Tors are the most distinctive granite landforms. They are formed when granite is chemically weathered. Rain water penetrates the unexposed granite were the joints have widened from frost shattering, which has causes core-stones to form. The joint spacing is important in tor formations; large, resistant core-stones are left when the joints are spaced far apart. Clay-filled depressions develop when the joints are closely packed and weathering is more active.
The joints in the tors are visible in many photographic images which are the result of forces both exterior and interior that acted on the stone as it was forming and cooling and the effects of the weathering since. The rock was subject to many forces as it cooled and the vertical cracks or joints seen on the tors today resulted from that activity. Dartmoor Tors are quite unique which is why so many tourists come to the area to see them. Tors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, Great Mis Tor is the largest on Dartmoor and its associated clitter covers a considerable area. There are also tall Tors like Vixen Tor that are visible from miles away. Haytor for example can be seen from the South Devon coast, east of Mortonhampstead, and even seen from out to sea. Dartmoor as a place of recreation has increased the pressures on the moors due to the ease of modern travelling. In more recent years, the magic and mystery of Dartmoor has woven its spell over an ever-increasing number of people who simply enjoy the great outdoors. From spectacular, wide-open moorland to more secluded and sheltered tree-lined river valleys.
Those of us that are fortunate enough to live on or near Dartmoor can appreciate how much the moor has to offer in ways of recreation. Dartmoor has the most dramatic scenery in the South West which can be enjoyed while partaking in the many attractions Dartmoor can offer. Dartmoor's famous granite tors are not just spectacular landmarks; they are also present some demanding and testing terrain for rock climbers.
Horse riding is an activity that allows you to appreciate the views and wildlife all across Dartmoor. There are also many cycleway, bridleway, rambling river valleys and quiet open roads. More and more visitors are getting on their bikes to explore Dartmoor. There are a wide range of registered, well-equipped campsites and camping barns for backpackers.
Letterboxing is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. It involves walking the moor and finding hidden boxes containing a stamp and a visitor’s book. There are well over 3,000 letterboxes currently hidden on Dartmoor. They are all different, many are very decorative and some are quite humorous. A typical letterbox is a container secreted on the moor, containing a visitors' book, a rubber stamp and occasionally an ink pad. Upon finding a 'box' the visitor stamps their own book with the rubber stamp found therein and either signs the visitor’s book or stamps it with their own 'personal' stamp. Walking is by far the most popular way to discover Dartmoor and its special qualities. Dartmoor offers endless opportunities for the walker – in some places wandering freely across vast expanses of open moor land, and in others along rights of way and permitted paths in superb wooded river valleys, in forests and across farmland on moor land fringes. There are many other activities that Dartmoor can offer such as hang gliding, fishing and canoeing. It is important that everybody visiting Dartmoor, whether to walk, cycle, horse ride, go letterboxing or take part in any other activity, should recognise that National Parks are very special places. Consequently, all users are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions when visiting Dartmoor. You will maximise your own enjoyment and minimise your impact on Dartmoor.
