TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Doe Tor Of the ubiquitous outcrops that stud the north-western edge of Dartmoor, Doe Tor and its position is rather nullified by its modest elevation at just over 400m, surrounded as it is to its north and west by much grander eminences. That said, on further investigation the rambler will discover that this is indeed a splendid rockpile with much to see on its slopes. It sits just on the edge of the Willsworthy Artillery Range, between the Walla Brook and Doetor Brook, and is capped by a flagpole for when the range is in use for live firing. The outcrops sprawl all over the hillside, beneath extending down to the west where the dense boulders make for difficult walking. Whilst the views to the north and east are hindered somewhat by Brat Tor and Sharp Tor respectively, it is looking south and west where the thrilling vista unravels itself across the verdant mosaic of fields towards Cornwall. It is really quite a special spot.  Did William Crossing (1912) ever visit Doe Tor because he provides a disappointing account in Guide to Dartmoor? He notes: "a small pile which presents nothing remarkable..." With three main outcrops that are spread widely across the broad hill, with excellent horizontal jointing and a stunning rock basin, the tor is anything but 'disappointing'. Thankfully writing in the late 20th Century, Eric Hemery (1983) gives more detail; "The lower [pile] is very broken; its clitter lies on the tor's west slope and contains a poised boulder; although this does not log, it appears to be weathering at the base in such a way as to create a pivot, for it can be made to tremble by jumping on it. Another such boulder, insensitive to all assaults, is poised on a frost-parted rock on the higher side of the tor's lowest pile. The mid pile, south of which is a small, isolated hut-circle, is a cohesive rock-ridge having a fine south-west face..."  On the westernmost pile a ruinous roofless hut can be found (SX 5398 8498); military in origin, it is built out of stones and cement and was an old lookout. The gradient increases further west where two interesting artefacts can be found. The first is a rectangular stone trough (SX 5374 8487) lying prostrate, its reason for abandonment unclear. To the north and also nestled within the cloak of clitter is a millstone (SX 5375 8496), again abandoned and perhaps intended for Doe Tor Farm just below. The fabulous mossy enclosure walls and dilapidated structures of the old farm stand testament to bygone days. It dates to the mid-18th Century and its last occupants vacated c.1950s. Its setting is accentuated by a cluster of trees that provide some shelter from the westerly wind.  To the north of Doe Tor, overlooked by the majesty of Widgery Cross on Brat Tor, flows the Doetor Brook, a resplendent and lively stream that rises on the south flank of Great Links Tor at Dick's Well. From there it rapidly picks up pace and meanders through tin workings and by the Wheal Frederick mine building, before looping around to the west at Doe Tor Bend, where numerous small trees embellish either bank. Cascades and plunge pools predominate along this stretch, and you may also notice upright stones inscribed 'TRDC', denoting Tavistock Rural District Council which relate to an old water intake for that town.
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