Best Okehampton Walks, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park

Best Okehampton Walks, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park

[Main photo: view from High Willhays across Dartmoor's north moor to Fur Tor in winter. Fur Tor top left, North Hessary Tor and Radio Mast on horizon and Lints Tor bottom right]

 

Okehampton

Okehampton is located on the north western border of Dartmoor National Park. It sits below the highest ground on Dartmoor and in southern England. The area is essential visiting if you're a keen walker.

We've arranged walks by theme.

If you're on holiday in Dartmoor National Park, walking to the top of Yes Tor and High Willhays is a must. They sit close to one another on a broad ridge above Okehampton Camp and Okehampton. We'd recommend that walk above all else.

 

The army ring road by Okehampton

Okehampton Camp is located above Okehampton and Okehampton Station on the edge of the north moor. An army ring road pushes out to the north plateau and provides easy access to Dartmoor's high moor and some of the national park's most dramatic tors.

At Okehampton Camp, beyond an army hut, the road splits. To your right, the road runs south west and then climbs between Rowtor and West Mill Tor. It used to be a rough road but it was tarmacked a few years ago. It stops below West Mill Tor at a small car parking area. From there, rough roads that are not open to public vehicles run in various directions. One rough road curls up to Yes Tor and High Willhays. Another pushes all the way up to Dinger Tor. From this rough road, others run east and connect with another rough road that climbs to the southernmost extent of the ring road at Okement Hill and Hangingstone Hill.

Alternatively, at Okehampton Camp, instead of heading right, you can continue over the bridge and follow the army road as far as OP22 by East Okement Farm. Rough army roads extend to Okement Hill and Hangingstone Hill.

There's a network of roads so it's best to refer to the Ordnance Survey mapping for detail.

 

Walking Dartmoor's north moor from Okehampton and Okehampton Camp

Most walkers head to Okehampton to explore the high moor. You can walk from Okehampton but it's a bit of a slog so we'd recommend starting in the Okehampton Camp area.

Walking to the top of Yes Tor and High Willhays is a must. The army ring road provides easy access to the high moorland. You can follow a branch of this army ring road up to Yes Tor and High Willhays. The army ring road is clearly marked on Ordnance Survey mapping. It's a good, safe route to take when it snows.

Try the West Mill Tor, Yes Tor and High Willhays Circular Walk after a period of dry weather. It's a circular walk that takes in West Mill Tor, Yes Tor and High Willhays before returning on the abovementioned army ring road. You have to cross Red-a-ven Brook between West Mill Tor and Yes Tor. The moor around the brook gets boggy after rain which is why we'd only recommend this loop after a dry spell.

For a longer walk, try the Okehampton Camp to Okement Hill and Steeperton Tor Circular Walk. This walk follows the army ring road that pushes out to the north plateau.

If you fancy a small walk, wander up to the rocky outcrops of Rowtor. There's a spacious car parking area below the tor on that army ring road.

Three sections of Dartmoor's north moor are used by the British Army for training. Okehampton Range is one of them. Google 'Dartmoor firing times' before you visit. You'll see red flags, hear machine gun fire and meet soldiers in the huts that border these firing ranges when the army is training.

 

Walking to a tor from Okehampton

High Willhays and Yes Tor are a must.

West Mill Tor is a stunning collection of rocky outcrops.

East Mill Tor a little further into the north moor. Fewer people visit this tor.

On the road extending over Moor Brook, you can easily access Rowtor.

Belstone Tor (Belstone Tors and Tors End). Head for Cullever Steps. There are various routes you can take from there but we'd recommend following the rough road that climbs between Winter Tor and Higher Tor. You are then on the broad ridge on which Belstone Tor sits.

Oke Tor. Walk south on that broad ridge and you come to the wonderful Oke Tor.

Steeperton Tor is one of Dartmoor's best located tors. The views from up top are amazing.

Wild Tor. Push on from Steeperton Tor to get to Wild Tor and the north plateau.

Hangingstone Hill and Okement Hill are on the limit of the ring road.

Note that Cranmere Pool is accessible from Hangingstone Hill and Okement Hill. This is the Dartmoor of popular imagination. Boggy and remote. It's a great place.

 

River and valley walks from Okehampton

The West Okement River and the East Okement River rise on Dartmoor's north moor. They cut exceptionally pretty valleys before meeting in Okehampton. The River Okement then flows north to join the River Torridge. You can follow the West Okement River to Meldon Woods, Meldon Viaduct and Meldon Reservoir or walk the Tarka Trail alongside the East Okement River to West Cleave. Specific river and valley walks we'd recommend include:

Okehampton Camp to West Cleave Circular Walk. This is a delightful walk that takes in the fringe of the high moor as well as West Cleave.

East Hill Hillfort Circular Walk. This is a variation on the above.

Meldon Woods Bluebell Circular Walk. Whilst this is a popular walk all year round, Meldon Woods come alive in May when the bluebells are out.

 

Granite Way

The Granite Way is a multi-use recreational route running between Okehampton and Lydford. We'd recommend walking the Meldon Viaduct stretch as there are amazing views to Yes Tor and Meldon Reservoir.

 

Walking the Meldon Reservoir area near Okehampton

Meldon Reservoir is a stunning reservoir and dam. It's great for walks. Click through to the listing for ideas.

Note that the Dartmoor's Highest Points Circular Walk (High Willhays/Yes Tor) starts from Meldon Reservoir car park.

 

Two Museums Walk from Okehampton

If you're a keen and fit walker and have an interest in museums, try the Two Museums Walk.

 

Long distance footpaths running through Okehampton

For those looking for a long distance walk, the Tarka Trail in Dartmoor, West Devon Way and Two Castles Trail pass through Okehampton.

 

Walking to some of Dartmoor's most unusual points of interest from Okehampton

Ted Hughes Memorial Stone is a super place to walk to from the Okehampton Camp area.

Cranmere Pool is essential visiting for all Dartmoor enthusiasts.

 

Bluebell walks from Okehampton

Last, Okehampton is arguably the best place from which to see bluebells on Dartmoor.

The East Hill Bluebell Circular Walk overlooks Okehampton.

Meldon Woods Bluebell Circular Walk, as mentioned, is a must in May.

 

Parking and access by train from Okehampton Station

There are various parking areas on the army ring road. The biggest car parking area is by Rowtor. We'd recommend starting from there if you're heading to the Okehampton area by car.

With the reopening of the Dartmoor Line, you can now also walk up to the north moor from Okehampton Station. See our The Dartmoor Line and Okehampton Station listing for more information.