Top 20 Natural Monuments around Okehampton Hamlets

You can find several popular hiking trails that take you past the natural monuments. For instance, the Yes Tor & High Willhays loop from Meldon Reservoir is a moderate 12 km hike, and the Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Loop offers a moderate 7 km option. For more options, explore the Hiking around Okehampton Hamlets guide.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Meldon Reservoir and Viaduct is an ideal spot for walking, fishing, and wildlife watching, with scenic trails. Okehampton Old Town Park Local Nature Reserve offers pleasant walks along the West Okement River, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and a connection to the area's medieval past, accessible near Okehampton Castle.

The region is rich in unique geological features, primarily granite formations. At Kes Tor and Rock Basin, you can see a distinctive rock pool at its summit, formed by the weathering of weakened feldspar crystals. The prominent granite outcrops of Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit also showcase the rugged granite landscape of Dartmoor.

Absolutely. Widgery Cross at Brat Tor is a distinctive man-made monument that has become an integral part of the natural landscape. This granite cross, erected in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, is the tallest on Dartmoor and offers wonderful views. Additionally, Okehampton Old Town Park Local Nature Reserve was once part of Okehampton Castle's deer park, linking it to the area's medieval history.

For breathtaking panoramic views, both Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit are excellent choices. Yes Tor offers stunning vistas in all directions, while High Willhays, as the highest point in Devon, provides rewarding 360-degree views. The walk to Widgery Cross at Brat Tor also offers expansive views, including both the North and South Coasts on a clear day.

Yes, Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve is a unique example of high-altitude oak woodland. It features ancient, stunted oak trees growing among granite boulders, often covered in mosses and lichens due to the damp climate, offering a glimpse into a rare and ancient ecosystem. Abbeyford Woods also provides extensive woodlands rich in wildlife and known for autumn fungi displays.

Beyond hiking, the area offers opportunities for running and mountain biking. You can find various routes like the High Willhays and Yes Tor loop from Meldon Reservoir for running, or the Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop from Okehampton for mountain biking. Explore more options in the Running Trails around Okehampton Hamlets and MTB Trails around Okehampton Hamlets guides.

Yes, Lydford Gorge, though a short drive from Okehampton, is a spectacular natural chasm managed by the National Trust. It is the deepest gorge in the South West, carved by the River Lyd, and features dramatic waterfalls like the White Lady Waterfall, offering impressive sights and sounds within the gorge.

The natural monuments are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, especially in Abbeyford Woods, and winter can offer dramatic, stark landscapes, though conditions on the high tors like Yes Tor and High Willhays can be challenging. Always check local weather and military firing times before visiting the higher tors.

Many of the natural monuments and surrounding areas on Dartmoor are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. Areas like Meldon Reservoir and Viaduct and Okehampton Old Town Park Local Nature Reserve offer pleasant walks suitable for dogs. Always be mindful of ground-nesting birds and livestock, and follow the Dartmoor National Park's guidance on responsible dog walking.

Given the varied terrain and often unpredictable weather of Dartmoor, it's advisable to wear sturdy walking boots, waterproof and windproof layers, and carry extra clothing. Even on sunny days, conditions can change quickly, especially on higher ground like Yes Tor and High Willhays. Layering is key to adapting to temperature fluctuations.

Parking is available at various points to access the natural monuments. For instance, there is parking near Meldon Reservoir for accessing Yes Tor, High Willhays, and Black-a-Tor Copse. 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.