Devon photographer PORTIA CROSSLEY has set out on a very special challenge to photograph every Dartmoor tor. Here she explains the reasons behind the project

Great British Life: Laughter TorLaughter Tor (Image: Archant)

There was a time when I mocked my ‘tor bore’ friend who insisted on pointing out every pinprick of a tor she could see on the horizon. Now I take great pleasure in reciting the names faster than her.

Great British Life: HaytorHaytor (Image: Archant)

How did that happen? Well, having exhausted all our walking books I am on a mission with my family to climb and photograph every tor on Dartmoor. When I set out on my ‘365 Dartmoor Tors With A Collie And A Camera’ challenge I didn’t quite realise there are about 365 tors but I guess it keeps us out of mischief and our crazy collie certainly isn’t complaining!

There are some great tor names to keep us amused along the way. Wacka, Laughter and Chat Tor are a few of my favourites and Yes Tor strikes me as great place to propose!

When conquering tors I love to take shots which include a member of my family, whether human or furry. Not only to prove we were there but because as a professional photographer I specialise in creating images that are a fusion of landscape and portrait photography.

My aim is that the final photograph is both pleasing to the eye and meaningful as a record of time and place, memories and emotions. These images are not destined for the bottom draw but to be made into wall art and pored over in my old age when I might not be able to make it to the top of a tor but can relive the good times we had as a family on Dartmoor.

I am not yet sure of the timescale of our quest. We have ticked off 55 tors at the time of writing and are averaging about 11 a month. At this rate and with the better weather coming we may have completed our challenge in a couple of years. Alternatively, the last photos may feature our now youthful collie sporting a few grey whiskers!

Only time will tell. But if you want to follow our progress and get ideas for your own adventures we would love for you to follow and interact with us by blog, Facebook or Twitter.

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