TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Trendlebere North-West Tor Set on the far north west edge of the Down and named as such so as to distinguish it from the much better tor to the west, this rockpile actually resides about 150 metres north east of the so-called 'Tor in the Woods'. After traversing the uneven hillside above the Becka Brook from Trendlebere Tor, along a rather ill-defined narrow path, you are soon greeted by a wall of dark rock that stretches both up and downhill from this point a seemingly impenetrable barrier.  It is quite clearly not of granite and, like much of Trendlebere Down, is composed of metamorphic bedrock that formed approximately 318-329 million years ago, earlier than the intrusion of granite which was estimated to have formed 272-308 million years ago.  The change of geology is noticeable as the ground becomes much looser and unforgiving, making exploring the rock face difficult. The tor here is shown as the largest outcrop by the Ordnance Survey, and when visiting, it is strongly advised that you leave by returning to the 'Tor in the Woods' where you can then ascend to the grassy path at the top of the woodland which avoids the worst of the bracken and gorse that otherwise conceals much light at the top of the North-West Tor. 
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
