Best natural monuments around Meavy are found within the southwestern part of Dartmoor National Park. The area is characterized by dramatic granite tors, serene rivers, and extensive woodlands. This landscape offers a rich outdoor experience, with a variety of natural features worth exploring.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Middle Staple Tor (Dartmoor) – A Wild Camp with Stunning Views I visited Staple Tor and wild camped on Middle Staple Tor during a recent bikepacking trip through Cornwall and Dartmoor. I pushed up from the nearby car park — a handy spot to pause for a refreshment before the final ascent. In good weather, the tors look deceptively close, but Middle Staple Tor sits just over 450m, and with a fully loaded rig, I ended up pushing most of the way. That effort was well worth it. The views from the top were incredible, offering a wide sweep of the surrounding moorland. I could see the weather rolling in from a distance, which gave me just enough time to dive into the tent before the rain and low visibility hit. A classic Dartmoor moment. The descent via the old quarryman’s path is short but enjoyable, leading back to the road toward Princetown — perfect for a hot breakfast and access to town facilities. A memorable spot for wild camping and a peaceful overnight on the moor. Tips: • Bring proper gear, footwear and prepare for pushing your bike up rocky paths • Keep an eye on the weather — it changes fast up there and is generally cooler even in summer • Ideal for wild camping with amazing sunrise views if you’re lucky with the weather
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A short, easy tour: clear landscapes, soft grassy paths, gentle inclines, and magnificent views. A beautiful loop around the Langstone Manor campsite.
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Nice ride out to Redlake, but then using a map, gps and standing on top of the hill, unable to find the track to Avon dam. Really disappointing.
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Last Tor before dropping back down to the mineral trail back to Princeton
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This is a place to explore for sure. Wild camping allowed as long you respect the rules.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the dramatic granite formations and scenic views. Some highly regarded spots include Pew Tor, known for its large boulders and magnificent countryside views, and Crazywell Pool, a deep hidden pool popular for wild swimming. Middle Staple Tor also offers expansive views across the Dartmoor landscape.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Burrator Reservoir is ideal for waterside walks and picnics, with a circular path that's generally easy to navigate. Cadover Bridge is another great spot for families, offering opportunities for picnics and paddling in the River Plym. The short, easy tour around Pew Tor also makes it a good option for families looking for views without extensive hiking.
The area around Meavy offers a rich outdoor experience. You can enjoy hiking, walking, and even gravel biking. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Burrator Reservoir loop' or the 'Dewerstone Rock & Shaugh Bridge loop from Cadover Bridge'. If you're interested in gravel biking, there are challenging routes such as the 'Granite & Gears: Princetown & Burrator Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking around Meavy guide or the gravel biking around Meavy guide.
Yes, the area is rich in history. The Meavy Oak, located on the village green, is an ancient tree estimated to be at least 900 years old, making it a significant historical landmark. Additionally, Redlake Pool is a site of historical china clay extraction, with ruins of a hostel and remnants of a narrow gauge railway nearby. South Hessary Tor also features a 'cobra' or weathered iron spike, one of four across the moor that marked ancient boundaries.
For expansive views, The Dewerstone offers excellent vantage points from its crags and Wigford Down. Pew Tor provides magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Leather Tor, with its distinctive 'fin of rock', offers immense views of Burrator Reservoir and Dartmoor's south moor. Middle Staple Tor and South Hessary Tor also afford wide sweeps of the Dartmoor landscape.
Yes, Crazywell Pool is considered one of the finest places for a wild swim on Dartmoor. While wild camping is currently not permitted there, it remains a fantastic spot for a dip. Always prioritize safety when wild swimming.
The natural monuments around Meavy can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for walking and picnics, with warmer weather and lush greenery. Autumn is particularly impressive in the Dewerstone Valley when the leaves change color, creating a vibrant display. Winter offers a bleaker, dramatic Dartmoor landscape, especially around Redlake Pool, but requires appropriate gear for potentially challenging conditions.
Yes, The Dewerstone is a significant site for rock climbing, offering various routes. Leather Tor is also excellent for scrambling, providing rewarding climbs with special views for relatively little effort. Pew Tor also has plenty of large boulders to climb around on for those looking for a scramble.
The Dewerstone Valley offers pleasant riverside walks along the River Plym, with the soothing sound of flowing water. Cadover Bridge is another designated beauty spot along the River Plym, serving as a great starting point for walks that explore the river. Additionally, the area around Burrator Reservoir provides tranquil waterside paths.
The Meavy area, nestled within Dartmoor National Park, is characterized by its dramatic granite tors like Leather Tor and Middle Staple Tor. You'll also find serene rivers such as the River Plym and River Meavy, and extensive woodlands, particularly around The Dewerstone. The large man-made Burrator Reservoir offers a concentrated version of Dartmoor's diverse landscape, complete with a small, unnamed waterfall.
Yes, there are several easy walking routes. The circular walk around Burrator Reservoir is a popular and accessible option. The 'River Plym – Dewerstone Rock Viewpoint loop from River Meavy' is another easy route, approximately 4 km long. For more options, you can explore the easy hikes around Meavy guide.
Visitors frequently praise the magnificent views from tors like Pew Tor and Middle Staple Tor. The opportunity for wild swimming at Crazywell Pool is also a unique draw. Many appreciate the peaceful setting of Burrator Reservoir for walks and picnics, and the historical significance of sites like the Meavy Oak and Redlake Pool adds another layer of interest to their visits.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Meavy: