Dartmoor: Land of Granite

June 06, 2010

LeatherTor 
Photographer: Greg Parker; Greg’s Website
Summary Author: Greg Parker

The Dartmoor region in southwestern England, shown above, represents one of the largest areas of exposed granite in the United Kingdom, covering an area of approximately 368 square miles (954 sq km). Some of the more durable granites form the rocky crowns of Dartmoor's famous tors. These granitic outcrops date from the Carboniferous Period. In the background at upper right, on the far side of Burrator Reservoir, is Leather Tor.  Photo taken from the summit of Sheeps Tor in the summer of 2009.