The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Walkhampton

The Walkhampton area, nestled on the western side of Dartmoor, is known for its distinctive granite outcrops called tors. Some of the most appreciated by the komoot community include Bellever Tor, which features a triangulation point and great views, and Longaford Tor, offering incredible views over the hilly Dartmoor landscape. Middle Staple Tor is also highly regarded for its magnificent views across the Dartmoor landscape, particularly down over Merrivale and the River Walkham valley.

Yes, several tors around Walkhampton are suitable for families. Bellever Tor is noted for its wide path, making it accessible even with pushchairs to the base, and offers fun rock formations for children to explore. Longaford Tor is also listed as family-friendly, providing rewarding views without being overly strenuous. Additionally, Sharpitor is easily accessible with minimal ascent, making it ideal for casual walkers and day-trippers, and an ice cream van is often present.

The tors around Walkhampton offer a variety of unique natural features. Great Mis Tor boasts massive heaped granite outcrops and a notable rock basin called the 'Devil's Frying Pan.' Sharpitor is an excellent example of a collapsed summit tor, home to diverse lichens, mosses, ferns, and the rare Fir Clubmoss. Roos Tor is characterized by impressive towering rock stacks and a logan stone, along with rock basins and xenoliths. Many tors, like Combestone Tor, also feature dramatic granite jumbles and offer expansive views.

The moorland surrounding many tors is rich in history. Great Mis Tor's vicinity features Bronze Age settlements, ancient stone rows, and hut circles. Sharpitor's slopes also contain significant Bronze Age archaeology, including hut circles and a double stone row. Longaford Tor has witnessed Neolithic hunter-gatherers and early Bronze Age settlers, with visitors leaving their mark on the rocks over the ages.

Beyond hiking and exploring the tors, the Walkhampton area offers a range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, including routes like 'Granite & Gears: Princetown & Burrator Loop.' There are also many road cycling routes, such as the 'Dartmeet, Challcombe & Postbridge loop from Princetown.' For those who enjoy running, there are dedicated running trails, including loops around Burrator Reservoir and Crazy Well Pool.

Yes, for those seeking less demanding walks, Sharpitor is highly recommended due to its easy access and minimal ascent, making it suitable for casual walkers. Combestone Tor is also one of the easiest tors to access by car, with the road passing right by, offering tremendous views without a strenuous climb. Roos Tor also features gentle slopes, making it easily accessible, especially with nearby parking at Pork Hill.

Dartmoor's weather can be unpredictable, but generally, spring through autumn offers the most pleasant hiking conditions. During these seasons, you'll experience milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, even in summer, the weather can change quickly, so it's always wise to be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain, especially at higher elevations.

Yes, some tors, such as Great Mis Tor and Roos Tor, are located within or in proximity to the Merrivale Firing Range, a military training area. It is crucial to check firing schedules before visiting. A flagpole at the summit of these tors indicates when firing is active, and access is restricted during these times. Never touch any metal objects you might encounter due to the risk of unexploded ordnance.

Many tors offer breathtaking panoramic views. From Great Mis Tor, you can enjoy sweeping views across the high plateau, spotting landmarks like King's Tor and Cox Tor, with Plymouth Sound visible on a clear day. Sharpitor provides picturesque views overlooking the serene Burrator Reservoir and the Meavy Valley. Roos Tor offers fantastic views in multiple directions, including north towards White Tor and Tavy Cleave, and west over the River Walkham to Great Mis Tor. Combestone Tor also offers tremendous views, particularly along the Dart Valley northwards.

Visitors frequently praise the incredible views and dramatic rock formations. Many enjoy the sense of wilderness and the opportunity to explore Dartmoor's heritage, including Bronze Age sites. The accessibility of some tors, like Sharpitor and Combestone Tor, makes them popular for day-trippers. The chance to spot Dartmoor ponies and diverse birdlife also adds to the appeal, creating a timeless and enchanting atmosphere for hikers and nature lovers.

Yes, parking is generally available near many of the popular tors. For example, Roos Tor is easily accessible with nearby parking at Pork Hill. Many other tors have car parks within a reasonable walking distance, allowing for convenient access to the trails. It's always a good idea to check specific access points for each tor you plan to visit.

While many tors are popular, some offer a quieter experience. Hartland Tor, for instance, is not overly famous and often visited by those en route to other attractions, making it a lovely, remote, and quiet place to stop for a rest and enjoy fine views over the East Dart River. Exploring some of the less prominent tors or visiting during off-peak hours can also provide a more tranquil experience.