TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Cliff, The Along the upper north path in Belstone Cleave, there is a vertical "cliff" of non-granite rock among the foliage. The path initially runs close beneath a section of impressive overhangs, but the vegetation makes for poor views here. Further on the canopy thins and up the steep bank, an overgrown route presents itself to reach the upper section of the crags where a fine view of the cleave is afforded, with the Belstone Range on the high moor above.  The name was first mentioned by Crossing in 1905, in his book 'Gems in a Granite Setting'. When describing the scene looking down the cleave from the Belstone village green; "Here are seen little enclosures, doubtless formed with much toil, standing in the midst of a wilderness of gorse; here is the ford on the stream, and the path climbing the side of the hill; further down grey crags - the nearer mass being The Cliff and the one beyond it, Ivy Tor..."  The name of 'The Cliff' was also mentioned by Dora James, in 1911, who uses names for features around Belstone that were well-known in those days, like The Great Green and Little Green for the grassy areas in the village, and Brine Marsh for the wetlands near the car park. 
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