Highlight • Viewpoint
Hiking
5.0
(56)
Great Links Tor is a prominent and dramatic granite tor situated on the north-western flank of Dartmoor in Devon, England. Standing at 591 meters (1,939 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest points within Dartmoor National Park and is easily visible from a considerable distance when approaching the moor from the west. This natural monument is characterized by a striking monolithic outcropping of granite, approximately 12 meters (40 feet) high, which gives it a distinctive silhouette. Nearby,…
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October 24, 2022
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May 2, 2021
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January 30, 2022
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Great Links Tor
4.8
(33)
120
hikers
9.67km
02:55
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
62
hikers
12.7km
03:43
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
23
hikers
26.6km
08:17
850m
850m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 570 m
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Thursday 2 April
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7°C
53 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h
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Reaching Great Links Tor directly by public transport can be challenging due to its remote Dartmoor location. While there are bus services to nearby towns like Okehampton or Tavistock, you would likely need to arrange a taxi or a very long walk from there to reach the trailheads. Planning a route that incorporates a car journey to a suitable parking area is generally recommended for easier access.
While the hike to Great Links Tor can involve steep ascents and rugged moorland terrain, making it challenging, there are routes that are considered less strenuous than others. For instance, starting from the car park near Sourton Common can offer a more gradual approach compared to some other starting points. However, hikers should always be prepared for uneven ground and potentially boggy sections, even on easier paths. There are no truly 'easy' flat walks directly to the tor's summit.
Yes, Great Links Tor can be visited in winter and offers a starkly beautiful experience. However, winter conditions on Dartmoor can be severe. Expect cold temperatures, strong winds, and potentially snow or ice. Visibility can drop rapidly. It's crucial to carry appropriate winter gear, including warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and navigation tools (map and compass, and knowing how to use them). Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Great Links Tor. However, as it's within Dartmoor National Park, it's essential to keep dogs under close control, especially during lambing season (typically March to July) and when livestock or ground-nesting birds are present. Always pick up after your dog to help keep the moor clean and preserve its natural beauty.
The summit of Great Links Tor itself offers exceptional 360-degree panoramic views, widely considered among the best in Dartmoor. The OS Triangulation point on a block to the west of the main outcrop is a particularly popular spot for photos. Additionally, the smaller granite outliers surrounding the main tor can provide interesting foreground elements for shots, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is dramatic over the Tamar Valley.
Great Links Tor is a classic Dartmoor granite tor, characterized by a 'grand and imposing cluster' of weathered granite outcrops. The most prominent feature is a monolithic outcropping approximately 40 feet (12 meters) high. You can also find a natural cavity within the rocks, which may offer a brief shelter. The surrounding area features smaller granite outliers and a large ruined cairn, hinting at both natural geological processes and ancient human activity.
Great Links Tor is in a relatively remote part of Dartmoor. The nearest villages with amenities would include Sourton, Lydford, or Bridestowe. In Lydford, you might find the Dartmoor Inn, which offers food and accommodation. For a wider range of options, you would need to head towards larger towns like Okehampton or Tavistock, which are a short drive away from the moor's edge.
Both Great Links Tor and Yes Tor offer rewarding hikes and spectacular views, but they present different challenges. Yes Tor, being the second-highest point on Dartmoor, often involves a longer and more exposed ascent, sometimes through military firing ranges (which require checking access times). Great Links Tor, while still challenging with steep sections, is generally considered more accessible as it lies outside military firing areas. The views from both are expansive, with Great Links Tor offering particularly clear vistas to the west over Cornwall, while Yes Tor provides commanding views over the central high moor.
Dartmoor National Park offers extensive public access, including 'right to roam' over much of the open moorland. Great Links Tor is outside military firing ranges, meaning it's generally accessible year-round. However, visitors are expected to follow the Countryside Code: keep dogs under control, take all litter home, protect wildlife, and leave gates as you find them. Be aware that some areas may have restrictions during specific times, such as for conservation or farming activities.
While the intro mentions parking is typically available at trailheads, a common starting point for hikes to Great Links Tor is the car park located near Sourton Common. This provides relatively direct access to the moorland paths leading up to the tor. Always ensure you park responsibly and do not obstruct any access routes or gates.
Yes, the area around Great Links Tor is rich in historical interest. Close by, you can find the remains of the Rattlebrook Peat Works at Rattlebrook Head, offering a glimpse into Dartmoor's industrial past. Additionally, the ruins of 'Bleak House' are situated nearby. These sites add a fascinating historical dimension to the natural landscape, allowing hikers to explore both natural and man-made heritage.