Oke Tor, Belstone, Dartmoor National Park

Oke Tor, Belstone, Dartmoor National Park

The pretty village Belstone is located on the edge of Dartmoor's north moor. It sits below Taw Plain which is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of moorland that's lined with amazing tors. Oke Tor is one of the best.

Oke Tor is great for circular walks, top views across Dartmoor's north moor and wild camping. You also pass by Oke Tor on your way to the moorland plateau on which you'll find some of Dartmoor's highest points in addition to the famous Cranmere Pool.

We've positioned Oke Tor on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

 

Recommended route to Oke Tor for the first time

To visit for the first time, we'd recommend walking from Belstone.

Start at the car parking area at the main entrance to the village. 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. There is no single path taking you through this series of rocky outcrops. 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.

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.

Alternatively, head south through the village and past Belstone Great Green to a gate that leads out onto the moors. Follow the track/road into Taw Plain with the River Taw to your left. Pass Irishman's Wall and head into the heart of Taw Plain. Tracks rise to the broad ridge on which Oke Tor sits.

 

Recommended Oke Tor circular walk from Belstone

Combine the above two routes to create a superb circular walk from Belstone.

Start at the car parking area at the main entrance to the village. 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. There is no single path taking you through this series of rocky outcrops. Continue to Belstone Tor, Irishman's Wall and Higher Tor as marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping. 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.

Spend some time enjoying the views and then walk the track that runs down that side of the amphitheatre of moorland to Taw Plain. Return to Belstone on the abovementioned track/road.

 

Routes and directions to Oke Tor from the west

A network of roads run around a section of Dartmoor's north moor. You can park at various points on this network of roads and walk to Oke Tor.

Drive to Okehampton Camp. Cross the small bridge spanning Moor Brook and follow the army road up past the car parking area by Rowtor and as far as OP22 by East Okement Farm. This is as far as you can drive. There's limited parking here. Now walk the army road south that heads up to Okement Hill. East Mill Tor is to your right and Oke Tor to your left. A track branches east and takes you up to Oke Tor.

We'd then recommend you walk north on the track that passes Winter Tor in the direction of Cullever Steps. From there, loop back round to where you left your car at OP22 by Okehampton Camp.

 

Routes and directions to Oke Tor from the north

You can walk the army road all the way to Okement Hill and Hangingstone Hill before returning via the ford below Steeperton Tor to the broad ridge on which Oke Tor sits.