TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Lower Castor Sufficiently detached from Higher Castor to warrant its own identity, this is a large rockpile set in the trees. The outcrop best presents from the southern side as a crumbling rock face.  It is a pleasing tor: the sloping outcrop presents itself with bizarre jointing where the granite is cracked and fractured. First noted and named by Max Piper when he stumbled across the tor in April 2018, it is best seen from the underside where, suddenly, you are met by mossy boulders that contrast with the pale face of the main tor. The rock on the summit looks precariously balanced and could be a logan stone, though to stand on top of it would be near-impossible due to the low tree canopy hampering any attempt to do so.  Interestingly, the Tithe Map for the Parish of Bovey Tracey marks two fields to the immediate south-east as 'Higher and Lower Catstors'. It is certainly plausible that 'Castor' derived from this appellation. To acknowledge these historic names, the name of 'Lower Castor' seems appropriate to distinguish the tor from its higher neighbour, that lies to the east at the top of the copse.  Please note that Lower Castor straddles a wire fence that marks the limit of Castor Copse, which is owned by Dartmoor National Park Authority. Whilst this is accessible to the public, the copse is isolated from nearby public access points and will therefore necessitate passing through private land to reach it. In this instance, you are advised to seek permission.
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