Thornworthy Tor, Chagford, Dartmoor National Park
Explore the northern section of Chagford Common and, against the backdrop of Fernworthy Forest, you'll see a rocky outcrop topping a reasonably large hill surrounded by a chunky stone wall. The outcrop is Thornworthy Tor and we were told by the local farmer that the wall demarcates a newtake or Dartmoor farm.
The land is privately owned but has open access rigths. Given that this is a working farm, make sure you use one of the many stiles to climb over the walls. Apart from the quite magnificent views over Fernworthy Forest and Fernworthy Reservoir, the tor is also worth visiting for its logan stone.
To visit, we'd recommend starting from the car park at the entrance to Fernworthy Forest. There are public toilets and a picnic site by the car park. Follow the path that skirts the reservoir towards the dam. A track drops down to the foot of the dam and then climbs the opposing valley wall. There are super views of the dam and reservoir at this point. Carry on up the hill and you'll come to a fence. To your left, you'll see trees at the corner of this fence. There's a stile by these trees. From the stile, it's an easy yomp to the top of the tor.
You can also walk in from Batworthy Corner near Kestor Rock or from other parts of Fernworthy Forest. Again, there are plenty of stiles along the farm walls offering access to the tor.
Photo Gallery
