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Located on the west side of Dartmoor, this site is home to a number of impressive landforms that are defined by the underlying geology and demonstrate the effects of weathering during the Ice Age. Dartmoor was never glaciated but still suffered the effects of the cold conditions, known as periglacial activity. Solid ice sheets came as far south as the coast of North Devon.
The area has a number of tors, including Roos Tor, Cox Tor and the Staple Tors. These Tors were exposed when the overlying material was eroded by periglacial activity. They are surrounded by areas of clitter (rock debris) and blockfields (flat or only gently sloping areas of frost-shattered rock), and boulder runs are also present.
The slopes around Cox Tor display a number of unusual earth hummocks. These vary considerably in size and shape but can be up to two metres in diameter and about 0.5 metres high. They are generally composed of a fine silty loam that again resulted from weathering during the Ice Age.
Facilities:
There is car parking on the B3357 Tavistock to Princetown road.
Road Directions
The site can be approached from car parks on the B3357 Tavistock to Princetown road. The land immediately to the north of the site is used by the Ministry of Defence as a firing range and is therefore classed as a ’Danger Area’; access is subject to a range of restrictions (see www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk ).
Public Transport Directions
This area of Dartmoor is common land to which there is free access on foot. Merrivale Granite quarry is private.
Foot: One public footpath runs through the site. (N.B Visitors should avoid walking on the delicate earth hummock features and use existing paths wherever possible).
Bus: There is a regular service between Tavistock and Merrivale and Princetown.
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