The 11 Most Amazing Peaks around Spreyton

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

It is a distinctive rock, not only for its magnificent views, but also for its huge rock pool at the summit, formed by the weathering of weakened feldspar crystals. Before geological processes were fully understood, rock pools were described in folklore as the work of the Druids, who needed a camp as close to the sky as possible to "store sacred water and collect the blood of human sacrifices". More info here: https://visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/moors-tors/kes-tor/

Just below Belstone Tor, Higher Tor is huge. The granite rocks extend across the hillside and give a glimpse into the past when the whole of the area would have been strewn with rock. Running up here you'll find rewarding views across to Yes Tor in the West and Cosdon Hill in the east.

Sometimes called Cawsand Beacon or Cosdon Hill, Cosdon Beacon was once thought to be the highest peak on Dartmoor. Willhayes has since taken the crown but that doesn't take away the immenseness of this spot. Bronze Age settlements have been found on the west of the hill and evidence of neolithic tools. It is peppered with cairns and kistvaens which shine a light on the historic importance of the site. On a clear day both the English and Bristol Channels can be see from high up here.

From the top of the rocks there are 360 degree views atop Oke Tor. Look west to the summits of Yes Tor and Willhayes, the two tallest peaks on Dartmoor. Oke Tor sits within the Dartmoor Military Range. It is sometimes shut for military exercises so please check the website before you travel to ensure access is open. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firing-programme

This majestic tor sits a short distance below the castellated peaks of Belstone Tor but retains its own character and is very distinct. Its huge granite mass, which from certain angles is block-like, is on the southern side of Belstone Common. The tor is a truly epic rock formation in its own right that is noted for its striking jointings, looking a little like tightly packed cubes that are accentuated by patches of moor grass. Indeed, Hemery (1983) describes it as a "splendid ruin of Nature" that "has a massive east face - resembling cyclopean masonry - and a huge break-away on both south and west sides." Collingwood (2017) later remarks that "Its bulk and pattern of jointing make it unforgettable." Higher Tor affords terrific views in all directions, even to the north where the fine southern outcrop of Belstone Tor stands in stark contrast as a smooth-faced pile. To the south, Oke Tor sits on the elongated ridgeline that extends towards Knack, but it is perhaps the grand Steeperton Hill, that is topped by Steeperton Tor, that is the most conspicuous landmark towering high above Taw Marsh. Whilst modern Ordnance Survey Maps place Higher Tor south of the ridge summit where Belstone Tor resides, that was not always the case. The survey of Devon, by Lieutenant Colonel William Mudge, in 1809, named the summit 'Higher Tor' as one might expect and placed Belstone where Higher is now. Whilst it makes sense that the highest point on the ridge would be named 'Higher Tor', later surveys were amended and this is now the accepted location. This alteration juxtaposes the widely accurate survey of Mudge and the reason for the movement of the two names remains to be seen. It is an anomaly that rarely, if ever, receives attention. The entire moorscape, capped by tremendous rockpiles as far as the eye can see, is well worth a visit, and the visitor will not be left disappointed by what he finds here, as it is one of the most captivating pieces of scenery on Dartmoor.

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Great views from here. Oke Tor sits just within the Okehampton firing range so access will be restricted on firing days.