TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Little Gidleigh Tor Two isolated outcrops lying little more than 100 metres to the west of the upper main pile of Gidleigh Tor were discovered by Paul Rendell in 2020. Sufficiently detached on the slope to warrant their own identity the name of Little Gidleigh Tor has been since introduced and this seems most appropriate. Unfortunately, the landscape between the rockpiles here has deteriorated considerably in recent years certainly since 2015 when the area was substantially cleared of vegetation. During a recent excursion to this tor just six years later the terrain was found to be heavily overgrown with gorse, bracken, and briar that not only obstructed passage but also obscured views to the south.  Little Gidleigh Tor itself is an impressive small rockpile and the higher better-defined compact outcrop has great character set in the open it stands beside a small track that weaves through the bracken and the rock reaches some 2 metres high on all sides. Descending the slope to the south-west for some 30 metres or so brings the visitor to a small copse and hidden within the trees is the slightly smaller but equally intriguing outcrop at SX 6700 8771. Much less obvious than the higher pile it is still of considerable magnitude, especially on its lower side. Different to its neighbour in appearance this lower rock is not only fissured, but darkened, squatter and more rounded.  Whilst both outcrops here might be considered by some to be outliers of the better-known tor on high, together they are tucked so well under the slope and not visible from the summit rock that it makes them feel like a separate little tor. Sadly, there is little to be seen from either outcrop as their elevation coupled with the trees has negated that, but they are still well worth a visit but perhaps in the winter months when the vegetation has died down and is less intimidating. Please be aware that this tor resides on private land so once again permission must be sought before visiting. 
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