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| Devil's Tor |
The name raises expectations, but Devil's Tor [SX596796] is one of the least assuming of Dartmoor's tors, little more than a low scatter of granite boulders the tallest of which is only around 1.5m high. The tor itself is 549m above sea level and sits within the Merrivale firing range on the edge of the vast peat bog that comprises much of the northern moor.
The tor's biggest claim to fame is probably its close proximity to the colossal Beardown Man prehistoric menhir that stands a few metres to the west. The tor also has very fine views towards Cornwall. Crossing made enquiries into the tor's name at the end of the 19th century. He seemed to draw a blank but was told by a local moorman that the menhir "represented the Devil, and that the tor, which can hardly be truly regarded as such, 'was plenty good enough vur he'".
Access: from the car parks at either Holming Beam [3km] or Two Bridges [5km]. The walk from Holming Beam via Beardown Tors and Lydford Tor is easier going underfoot as well as being more direct.
