Hangingstone Hill, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park
At 603 metres above sea level, Hangingstone Hill is the joint third highest point in Dartmoor National Park (Cut Hill is also marked 603 on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map). It's topped by a small, rocky outcrop and an army hut. Whilst there are superb views across Dartmoor's north plateau and beyond, the hill is more of a place through which people pass as opposed to a destination in its own right. Barring the views, there's not much there. Having said that, Hangingstone Hill leads to all sorts of interesting places which is why you should go.
We've positioned Hangingstone Hill on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. Hangingstone Hill forms part of a wide, flat ridge of high ground running about a kilometre south to Whitehorse Hill. Only High Willhays and Yes Tor to the north west are higher.
West of Hangingstone Hill is Cranmere Pool. South is the extraordinary cist in Whitehorse Hill. North is the sublime view from Steeperton Tor over Taw Marsh to Mid Devon and Exmoor National Park. East are the wonderful shapes of Watern Tor. Hangingstone Hill connects you to these places.
Recommended route to Hangingstone Hill for the first time
Visiting is relatively easy. Follow the army track from Okehampton Camp or Belstone as it rises over moorland to a turning circle below Hangingstone Hill. The final stretch is a yomp over good ground. You'll often see mountain bikers and horse riders heading up there. Note that the terrain around Hangingstone Hill is very boggy. The Taw rises to the west. The East Dart River rises to the south west.
As is the case with most of Dartmoor's tors and high hills, there are plenty of other ways to walk in. Below are suggestions. They are not detailed routes. We've walked them all when researching content for this site. Refer to the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map or the Harvey British Mountain Map 'Dartmoor' map for detail.
Routes and directions to Hangingstone Hill from the north
From the north. In addition to walking in via the army roads, you can yomp up to Cosdon Beacon and then wander down to Hound Tor. From there, you follow the aforementioned broad ridge to Hangingstone Hill.
Routes and directions to Hangingstone Hill from the east
From the east. You can walk in from Batworthy Corner near Kestor Rock above Chagford. If you choose this route, avoid Batworthy Mires. The safest route is to wander up to Scorhill Stone Circle and then north west towards Kennon Hill. You pick up a grass track that takes you to Hound Tor. From Hound Tor, there's a good track that climbs along a broad ridge to Hangingstone Hill. From Batworthy Corner, you can also walk in via Watern Tor by following the farm wall that cuts across the North Teign River by Manga Hole. There are iron railings to use to cross the water. You then follow the wall as it rises to Watern Tor. From there, very obvious tracks lead to Hangingstone Hill. Last, you can wander in from Fernworthy. Head for Sittaford Tor and then follow the farm wall up to Quintin's Man and then across the moor to Whitehorse Hill. From there, use the peat pass to get to Hangingstone Hill or, in dry weather, walk directly over the boggy, rough cut moorland between the two hills.
Routes and directions to Hangingstone Hill from the south
From the south. From Postbridge, follow the East Dart River valley up to Sittaford Tor. As described above, you then follow the farm wall up to Quintin's Man and across the moor to Whitehorse Hill and Hangingstone Hill. After a spell of dry weather, when water levels are low, you can also cross the East Dart River at East Dart River Waterfall or upstream at Kit Rocks. Cross Statt's House Hill, jump across the skinny North Teign River close to its source and wander up to Quintin's Man. Alternatively, follow the East Dart River from Postbridge to near its source. Yomp up to Whitehorse Hill and then Hangingstone Hill. Note that this area is very boggy after wet weather. Great fun to do this when the moors are dried out, however.
Routes and directions to Hangingstone Hill from the west
From the west. You can walk to Whitehorse Hill from Cranmere Pool. You cross moorland between the sources of the River Taw and East Dart River. It can get very boggy on this stretch of the north plateau.
Photo Gallery
