The 13 Most Amazing Peaks around Thrushelton

Near Thrushelton, within Dartmoor National Park, you'll find several notable elevated points. These include Yes Tor summit, the second highest point in Dartmoor, and High Willhays summit, which is the highest point on Dartmoor. Another significant site is Widgery Cross at Brat Tor, a historical landmark offering incredible views. Other impressive locations include Sourton Tors and Black Tor.

One of the most unique historical landmarks is Widgery Cross at Brat Tor. Erected in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, it stands as the tallest cross on Dartmoor, constructed from granite blocks. The cross is nearly 12 feet 8 inches (3.86 meters) in height and offers expansive views.

Yes, Yes Tor summit is close to a military range. It is advisable to check for firing times before your visit to ensure safety. You can typically find this information on the official Dartmoor military ranges website.

The peaks around Thrushelton offer breathtaking panoramic views. From Yes Tor summit, you can see expansive vistas of North Devon and Cornwall. Widgery Cross at Brat Tor provides views where the North and South Coasts, as well as Bodmin Moor, are visible on a clear day. Sourton Tors offers fantastic views of the high, open moorland to the south and east, and flatter farmland to the west and north.

The area around Thrushelton, particularly within Dartmoor National Park, is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several MTB trails, such as the Meldon Viaduct loops. Running trails are also available, with options like the Roadford Lake loop.

Yes, many of the tors in Dartmoor are accessible and offer relatively easy hikes. For example, the ascent to Yes Tor summit is considered an easy hike for most people, especially with nearby parking. Similarly, High Willhays summit is also noted as an easy hike. You can find more easy hiking options in the Easy hikes around Thrushelton guide.

Dartmoor's terrain is rugged, characterized by expansive moorland and granite outcrops. Peaks like Sourton Tors are exposed, particularly to prevailing winds and rain. The weather on the moor can change quickly, so it's crucial to start out well-equipped with appropriate clothing and gear, regardless of the forecast.

Yes, there are parking options available. For instance, there is parking quite nearby for accessing Yes Tor summit, making it an easy tor to climb on a short trip. For Widgery Cross at Brat Tor, there is a free car park not far from the base of the Tor, accessible via a track alongside the Dartmoor Inn on the A386.

Beyond the impressive peaks, you can encounter unique natural features. Black Tor, for example, is known for its logan stone – a large rock that sways when pushed. The area also features dramatic gorges and expansive moorland, providing diverse landscapes to explore.

Visitors consistently praise the stunning vistas and the raw, rugged beauty of Dartmoor. The panoramic views from summits like Yes Tor and High Willhays are frequently highlighted. The sense of accomplishment from reaching these elevated points and the opportunity to engage with Dartmoor's unique natural and historical landscape are also highly valued.

When hiking to Sourton Tors, be mindful of the weather, as it can be exposed to winds and rain. It's well worth hiking up to the summit from the numerous trails around its base, especially on a clear day for the fantastic views. There are plenty of parking places below this tor, with the road up to the waterworks offering some of the best spots for an easy ascent.

The highest point on Dartmoor National Park, and indeed the highest summit south of the Brecon Beacons, is High Willhays summit. It offers wonderful views, particularly on a clear day.