The best walks and hikes in Devon

Hunters Tor on Dartmoor – overview and practical guide Notes on the feature Name variants: Hunters Tor (also found in some guides as “Hunters’ Tor” or “Hunters Tor” with occasional apostrophe usage). It is one of the granite tors you’ll encounter on the eastern Dartmoor plateau. Location context: Situated on the eastern Dartmoor moor, in the general area between Widecombe-in-the-Moor and the higher moorland to the north and east. It’s often visited as part of longer routes from classic eastern Dartmoor starting points. What to expect Elevation and geology: A granite tor typical of Dartmoor—weathered outcrops with rough boulder features and exposed granite. Provides a vantage point to survey surrounding moorland. Scenery: Wide moorland views with horizon lines; potential for good visibility across East Dartmoor on clear days. Getting there Access points: Likely starting points include car parks and laybys near the eastern moor, with access from roads serving Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Ashburton, or Two Bridges. Public transport: Buses to nearby villages with a short walk onto the moor; check current timetables. Parking: Local parking areas around the eastern moorland; follow local signage and

Sharp Tor on Dartmoor – overview and tips Notes on the name Sharp Tor is a well-known tor on Dartmoor, sometimes spelled “Sharp Tor” or “Sharp’s Tor” in regional references. It is one of the classic granite tors that dot the eastern moor. Location context: Sharp Tor sits in the eastern part of Dartmoor National Park, behind or near the villages of Widecombe-in-the-Moor and intersecting with other moorland features such as Haytor and Hound Tor in the wider area. What to expect Elevation and geology: Granite tor forming a rocky outcrop that offers elevated views over the surrounding moor. Typical Dartmoor granite features, weathered by wind and rain into distinctive boulders and crags. Scenery: Expansive moorland around, open horizons, and, on clear days, distant views toward the coast. Getting there Access points: - Likely starting points include nearby car parks on the eastern Dartmoor plateau and routes from towns like Ashburton or Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Public transport: Bus routes to nearby villages with a short walk onto the moor. Parking: Depending on the exact access point, there are local parking areas; check current signage and National Trust/ Dartmoor NPA guidance. Popular routes and what to expect Short circulars: There are moorland circuits that incorporate Sharp Tor as a highlight, often around 2–4 miles (3–6 km) depending on the exact start point. Longer explorations: Combine Sharp Tor with adjacent tors such as Hound Tor, Widecombe area, or more northern tors for a full moorland day. Expect rolling moorland

West Mill Tor 542.7m P20.3 (1780ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 19861) [JNSA s2045] Dartmoor National Park Definitive List summit.

I did this walk in November and there were long sections of the path water logged and boulder strewn, the 3 river crossings on stepping stones were hazardous but passable. Do not undertake unless sure footed and with waterproof boots in wet seasons. A couple just in front of us were waiting for mountain rescue as she had slipped on one set of stepping stones and couldn’t walk

view from the car park

Harnessing the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of human ingenuity, whose origins can be traced back to ancient times. Thanks to such a design, a watercourse – natural or artificial – made it possible to simply replace human or animal muscle power with the power of natural elements, for example, to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit. There are essentially two drive variants for watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel – usually through a so-called "mill channel" – and falls onto the blades. This design utilizes natural gravity to achieve greater efficiency.

From one of the three parking areas you can easily walk to beautiful viewpoints.

Perfect day trip for wild life spotting