The 5 Most Amazing Peaks around Dartington

The most popular tors and peaks in Dartmoor National Park, which is approximately 29 km from Dartington, include Butterdon Hill Summit, known for its expansive views, and Long Stone, Piles Hill, which features a significant stone row. Other prominent tors in the wider area are High Willhays, the highest point in southern England, and the iconic Haytor Rocks, popular for its accessibility and views.

High Willhays is the highest point in Dartmoor National Park and the entirety of southern England, reaching an elevation of 621 meters (2,037 feet). It offers unparalleled panoramic views across Devon and is a significant challenge for avid hikers.

Yes, several tors in Dartmoor National Park have historical significance. Butterdon Hill Summit features the remains of a small stone circle and a stone row. Long Stone, Piles Hill is home to the Long Stone and the end of the Butterdon Hill stone row, the second longest on Dartmoor. Bellever Tor is also known for being rich in archaeology, combining natural beauty with a sense of Dartmoor's ancient past.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting High Willhays, which offers expansive vistas across Devon. Butterdon Hill Summit provides fantastic views north over the national park, including to Haldon Belvedere. Pupers Hill offers views extending all the way to the coast at Berry Head. Haytor Rocks and Yes Tor also provide stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Beyond the most popular spots, tors like Eastern White Barrow offer an imposing and windswept character with spectacular views, often appearing like a 'surfacing submarine' on the horizon. Black Tor provides a slightly tanned footpath along the River Dart with many small waterfalls and pools, leading to wonderful views from the heath. Bellever Tor, with its surrounding woodlands and archaeological richness, also offers a unique experience away from the busiest spots.

While many tors in Dartmoor involve moderate to difficult hikes, Haytor Rocks is particularly family-friendly due to its easy accessibility and popularity for walks. Within Dartington itself, the Dartington Estate offers an abundance of public footpaths through woodlands and alongside the River Dart, including an accessible Deer Park path and a 4.5-mile walk through North Wood, suitable for various fitness levels with gentle elevation changes.

The area around Dartington and Dartmoor National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, such as the 'Lydia Bridge Waterfall – Avon Dam Reservoir loop' or the 'Totnes Town Centre – Dittisham Ferry loop'. There are also many running trails, including the 'Dartington Estate & Staverton loop' and routes through North Wood. For road cycling, options like 'The Maltsters Arms – Tuckenhay Village on Bow Creek loop' are available. You can explore these and more on the Gravel biking around Dartington, Running Trails around Dartington, and Road Cycling Routes around Dartington guide pages.

While many Dartmoor tors involve intermediate to difficult hiking, the Dartington Estate offers less strenuous walks with gentle elevation changes, ideal for beginners. For tors, Haytor Rocks is generally considered more accessible. When planning a hike, always check the difficulty ratings. For example, the walk to High Willhays, often combined with Yes Tor, is considered long but relatively manageable for regular hikers, though beginners might find it challenging.

The best time to visit the tors and peaks around Dartington, particularly those in Dartmoor National Park, is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder, and the days are longer, making for more pleasant hiking conditions and better visibility for panoramic views. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions on Dartmoor can change rapidly.

The tors and peaks around Dartington, primarily within Dartmoor National Park, are characterized by dramatic granite outcrops and unique geological formations. You'll encounter expansive moorland, ancient stone rows, and sometimes woodlands, as seen around Bellever Tor. Many peaks offer sweeping views of the Devon landscape, stretching to the coast on clear days. Rivers and small waterfalls can also be found in the valleys leading up to some tors, such as near Black Tor.

Visitors frequently highlight the 'big views' and the opportunity for 'clearing the head' that these peaks offer. The expansive panoramic vistas, especially from spots like Butterdon Hill Summit and High Willhays, are a major draw. The unique granite formations, the sense of history from ancient sites like stone rows, and the chance to explore dramatic, windswept landscapes are also highly appreciated.