Brat Tor (Bray Tor), Lydford, Dartmoor National Park
Watching the sun set over the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Cornwall from the western flank of Dartmoor is one of the National Park's great sights. Brat Tor, a rocky outcrop on the edge of the high moor, is a superb vantage point. It's also very easily accessible from a large car parking area behind the Dartmoor Inn just off the A386 by Lydford.
We've positioned Brat Tor on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
To visit, follow the A386 to Lydford. The Dartmoor Inn is opposite the turning for the village. A narrow road just north of the pub runs to a moorland gate. Open and close the gate by the army firing notice and you'll see a spacious car parking area in front of you. From there, follow the path by the farm wall that leads to a ford, stepping stones and footbridge over the River Lyd. You'll see Brat Tor rising sharply in front of you. Its rocky outcrop is topped by the distinctive local landmark Widgery Cross.
From the river, paths climb to either side of Brat Tor. The approach from the north is less steep and follows the path marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. Once you're there, it's an easy clamber up to Widgery Cross. The views are massive. Highlights include Brentor, Kit Hill and Bodmin Moor.
If you're feeling energetic, Brat Tor is a great place from which to explore a cluster of magnificent tors. Head up to Great Links Tor and then south to Chat Tor, Sharp Tor and Hare Tor. Drop down to Doe Tor before jumping over a skinny stream and walking to the ford, stepping stones and footbridge at the River Lyd and then your car.
Alternatively, head up to Great Links Tor and then follow the trackbed of the dismantled Rattlebrook Peat Railway back down to Great Nodden and the car parking area. This route is clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.
Brat Tor is also a great place from which to wander into the middle of Dartmoor's north moor although we'd only suggest this after a spell of dry weather. When the moor is dry, you can yomp across Amicombe Hill, Broad Amicombe Hole and Great Kneeset to get to Cranmere Pool and Black Hill. The latter is tough going on rough cut moorland. Avoid after wet weather. It's fun to walk in winter when the moor is frozen although days are short.
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