List of Dartmoor tors and hills facts for kids

Dartmoor is a special place in South West England that's famous for its many unique hills and rocky outcrops called tors. Imagine huge piles of granite rocks, sometimes looking like giant sculptures, scattered across the landscape. These tors come in all shapes and sizes, making Dartmoor a truly wild and beautiful National Park.

Birch Tor, with the Warren House Inn in the distance

Vixen Tor, with Great Mis Tor beyond

What Are Dartmoor Tors?

Tors are natural rock formations that stick out from the tops of hills. They are made of granite, a very hard rock. Over millions of years, wind, rain, and ice have slowly worn away the softer rock around them. This process leaves behind the tougher granite, creating the amazing shapes we see today. Each tor has its own unique look and often a fascinating story or legend connected to it.

Why Does Dartmoor Have So Many Tors?

Dartmoor is special because it sits on a huge mass of granite that formed deep underground about 295 million years ago. As the land above it wore away, this granite was exposed. Then, during the Ice Age, ice and water got into cracks in the rock, freezing and expanding. This broke the granite into blocks. Over time, the softer parts of the rock eroded, leaving behind the harder, more resistant parts as tors. This is why Dartmoor has so many of these rocky giants!

Exploring Famous Dartmoor Tors

Dartmoor is home to hundreds of tors, each with its own character. Here are some of the most well-known and interesting ones you might hear about:

The Tallest Tors

Some tors are also very high hills, offering amazing views across the moor.

• High Willhays: This is the highest point in Dartmoor and all of southern England! It stands at 621 meters (2,037 feet) tall. It's a popular spot for hikers.
• Yes Tor: Very close to High Willhays, Yes Tor is the second highest point. It's often visited by people exploring the northern part of Dartmoor.
• Great Mis Tor: Found in the western part of Dartmoor, Great Mis Tor is one of the most impressive tors. It's known for its large granite piles and is a favorite for walkers.

Tors with Unique Shapes and Stories

Many tors have interesting names or shapes that make them stand out.

• Haytor: This is one of Dartmoor's most famous and easily recognized tors. It has two main piles of rock that look like giant teeth. You can even climb to the top of one of them!
• Bowerman's Nose: This unusual tor looks like a giant's face or nose. Legend says it's a hunter who was turned to stone by witches.
• Vixen Tor: Once a very popular climbing spot, Vixen Tor is a dramatic and tall rock formation. It's sometimes called the "Queen of the Tors."
• Great Staple Tor: This tor is known for its distinct, stacked granite blocks, making it look like a pile of giant building bricks.
• Hound Tor: Near the village of Manaton, Hound Tor is a group of impressive rock piles. It's a great place to explore and imagine ancient settlements.

Other Notable Tors and Hills

Many other tors are worth discovering, each adding to Dartmoor's wild beauty.

• Blackingstone Rock: This tor is famous for its huge, rounded boulders that look like they've been carefully placed by a giant.
• Brent Tor: This tor is unique because it has a small church, St Michael de Rupe, built right on its summit. It's a stunning sight, especially from a distance.
• Cosdon Hill: Also known as Cosdon Beacon, this is a prominent hill with a large cairn (a pile of stones) on top. It offers wide-ranging views.
• Leather Tor: Located near Burrator Reservoir, Leather Tor is known for its steep, rugged slopes and impressive rock formations.
• Rippon Tor: This tor provides fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and is a great spot for photography.

Tors visible looking north from near the head of the Becka Brook, eastern Dartmoor

A Glimpse of Dartmoor's Many Tors

Here is a list of some of the many tors and hills found across Dartmoor:

See also

• Dartmoor
• National Park