Belstone and Oke Tor Circular Walk, Belstone, Dartmoor National Park

Belstone and Oke Tor Circular Walk, Belstone, Dartmoor National Park

A pretty village, high moorland and plenty of superb tors

This is one of our favourite moorland walks in Dartmoor National Park. It starts from the pretty moorland village Belstone and takes in lots of tors on Dartmoor's north moor. The views from Belstone ridge and Oke Tor are exceptional. There's a great pub and garden in Belstone as well.

We'd also recommend the area for a wild camp.

 

How far is the walk and how long will it take?

The walk is roughly 9 km/5.5 m in length.

The Ordnance Survey app states that this takes just over 2 hrs. We tend to cover a moorland mile in 30 mins so would plan for 2.45 hrs walking.

 

What's the walking like?

It's a relatively easy walk. There's a gentle ascent to Belstone ridge and then you're walking over, or past, lots of tors until you come to open moorland leading to Oke Tor.

The descent and return to Belstone is straightforward.

 

Is there a path?

Yes and no. There are wide grass tracks and grass paths created by walkers that link the tors. This is typical of Dartmoor's high moor.

Note that you can see these tracks and grass paths created by walkers on Google's satellite imagery.

 

Is it well signposted?

No. You're walking open moorland. As ever, we'd recommend studying the Ordnance Survey app, Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map or Harvey Mountain Map Dartmoor map for detail.

Take Ordnance Survey or Harvey Mountain Map mapping and a compass with you.

 

Start from the pretty moorland village Belstone

Start at Belstone. Whilst there's parking overlooking the edge of Belstone Cleave close to the moor, you're asked to leave your vehicle in the spacious car park to your left as you drive into the village.

 

Watchet Hill

Wander towards the church and pub. You'll see the road split. Take the south west road (to your right) as it climbs to the moorland gate at Watchet Hill.

Walk to the army flagpole and then follow the track up to the rocky outcrops in front of you called Tors End. Tors End are at the north end of Belstone ridge.

Alternatively, head south through the village and past Belstone Great Green to a gate that leads out onto the moors. From the gate, walk south west to the rocky outcrops called Tors End.

 

Tors End to Higher Tor

There is no single path taking you through Tors End. Pick your way over or around the rocky outcrops and continue to Belstone Tor, Irishman's Wall and Higher Tor as marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping.

The views from the moor between Irishman's Wall and Higher Tor are amazing. You'll see Oke Tor, Steeperton Tor and Hangingstone Hill in front of you. The huge dome of Cosdon Hill is east or to your left.

 

Higher Tor to Oke Tor

The moor gently descends from the Higher Tor area until you hit the broad ridge on which Oke Tor sits.

Follow the grass track until you get to the rocky outcrop. The views west to Dartmoor's highest ground at Yes Tor and High Willhays are superb.

It's a great spot from which to watch the sun set although it can get windy.

 

Oke Tor down to Taw Plain and back to Belstone

To return, walk back in the direction from which you came and you'll see grass tracks to your right. These are visible on Google's satellite imagery.

Choose a grass track and then cut down the side of the moor heading north east until you hit the track/road in Taw Plain that takes you back to Belstone village.

 

Alternative route back to Belstone via the Nine Maidens Stone Circle

You can also return to Belstone on tracks and paths that run around the western side of Belstone ridge.

From Oke Tor, wander back in the direction of Higher Tor. Instead of heading up to Higher Tor and Irishman's Wall, take the track that runs above Winter Tor. This track takes you around to Nine Maidens Stone Circle and the army flagpole on Watchet Hill.

The Watchet Hill gate opens onto a road that descends to the village. The Tors Inn is on your right if you fancy a drink. There's a pub garden overlooking Belstone Great Green. Again, refer to Ordnance Survey mapping for detail.