Dartmoor is a wild and beautiful landscape known for its rugged moorland, ancient history, and iconic tors. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual rambler, or a history buff, exploring the tors of Dartmoor offers a chance to connect with one of the UK’s most distinctive natural environments.
Our guide to the tors of Dartmoor will tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating area and how to get the most out of visiting.
What Is a Tor?
A tor is a natural rock outcrop formed from granite, an igneous rock that cooled and cracked underground some 280 million years ago. Over millennia, the softer rock around these harder granite cores eroded away, leaving behind the dramatic boulder stacks we now see crowning Dartmoor’s hills.
There are over 160 named tors across Dartmoor, each with its own character, shape, and legends. Some stand as isolated giants; others form clusters you can explore on a circular walk.
How Many Tors Are There on Dartmoor?
The total number of tors on Dartmoor is somewhat of a contested figure. There are over 160 named tors on Dartmoor. But some estimates, which include unnamed or less-prominent outcrops, push the number to 365.
One list of Dartmoor tors even records a staggering 928 tors and significant rocks.
The exact number varies depending on what’s counted; some “tors” are large, freestanding formations, while others are smaller rock piles or heavily eroded outcrops.
What Is the Highest Tor on Dartmoor?
The highest tor on Dartmoor, and the highest natural point in southern England, is High Willhays, at 621 metres (2,039 feet). It is located in Northern Dartmoor, near Okehampton.
A Brief History of Dartmoor’s Tors
The tors have shaped Dartmoor’s identity for thousands of years and have inspired people for centuries.
- Prehistoric significance: Many tors are located near ancient stone circles, burial chambers, and Bronze Age settlements, suggesting spiritual or practical importance.
- Medieval legends: Tors are central to local folklore, from witches and giants to ghost stories.
- Cultural inspiration: Artists, writers, and poets (including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie) have drawn inspiration from Dartmoor’s eerie, tor-strewn landscape.
How to Visit the Tors of Dartmoor
Due to the nature of Dartmoor’s landscape, much of the moorland can only be explored on foot.
Visiting Dartmoor By Car
Dartmoor is easily reached from Exeter, Plymouth, and other parts of Devon. Park at designated moorland car parks or near villages like Princetown, Postbridge, or Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
Visiting Dartmoor By Public Transport
Public transport links to Dartmoor are limited, but possible. Buses run from nearby towns, but hiking is usually required to reach the tors.
Tips For Walking on Dartmoor
- Always take a map and compass (or a charged GPS device).
- Be prepared for rapid weather changes.
- Stick to marked footpaths where possible to avoid damaging the environment.
- Check if your chosen tor is in a restricted firing zone (some are closed during military training).
Top Tors to Visit on Dartmoor
Here are some of Dartmoor’s most famous and fascinating tors to explore:
Haytor
Location: Eastern Dartmoor
Height: 457m
One of the most famous and accessible tors. Great views, plenty of parking, and nearby quarries to explore. Excellent for families and beginner walkers.
Hound Tor
Location: Near Bovey Tracey
Height: 414m
Known for its eerie rock shapes and the ruins of a medieval village nearby. Allegedly inspired Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles.
Great Mis Tor
Location: Near Merrivale
Height: 538m
Towering and dramatic, Great Mis Tor is a rocky outcrop that sits atop a large hill. There is a notable rock basin on the peak, called the Mis Tor Pan.
High Willhays
Location: North Dartmoor
Height: 621m
High Willhays is the highest natural point in southern England. While not as visually dramatic as some tors, it offers a real sense of achievement, especially if you’re aiming to ‘bag’ the region’s top peak. The summit is a broad, grassy ridge with granite outcrops and fantastic views over the northern moor.
It’s often climbed in conjunction with Yes Tor. This route is one of Dartmoor’s best upland hikes.
Yes Tor
Location: North Dartmoor, near Okehampton
Height: 619m
Yes Tor is the second-highest point on Dartmoor and in southern England, but many consider it more impressive than High Willhays due to its rugged, rocky crown. It’s often hiked alongside High Willhays in a rewarding circular walk.
Brent Tor
Location: Western edge of Dartmoor
Height: 330m
Topped by the striking 13th-century St Michael’s Church, dramatically perched above the moor. Ideal for photos and short visits.
Belstone Tor
Location: North Dartmoor
Height: 479m
Offers far-reaching panoramic views – on a clear day, you can even see the north Devon coast. On the ascent to the tor, you’ll see the Nine Maidens Stone Circle.
Wildlife and Ecology on Dartmoor
The tors are part of Dartmoor’s fragile ecosystem. Remember to leave no trace; take all of your rubbish with you, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
- Dartmoor ponies (don’t feed them!)
- Skylarks, buzzards and curlews
- Heather, gorse, and mosses
- Rare lichens that grow on tor rocks
Fascinating Dartmoor Tor Facts
- Dartmoor has over 160 named tors, but hundreds more unnamed rocky outcrops exist.
- The word “tor” comes from Old Welsh or Celtic origins, meaning “hill” or “pile of rocks”.
- Some tors, like Vixen Tor, are on private land and not accessible to the public.
- Bowerman’s Nose is a person-shaped stack of granite linked to a local legend about a huntsman turned to stone.
Several tors have inspired tales of witchcraft, giants, and haunted happenings.
FAQs About Dartmoor’s Tors
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How many tors are there on Dartmoor?
There are at least 160 named tors, but some sources list over 365 when you include lesser-known and unnamed outcrops.
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Do you have to be a hiker to enjoy the tors?
No, many are easily reached from roadside car parks (e.g. Haytor), while others require more strenuous walks.
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Can you climb on the tors?
Yes, some tors are popular for bouldering and rock climbing, but always use caution and appropriate gear.
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Are tors safe to visit in all weather?
Dartmoor’s weather can change rapidly; in fog, rain, or snow, tors can become hazardous. Always check forecasts and be prepared.
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Are dogs allowed?
Absolutely! Dartmoor is a dog-walker’s paradise. Just be mindful of livestock, and keep dogs on leads where needed.
What Is Ten Tors?
Ten Tors is one of the most iconic endurance events in the UK, held annually on Dartmoor.
- Organised by: British Army with civilian support
- Participants: Teams of 6 teenagers aged 14–19
- Objective: Hike to 10 designated tors over two days, carrying all supplies and camping overnight
- Routes: 35, 45, or 55 miles depending on age group
It’s considered a rite of passage for many young people in the South West and promotes teamwork, resilience, and navigation skills.
Planning Your Dartmoor Tor Adventure
The best time to visit Dartmoor is in spring to early autumn for the most reliable weather, but winter walks can be magical too (with proper equipment).
Dartmoor can be quite a rugged landscape, so it is important to come prepared. Items to bring include:
- Waterproof boots
- OS Map (OL28 – Dartmoor Explorer)
- Layers and waterproofs
- Snacks and water
- Powerbank for portable device charging
Dartmoor’s tors are more than just rocks; they are markers of ancient lives, and gateways to some of the UK’s most stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re chasing misty moorland myths or just soaking up the view with a flask of tea, visiting the tors of Dartmoor is an unforgettable experience.
There’s so much to see on Dartmoor that it is well worth staying over and spending a few days exploring the area. Our hotel in Chagford is within the Dartmoor National Park, and offers the perfect base from which to discover the delights of the tors!