TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Fatherford Rocks There is some debate about whether it is Cleave Tor that is the northernmost tor on Dartmoor or the equally stunning Ashbury Tor which opposes it across the valley, but to the north of these grand rock piles lies a smaller, but nonetheless fascinating cluster of what the book 'Geology of the Country around Okehampton' states consists of "fine-grained quartzitic sandstone interbedded with hard grey shale".  It resides above the left bank of the East Okement River following it downstream just before reaching Fatherford Viaduct, beside the Tarka Trail and Dartmoor Way. Somewhat scruffy there is nonetheless a main decent craggy outcrop here that runs up the hill. Its emergent appearance suggests that there may be more beneath the carpet of leaves. The most attractive feature is that the rocks are adored by fern and climbing plants.  Close by lies a disused quarry. Not much information could be gleaned but the Dartmoor HER records a: "'Quarry' shown on 19th century map as an L-shaped feature with an oval pond and a track to the north-west." It is likely that this excavation interfered with the rocks and exploited some of their substance.  The name of Fatherford Rocks was afforded to the rocks by Paul Rendell and it is appropriate since the aforementioned viaduct lies to the north and carries the railway between Exeter and Okehampton. Below this grand feature is a wooden bridge with a dedication to Charlotte Saunders, a 12-year-old girl who tragically lost her life whilst trying to cross the river in October 2001. It is therefore known as 'Charlotte's Bridge'.
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