TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Little Trenchford Tor This interesting little rockpile lies a proverbial stone's throw from the main outcrops of Trenchford Tor, at SX 8019 8304, and it is set right beside a footpath. When it was first noticed by Max Piper back in December 2017, he was surprised to find that there was no reference to either of the small tors here in the literature nor in the history of the reservoir build from over 100 years ago.  At the junction of what are muddy paths, we have a small but well-formed pile that is adorned in vibrant moss. Its appearance is that of a compact pile that extends into the hillside when seen from behind. Sadly, the little tor suffers greatly from its rather scruffy surroundings and is easily overlooked entangled as it is in bramble and fern. Max continues his assessment: "Repeat visits have seen tree branches piled up in front of this characteristic pile which hides its overall size..." This must refer to it being used as a deposit for cut logs and branches.  Below this point lies the Trenchford Stream, this being the primary feeder of Trenchford Reservoir before it bids farewell to the plantations above. Trenchford was the third and last of the reservoirs to be built in the vicinity after the Kennick and Tottiford Lakes. It was completed in 1907 to provide an increased volume of water to the growing urban areas around Torbay, including Brixham, Paignton and Torquay but even that wasn't sufficient and eventually necessitated the construction of the much higher Fernworthy Reservoir that was opened in 1942, this providing a pipeline that connected between the two utilising natural gravity to facilitate the increased flow of water into the Trenchford Lake.  The miniature stature of the outcrop here has given it the simple appellation of 'Little Trenchford Tor', and it is certainly worth closer inspection whenever you walk the footpaths that circumnavigate the reservoir.
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