Metheral Hill, Belstone, Dartmoor National Park
Metheral Hill isn't on most people's list of hills and tors to visit in Dartmoor National Park. Located at the south eastern end of Taw Marsh in the northern section of the Park, Metheral is in the shadow of the impressive conical of Steeperton Tor. It's a shame people don't visit as the views are superb.
We've positioned Metheral Hill on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. We'd recommend walking in from Belstone. If you follow the track/road that runs from Belstone to Taw Marsh, you'll see a concrete ford that you can use to cross the River Taw at Horseshoe Bend. From there, follow the track/road south towards Steeperton Tor. The track/road becomes a very well trodden path that rises around the flank of Metheral Hill. You can walk straight up to the broad top of the hill from there. Clearly, you can walk in from other directions. A path runs from Cosdon Hill to Little Hound Tor and Hound Tor. You can access Metheral from that. You can also drop down from Steeperton Tor. There's a ford across Steeperton Brook but it's a small waterway so you can cross in numerous places.
To return from Metheral Hill to Belstone, follow the path marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map that runs across White Hill. Tracks run down to the concrete ford that crosses the River Taw.
We'd recommend visiting for the view of the Belstone Ridge in particular. You'll see Belstone Tor, Irishman's Wall, Higher Tor and Oke Tor. Behind are all the high tors. Cosdon is the massive domed hill to the north. The view across Taw Marsh and the River Taw are also exceptional.
Photo Gallery
