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A
worm's eye view of Sharp Tor
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For the bird lover there
are Wheatears, Stonechats, Skylarks, Birds of Prey and, at different times
of the year, passing migrants to be observed.
For those interested in insect life there is plenty to see and occupy your
interest too, from little creepy crawlies to butterflies and moths, and
all this within a small area, a short walk. And for those that can’t manage
the terrain, a pair of binoculars and a magnifying glass will open up a
brand new world of interest.
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The
views are tremendous and far-reaching
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From the top of Sharp
Tor there is so much to see, look back W.N.W. at the car park with Yar Tor
behind it and you will see the prehistoric reeves.
This wonderful Dartmoor prehistoric field system is all around, look S.W.
towards Holne Moor and there it is again, sweeping down to the Dart valley
and up to the Tor on which you are standing.
If you are lucky enough to be there as the sun gets low in the sky the shadows
make this system even more obvious and self explanatory.
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In
reflective mood: Venford reservoir
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The wonderful River Dart
Gorge below you. The steep sides of the valley, running down from Mel Tor
on the left and up to Bench Tor on the right, fascinating!
And ahead of you a patchwork panorama of South Devon.
To the S.W. amongst the Fir trees can be seen Venford Reservoir.
Rippon Tor, Saddle Tor and Hay Tor, to the east, Hameldown, Chinkwell and
Honeybags, to the north east, and Corndon Tor to the North.
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On
your way home, take a few minutes to explore the stream at Badger's
Holt at the bottom of Dartmeet Hill
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On the skyline between
that and Yar Tor you can see the silhouette of the "Cave Penny Cross"
erected in memory of a member of a local family; Lieutenant Anthony Cave
Penny, killed in action on 8th June 1918, aged 19 years, commanding his
men. That will give you something to ponder over too!
Well worth a visit.
That is just some of what can be seen from Sharp Tor - for the rest you
must go and see for yourself!
NB. For those less able, by walking back the road a hundred yards, an easier
path to the tor can be found - enjoy yourselves!
See you next month
- Tony
Read
Tony's previous diary pages:
And
if you enjoy Tony's Dartmoor Diary you might also like to take a
look at "Grass Roots"
by Devon farmer Anton Coaker;
Click here
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