Rippon Tor, Widecombe in the Moor, Dartmoor National Park

Rippon Tor, Widecombe in the Moor, Dartmoor National Park

People visiting the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park tend to head up to Haytor Rocks to enjoy the views of both the National Park and South Devon. Arguably the most extraordinary views in this section of Dartmoor are from the top of nearby Rippon Tor.

At 473m above sea level, Rippon Tor is the highest point in the local area. From the trig point and prehistoric barrows on its summit, you look down on Haytor Rocks and the surrounding landscape. It's also reasonably easy to walk to the top. Magnificent place that's highly recommended.

We've positioned Rippon Tor on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

 

Easiest and recommended route to Rippon Tor for the first time

To visit for the first time, we'd suggest you head up to the car parking area at Hemsworthy Gate on the B3387 running between Haytor Vale and Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Hemsworthy Gate car parking area is marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.

You'll see a gate in the corner of the wall below Rippon Tor. A wide grass track rises to the trig point and barrows. Whilst this track can get a wee bit boggy, it's reasonably easy walking given that Rippon Tor is the highest point in the local area.

 

Other routes to Rippon Tor

Alternatively, start from the car parking area just south west of Saddle Tor by Emsworthy Local Nature Reserve. Cross the road and follow the grass track that runs parallel to a farm wall. You come to a gate in a second farm wall. From there, it's a short yomp up to the trig point and barrows. This route is slightly more demanding than the one from Hemsworthy Gate but it's still easy in the scheme of things. We've taken four year olds up there.

There's a longer walk in from the car parking area roughly south of Rippon Tor at Cold East Cross. Grass tracks climb to the rocky outcrop called Nut Crackers (Logan Stone) and then onto the summit of Rippon Tor.