TORS OF DARTMOOR

a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops

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West Down Tor

This is a fine tor that spans a large area within the woodland levels of West Down in the Parish of Shaugh Prior. It boasts three interesting sections: its lower section at SX 5400 6349 begins beside the footpath that follows the route of the pipes that once brought clay from Shaugh Lake and Wigford Down to the settling pits at Shaugh Bridge. The tor acts as a natural impenetrable wall as it stretches uphill, its sheer face crumbling with age.

Above this there is another peculiar outcrop of note at SX 5401 6344, southward: a large rock sitting precariously atop bedrock which from some angles resembles a logan stone; it rests against a tree trunk for support and contains a narrow quartz vein striking diagonally through the granite.

The final section is the highest at SX 5406 6349 to the north-east: a collection of square rocks, some with the appearance of being worked, neatly slotting into one another like a jigsaw puzzle.

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West Down Tor
The map above is not a navigation tool and we recommend that the grid reference shown below is used in conjunction with an Ordnance Survey map and that training in its use with a compass is advised.
Grid Ref:
SX 540 635
Height:
219m
Parish:
Shaugh Prior
Tor Classification:
Valley Side
Access:
Public
Rock Type:
Granite
Credit:
Paul Buck
Tim Jenkinson
Max Piper
Reference / Further Reading:

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