - notably the north and south - takes on the form of a miniature Tryfan (a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales). We learn in an 1873 newspaper article that: "the name contains the Celtic word llethr, signifying a steep declivity", indeed a most appropriate appellation. A stupendous field of clitter enwreathes the tor's eastern and southern flanks in such density as to render parts of the hillside unwalkable - especially in summer when the bracken is up. Therefore, it is easier to approach the tor from other angles.  Scaling the craggy spine of Leather Tor provides great fun for adventurers who seek to enjoy a mini scramble to the summit. This should only be undertaken on clear days under calm winds as it is very exposed and Stainer (2021) provides a word of warning: "There are several climbing routes on the tor, particularly on the eastern side and DSRT [Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team] Tavistock have been called to several incidents here, some where serious injury has been the result of a fall. With that in mind, descent is safest on the western side via a rough grassy slope from a dip roughly halfway along the summit ridge, or by retracing the ascent route."  Embracing a myriad of rocky hills, forests and the aforementioned lake, the late author Jeffrey W. Malim in 1935 wrote: "The ascent of Lether Tor from the road [by Burrator Reservoir], near the bridge of that name, is a very steep one, but the view from the granite rock at the summit is not easily forgotten, as it displays the valley of the Meavy stretching past Sharp Tor on Peak Hill, to Harter Tor and Cramber Tor on the hill-top above the left bank of the Meavy." Hemery (1983) writes with great enthusiasm about the rockpile: "Dartmoor can boast many loftier tors, such as Great Mis and Great Links, tors more remote, such as the unique Vur Tor - but here, surely, is the essence of grandeur, an obvious inspiration for Crossing's Amid Devonia's Alps." Lastly, Falcon (1900) exuberates: "Approached from the east or north-east, we are confronted by a small chaos of boulders, which, though miniature in comparison, in effect is not unworthy of a Highland corrie; above it rises a graceful outline, sharp and broken, typical rather of gabbro than of our smoothly weathered granites, and unmistakably mountainous in quality."  A delightful poem from G.M. Potter, written in 1935, concludes the tor's majesty well: "Grim watchman of the Moor, so stark and still,
Like some great warrior, hewn out in stone By heathen hands, with all the ancient skill Of an old sun god, seated on his throne! Thy form the ever changing mists surround With pale robes swiftly turned to fairy gold By hidden glories; and the winds around Thy head wild tales of wonderment unfold. We live and die; thou standest sentinel Of life and death, a sphinx-like monument, Pointing to heaven with a mute farewell For days that pass, with joy and sorrow blent."
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