The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Belstone

The Belstone area offers a variety of impressive peaks. Among the most popular are Yes Tor summit, which is the second highest point in Dartmoor National Park, and High Willhays summit, the highest point on Dartmoor. Both offer wonderful views and are considered accessible hikes for most visitors. Additionally, Belstone Tor, the highest point in the immediate chain of Belstone Tors, provides panoramic 360-degree views and is known for its spectacular rock formations.

Yes, there are several easy walks around Belstone. For instance, the 'Belstone to Sticklepath loop via Tarka Trail' is an easy 7 km route. Another accessible option is the 'Winter Tor – Belstone Common Tor loop from Belstone', which is about 6.3 km. You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Belstone guide.

The Belstone peaks are rich in history and unique features. You can visit Widgery Cross at Brat Tor, a prominent historical site erected in 1887 and the tallest cross on Dartmoor. Belstone Tor features the intriguing Irishman's Wall and abandoned millstones. Near Belstone Tor, the Nine Maidens Stone Circle is a significant Bronze Age monument steeped in local folklore. Belstone Common Tor also shows evidence of historical quarrying, with abandoned granite rollers and other stone-cut artifacts.

The Belstone tors, characterized by their granite outcrops, offer breathtaking natural beauty. From Belstone Tor, you can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views, including the North Devon coast on a clear day. Higher Tor is known for its block-like appearance and striking jointings. Oke Tor provides expansive 360-degree views, including Yes Tor and High Willhays. Many tors feature unique rock formations, exposed granite, and even rock basins that retain water, such as those found on Belstone Common Tor.

For those seeking more challenging routes, the Belstone area offers several options. The 'Oke Tor & Cosdon Beacon loop from Belstone' is a difficult 18 km hike, and the 'Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop from Belstone' is another challenging 18.7 km route. You can explore these and other demanding trails in the Hiking around Belstone guide.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning vistas and the raw, rugged beauty of Dartmoor visible from these peaks. Many appreciate the accessibility of the tors, making them suitable for various fitness levels. The unique granite formations, historical elements like the Irishman's Wall, and the sense of wild northern nature are also highly valued. The opportunity for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, is another highlight for many.

Yes, there are cycling opportunities in the wider Belstone area, though the immediate tors are primarily for walking. You can find several challenging cycling routes, such as the 'Lydford & Peter Tavey — Granite Way loop from Okehampton' (53.5 km) or the 'Lydford, Princetown & Chagford loop from Okehampton' (77 km). More cycling routes are available in the Cycling around Belstone guide.

Oke Tor is mentioned as being suitable for wild camping. However, it's crucial to be aware of and adhere to local regulations regarding wild camping on Dartmoor, especially following recent legal rulings. Always check the latest guidelines and respect the environment.

Oke Tor is a favorite among many for its impressive summit stacks and expansive 360-degree views, which include the prominent Yes Tor and High Willhays to the west. It's often included in routes leading to Dartmoor's highest points and the famous Cranmere Pool, making it a significant landmark for walkers.

The Nine Maidens Stone Circle, also known as the Seventeen Brothers, is a significant Bronze Age monument located near Belstone Tor. This incomplete stone circle consists of 16 or 17 standing stones and is believed to have been a burial cairn. Local folklore tells a tale of nine maidens turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath, adding a mystical element to its historical importance.

Belstone Tor is considered the highest point in the immediate chain of tors, standing at approximately 460 to 479 meters (1,508 to 1,571 feet) above sea level. It offers some of the most comprehensive views in the area.

Belstone Tor is considered one of the easiest tors to access directly from Belstone village, providing a true sense of Dartmoor's wild northern nature without a strenuous approach. Tors End Tor, marking the northern end of the Belstone Ridge, was also historically an easier tor to reach from the village.