The 6 Most Amazing Peaks around Rattery

The area around Rattery, particularly within Dartmoor National Park, offers several popular peaks. Among them, Western Beacon Summit is highly regarded as Dartmoor’s most southerly beacon, offering extensive views. Butterdon Hill Summit is another favorite, known for its historical stone features and panoramic views north over the national park.

Yes, several peaks in the area have historical elements. Butterdon Hill Summit features the remains of a small stone circle and a stone row. Similarly, Long Stone, Piles Hill is a natural monument where you can find the end of the Butterdon Hill stone row, which is the second longest on Dartmoor, along with the prominent Long Stone itself.

The peaks around Rattery offer diverse and expansive views. From Western Beacon Summit, you can see over Ivybridge and the South Hams. Butterdon Hill Summit provides fantastic views north over Dartmoor National Park. For even wider vistas, Long Stone, Piles Hill offers excellent views over the landscape, stretching as far as Plymouth Sound on clear days. Pupers Hill provides views all the way to the coast at Berry Head.

While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't listed for the peaks themselves, many trails in Dartmoor National Park are suitable for families. For easier walks, you can explore the easy hikes around Rattery, which include routes like the 'Brooking Ford and Footbridge – Church House Inn Rattery loop from Rattery' that are generally accessible.

Beyond hiking to the peaks, the area around Rattery offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, including routes like the 'South Brent & Avon Dam loop from Buckfastleigh'. There are also several running trails, such as the 'North Wood, Dartington Estate – Bench With View of River Dart loop from Dartington', and a selection of easy hikes for a more relaxed pace.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and the sense of peace found on these peaks. For example, Western Beacon Summit is noted for its stunning vistas and the chance to see local wildlife like horses, sheep, and cows. Butterdon Hill Summit is appreciated for its 'big views' and being 'great for clearing the head'.

Yes, the peaks offer several unique natural features. Western Beacon Summit is scattered with ancient cairns. Eastern White Barrow has a distinctive appearance, described as looking 'like a surfacing submarine on the horizon' when approached from the south. Many peaks also feature tors, which are natural rock outcrops characteristic of Dartmoor.

While the peaks themselves are remote, you can often find amenities in nearby villages or at the start/end points of longer routes. For instance, after visiting Eastern White Barrow, you can rejoin the tramway to Shipley Bridge, where you might find options for a hot drink or a slice of cake.

The best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring. Autumn provides beautiful colors, while winter can offer dramatic, stark landscapes, though conditions can be more challenging with colder temperatures and potentially snow or ice. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, especially in Dartmoor where conditions can change rapidly.

When hiking to Pupers Hill, be aware that it is a small tor with various pathways leading from it. You can choose to link up with Abbott's Way or descend towards Scorriton Down. The views from the top extend all the way to the coast at Berry Head, making it a rewarding climb.

The Dartmoor National Park area is rich in wildlife. On peaks like Western Beacon Summit, it's common to see Dartmoor ponies, sheep, and cattle grazing. Keep an eye out for various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot some of the smaller mammals that inhabit the moorland.

While specific circular routes for each peak aren't detailed here, many of the trails in Dartmoor National Park can be combined to form circular walks. For example, the easy hikes around Rattery guide includes several loop options, and with careful planning, you can incorporate peaks like Eastern White Barrow into a longer circular route by connecting to existing tramways and paths.