Attractions and Places To See around Sheepstor - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sheepstor include a variety of natural features and historical sites within Dartmoor National Park. This picturesque village offers a landscape steeped in history and natural beauty, providing a quintessential Dartmoor experience. Visitors can explore striking granite tors, expansive reservoirs, and ancient woodlands. The area also features cultural sites like a 15th-century church and historical ruins, making it a diverse destination for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Sheepstor
- The most popular attractions is Bellever Tor, a summit that offers extensive views in all directions, identifiable by its triangulation point. Its wide path allows for an accessible climb.
- Another must-see spot is Plym Valley Trail, a trail that runs through National Trust-owned woodland along the River Plym. This traffic-free route features dramatic industrial ruins and impressive viaducts along its 10-mile course.
- Visitors also love Shaugh Tunnel, an other man-made structure built by Brunel in the mid-1850s. This 374-yard tunnel is lit and open for cyclists and pedestrians, forming part of the Tavistock to Plymouth cycle route.
- Sheepstor is known for its natural features, historical sites, and extensive walking and cycling trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from granite tors to ancient woodlands and historical railway structures.
- The attractions around Sheepstor are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 170 upvotes and over 120 photos shared.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Bellever Tor
Highlight • Summit
I almost always hike in from the North, coming from Postbridge which is a nice steady climb all the way to the base of this beautiful Tor.
Also to be noted that the nice wide path allows pushchairs and I myself have pushed my 4 yo to the top of Bellever Tor so we could play on these rocks together.
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Plym Valley Trail
Highlight • Trail
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Shaugh Tunnel
Highlight • Structure
Today, the tunnel forms part of the Tavistock to Plymouth cycle route, which is also known as the Drake’s Trail. The tunnel is lit and open for cyclists and pedestrians. It offers a fun and scenic way to explore the park and its history. The cycle route also includes the Gem Bridge, a £2m viaduct that crosses the River Walkham, just south of Grenofen.
The Grenofen tunnel is a great example of how an old railway structure can be reused and enjoyed by the public. It is also a testament to Brunel’s engineering skills and vision.
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Wistman's Wood
Highlight • Forest
Due to the large boulders and twisted roots, there is no path per se and you will need to be game for a little scrambling. Once inside, the all-consuming air of magic and wonder is undeniable.
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Gem Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
It's a wonderful experience to cycle over the bridge, especially in autumn when the trees are painted red.
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Tips from the Community
A good few 'dings' of a bell will alert walkers in the tunnel if on your bike! If you don't have a bell - a big old 'Woo Woooo' will carry down the tunnel as well!
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Bellever Tor is a hill near Postbridge in Dartmoor. It feels a bit like something from Lord of the Rings...
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In June 2022, four of us cycled the entire Drake's Trail from Plymouth to Ilfracombe, spreading it out over three days. After stopping for tea and cakes at my brother in-law's near Yelverton, we headed into the Grenofen tunnel. As already mentioned here, it is only dimly lit and it is surprisingly chilly, the temperature contrast being even more noticeable on a warm day, and the ceiling is constantly dripping icy water! Definitely need your lights on and cycle very cautiously as pedestrians and other cyclists are often tricky to spot in the gloom! We stopped for the first night in Oakhampton, the second in Barnstable and the third in Ilfracombe before cycling back to Barnstable on the last day to get the train back to Exeter. It was a very pleasant tour and the first section as far as Tavistock follows the course of the old railway, so is off road and generally a gentle slope upwards, but after that the route sometimes takes to the road and is often steep and often quite narrow. Surface wise it is good all the way, suitable for road and off road bikes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Sheepstor?
The area around Sheepstor is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Bellever Tor, a summit offering extensive views, or the atmospheric Wistman's Wood, an ancient dwarf oak woodland. Sheeps Tor, the village's namesake, provides sensational 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, including Burrator Reservoir, which is also a popular spot for nature lovers.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks near Sheepstor?
Yes, Sheepstor and its surroundings are steeped in history. The 15th-century Church of St Leonard in Sheepstor village is notable for its reconstructed rood screen and the burial place of the three White Rajahs of Sarawak. You can also find the ruins of Longstone Manor, the ancestral home of the Elford family, and the prehistoric Yellowmead Circles/Multiple Stone Ring.
What cycling routes are available near Sheepstor's attractions?
Several cycling routes are available, including the Plym Valley Trail, a traffic-free route through National Trust woodland. Another option is the Tavistock to Plymouth cycle route, also known as Drake's Trail, which includes the Shaugh Tunnel and the impressive Gem Bridge. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Sheepstor guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or walks around Sheepstor?
Many attractions are suitable for families. The Bellever Tor has a wide path that allows for an accessible climb, even with pushchairs. The Plym Valley Trail and routes around Burrator Reservoir offer easy, traffic-free walking and cycling options for all ages. The Burrator Arboretum and Nature Reserve also provides accessible paths.
What kind of views can I expect from the tors around Sheepstor?
The tors in the area offer spectacular panoramic views. From Bellever Tor, you can enjoy extensive views in all directions across Dartmoor. Sheeps Tor provides sensational 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, including the reflective waters of Burrator Reservoir. Gem Bridge also offers wonderful views over the River Walkham valley.
What hiking opportunities are there near Sheepstor?
Sheepstor is an excellent base for hiking. You can find trails around Burrator Reservoir, or more challenging routes like the Sheeps Tor & Meaver loop. The area offers a variety of terrain, from easy reservoir walks to moderate climbs up tors. For detailed hiking routes, refer to the Hiking around Sheepstor guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Sheepstor for outdoor activities?
While Sheepstor is beautiful year-round, autumn is particularly recommended for cycling over Gem Bridge when the trees are vibrant with color. For a mysterious experience at Wistman's Wood, a drizzly or foggy day can enhance its eerie atmosphere. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and exploring.
Can I find any unique natural phenomena or ancient woodlands?
Absolutely. Wistman's Wood is a truly unique ancient dwarf oak woodland, filled with moss-covered boulders and tangled roots, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. It's believed to be a remnant of Dartmoor's ancient forests.
Are there any railway heritage sites to explore?
Yes, the area has significant railway heritage. The Shaugh Tunnel, built by Brunel in the mid-1850s for the South Devon & Tavistock Railway, is now part of a popular cycle route. The Gem Bridge also stands on the site of Brunel's original Walkham Viaduct, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Sheepstor?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views from tors like Bellever Tor and the unique, atmospheric experience of places like Wistman's Wood. The traffic-free nature of trails like the Plym Valley Trail and the historical significance of structures like the Shaugh Tunnel are also highly appreciated.
Are there any notable historical houses or ruins in the vicinity?
Beyond the Church of St Leonard, you can explore the ruins of Longstone Manor, the former home of the Elford family. Additionally, Ditsworthy Warren House, a Grade II listed farmhouse famously used as a filming location for 'War Horse,' is a picturesque historical landmark on the edge of Dartmoor.
Where can I find impressive bridges or viaducts?
The area features several impressive structures. The Gem Bridge, towering 78 feet above the River Walkham, offers wonderful valley views and is a highlight of the cycle route. The Plym Valley Trail also features impressive viaducts along its course.
Are there any specific points of interest related to local folklore or legends?
Sheepstor, like much of Dartmoor, is rich in folklore. Local legends include tales of pixies, ghosts, and ancient rituals. One notable story involves bell ropes from Sheepstor church being used in an attempt to measure the depth of Crazywell Pool, leading to the belief it was bottomless.
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