TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Lower Leigh TorLeigh Tor, also called, by William Crossing (Guide, pp.335-336), 'Long Tor', is indeed a very impressive ridge of rock that extends for a considerable distance down the hill in an easterly direction. It is this lesser-known yet spectacular aspect of the tor that can be seen little more than 100 metres from the road at Spitchwick where several craggy outcrops with sprawling clitter are covered in vegetation and are hidden amongst the fragile oak trees that cling to its substance. Totally invisible from the summit rocks of Leigh Tor, despite the Two Moors Way following the north side of the rock ridge, bracken conceals many of the outcrops including the tor's termination at a huge cliff. Below this there is a remarkable clitter strewn across the slopes like a quarry tip; its substance is a huge pile of broken boulders that are dangerous to traverse across. The entire scene sits atop a boggy area beside the road that is bracken-infested hiding holes and tree branches. It is encouraged that you stick to the Two Moors Way path, especially in winter, where the going underfoot is easier, but you can stray to explore the lower section with care from higher up. From the top, you will be rewarded with a somewhat obscured view across the Double Dart to Holne Chase. If you ascend further up the hill for 250m or so, the rocks briefly pause before rising again as even larger outcrops that eventually terminate in the recognisable summit of Leigh Tor proper.
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