So......what's your favourite tor?
bog_baby
2011-11-11 19:25:27
Thought there wasn't nearly enough inane chatter in this social room so thought I'd ask what everyone's favourite tor is and why. (Also looking for inspiration :wink: )
We have only been to 10 (and mainly well visited ones) but my favourite has been Sharp tor. The view of it from our parking place was stunning, the walk to it was a decent walk but not too far for 5 year old little legs even in the drizzle and there were lots of boxes to be found. It was also very memorable as my son stepped in a boggy patch and sat down in the mud and hubby waded in after him not realising how deep it was and sank up to his knees (very amusing for all except him :D ).
I did also think the view of Leather tor from Sharpitor was beautiful, straight out of The Lord of the Rings (which I am currently rereading).
Kenton Kestrel
2011-11-11 22:08:47
Recently went up Rippon Tor on a clear day. The panoramic view is stunning.
Reading Lord of the Rings is what got me hooked on Dartmoor.
Dartymoor
2011-11-12 06:51:59
Sadly, Haytor is mine. Not just for the tor, but the surrounding history - the quarries, the views, granite tramway etc. Lovely area.
I say sadly since I dislike crowds, so although I walk the area very often, I've not been up the rock itself for about two decades!
reg the bullmastiff
2011-11-12 17:31:41
GREAT LINKS.
Because "IT ROCKS"........
Also you can see it from my house, but..... you can't see my house from it!
How does that work?
bog_baby
2011-11-12 18:47:14
Haytor/Saddle tor are next on my list maybe on a grey day/middle of winter so not so many crowds......we went to the Bonehill rocks/Bell tor in October and it was over run (was a sunny day in half term though). We were on our own on Sharp tor/Sharpitor, both grey/purple dizzly days, but it was almost magical (not sure hubby would agree, but I thought so :) )
Does Rippon tor draw less crowds than Haytor/Saddle tor? It seems the most popular places are the ones with parking right next to them (we walked to the Bonehill rocks from the road and then found car parks all round which was a bit of a shock!!!)
I looked up Great Links so I could find it on the map and the first thing that came up said it was one of the most impressive tors on Dartmoor. And from what you say Reg it seems it's also magic :shock:
Dartymoor
2011-11-13 06:46:47
Bonehill is very pretty and another favourite, but again is popular and rarely quiet - and that also means plenty of rubbish (Although strangely Haytor doesn't seem to get so much - is it cleaned more often?)
Rippon has been quiet on the one time I've been up there. That it's a longer walk probably helps a lot there :)
brinbunny
2011-11-13 14:10:36
I love Black tor and in 2nd is Yes tor, I love the views and the achievement you get from getting to them.
moorland wizard
2011-11-13 19:30:26
cox tor and beyond
Nik - KOTM
2011-11-14 06:32:26
Any Tor is good enough for me
bog_baby
2011-11-14 11:40:14
Any tor......hmmm can't seem to find that one on the map :wink:
Nik - KOTM
2011-11-14 18:54:37
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Sowerby Streaker
2011-11-14 21:07:58
Well, I love em all as well except HAYTOR - its sad to say its not the tor's fault, just the sheer number of people who crawl up to it and straight back down, then say they have been walking on Dartmoor :x
Not many people walk up to Rippon tor because the farmer is not a very pleasant person if he catches you up there :roll: There are very few boxes put around there because of this. If the farmer finds one he takes it off!!!!
The Wandering Artist
2011-11-14 21:28:38
Has to be for me - Fur Tor!
The view is marvellous in all directions and you never see it in the same light, so to speak, no matter how many times you visit it. Each season brings a new vista to behold.
Especially love the New Years day treck to the Tor.
Nik - KOTM
2011-11-30 23:44:24
I was up on Pork Hill car park when a bus load of tourists turned up the bus intercom was clearly audible "Welcome to Dartmoor, you have ten minutes and then we'll be on our way!"
Not even time to queue up for an ice cream!
The Sly Fox
2011-12-01 16:14:44
I have found so many boxes in the area over the years. I have been camping there numerous times too. And I love the views !!
I also like all the tors around the old Plymouth to Princetown railway.
Duckpool
2011-12-05 12:08:44
The Sowerby Streaker wrote:
'Not many people walk up to Rippon tor because the farmer is not a very pleasant person if he catches you up there Rolling Eyes There are very few boxes put around there because of this. If the farmer finds one he takes it off!!!!'
Albeit that Rippon Tor is access land does the farmer own it? If so he is presumably entitled to remove boxes, if not this is something of a grey area! Have always found Dartmoor farmers to be very pleasant but haven't come across this one - is he rude or what?
Sowerby Streaker
2011-12-05 14:35:33
:cry: No, he is not rude - I say that because I have never seen him - only heard about him. As you say, it is his land and he can do as he wishes. At least he doesn't stop walkers walking up to Rippon, and I do know some boxes are still on site up there :wink:
whoisthechallenger
2011-12-16 22:22:44
Watern Tor is my personal favourite. Thanks to nature and the local geology, the Thirlstone and the 'layering' effect seen on the outcrops makes this crowd-free Tor a joy to visit, photograph and explore. The views to the North and East are extensive. Access is always guaranteed as it is just outside of the military range, and letterboxes tend to be on site here too!
Though I like Bellever Tor as well...
bog_baby
2011-12-17 16:51:12
Wow I still have so much to explore!!!
The Lost Legionnaire
2011-12-17 18:05:20
I have always been intrigued by Crockern Tor. It is certainly not for it's appearance or position, as it is effectively two piles of granite and only 200 metres from the B3212!!
The history of the old Stannary parliament which met at the tor has always interested me since I was a youngster. When I am there, I try to picture what it must have looked like when 'in session'.
Dave.B
2012-01-02 00:19:54
It's hard to pick a favourite... as already said, Yes Tor and Fur Tor are great for the views and the sense of achievement of getting there. Rippon Tor is great because I can see my house, Dunkery Beacon and the Teign estuary from it - you can't beat that view on a summer evening.
I do like Lynch Tor for the view into Cornwall, and Brent Tor for obvious reasons. Flat Tor because of the Sea Vixen Crash Site... the more I look into it, the harder it is to pick one!