Great Kneeset, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park
Great Kneeset is on the western edge of a large, boggy moorland plateau in the northern section of Dartmoor National Park. It's topped by granite outcrops and, for its location, is relatively easily accessible from the north via the army ring road and Dinger Tor.
We've positioned Great Kneeset on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
Recommended route to Great Kneeset for the first time
To visit for the first time, we'd recommend heading for Okehampton then Okehampton Camp. By the Camp, before the bridge that spans Moor Brook, take the army ring road to your right that climbs between Rowtor and West Mill Tor. There's limited parking just below West Mill Tor. This is as far as public vehicles are allowed to go. On foot, follow the army ring road for about 3km to Dinger Tor. From there, moorland paths of sorts drop down to Kneeset Nose and a ford roughly where Brim Brook meets the West Okement River on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. It's a slog up the side of Great Kneeset to the rocky outcrops. In our experience, this is also the best route to Black Ridge and Black Ridge Peat Pass. The moorland east of Great Kneeset is boggy and rough cut.
Clearly, you can also walk to Great Kneeset from other directions. We cover some of these routes below.
Routes and directions to Great Kneeset from the west
From the west. Start from the large car parking area behind The Dartmoor Inn. Cross the River Lyd on the stepping stones/footbridge below Brat Tor (Bray Tor) and Widgery Cross then follow the grass path up past Great Links Tor to Bleak House and Green Tor. Wander across Amicombe Hill. Grass paths lead down to the valley known as Broad Amicombe Hole and then rise to the outcrops topping Great Kneeset. We wouldn't recommend the route after a period of wet weather as Amicombe Hill can resemble a giant sponge. It gets very boggy and the walking is unpleasant.
Routes and directions to Great Kneeset from the north west
From the north west. Leave your vehicle at the car park by Meldon Reservoir. Cross the dam and follow the track that skirts the eastern side of Meldon Reservoir. Follow the track and grass path up the Upper West Okement Valley to Black-a-tor Copse National Nature Reserve. Continue to Lints Tor. Note that there is a network of streams below Lints Tor. Stay on the higher ground north of the West Okement River to Cross Lints Tor Brook. From Lints Tor, head for the ford at Kneeset Nose mentioned above. Yomp to the top of Great Kneeset.
Routes and directions to Great Kneeset from the south west
From the south west. Start at the car park at Lane End up the road from Horndon. Follow the grass paths to Ger Tor and then trend north east along the ancient Lane End Track to cross Rattle Brook. Wander over Amicombe Hill to the valley Broad Amicombe Hole and ascend to Great Kneeset. Again, avoid Amicombe Hill after heavy rain.
Routes and directions to Great Kneeset from the south and south east
From the south and south east. If you're coming from this direction, you won't have many people to keep you company. Follow the North-South (Track) Ancient Travel Route. We outline the route in our listing for that walk. We'd only suggest you walk over Black Hill and Black Ridge after a long spell of dry weather. It's very boggy and rough cut and is among the hardest walking in the National Park.
Routes and directions to Great Kneeset from the east and north east
From the east and north east. The famous Cranmere Pool is east of Great Kneeset. You can wander across from there but it can be an unpleasant experience after wet weather. We'd recommend avoiding the north east approach up the side of Great Kneeset. In our experience, it's ankle breaking territory. That said, it's another possible route to the top.
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