Okehampton Camp, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park

Okehampton Camp, Okehampton, Dartmoor National Park

Okehampton Camp is used by the British Army. Clearly, it's not a visitor attraction. That said, it's a great reference point. The camp is situated on the edge of Dartmoor's north moor below southern England's only two mountains and a road climbs from Okehampton to the army buildings providing easy access to the National Park's highest ground. The road then turns into a network of mostly unpaved roads that extend into the heart of Dartmoor's north moor. These days, you can only drive part way along this network of roads but you can walk or cycle safely and easily all the way to the end of the roads into some of Dartmoor's most remote territory.

Okehampton Camp and its army ring road also provide plenty of parking opportunities. Because there's so much to do from and around Okehampton Camp, we've grouped activities by theme below. We also say a little bit more about the ring road and parking areas.

Note that the British Army train on Dartmoor's north moor which means that sometimes it's not open to the public. Google or Bing 'Dartmoor firing times' for details.

We've positioned Okehampton Camp on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

 

Visiting the Okehampton Camp area

To visit, head for Okehampton. You'll come to a crossroads in the centre of town. Take George Street and Station Road but instead of branching off to Okehampton Station, continue all the way up to the moor on Tors Road which turns into Camp Road. These are marked on Google maps and are visible on the satellite setting to take a quick look before you go. You'll cross a bridge over the A30, pass a house named Klondyke on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map and then Okehampton camp appears after a sharp bend in the road.

 

The army ring road

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 here, 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. Again, there's limited parking here but 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 Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map for detail.

To re-iterate, the furthest you can drive from Okehampton Camp is to below West Mill Tor on the right fork and OP22 by East Okement Farm on the road that crosses Moor Brook. All the other rough roads need to be walked or cycled.

 

Parking

There are lots of places to park along the roads running from the Okehampton Camp area to the furthest points to which you can drive as outlined above. For example, on the right fork from Okehampton Camp, there's parking by Black Down and up by West Mill Tor as mentioned. On the road that extends beyond Moor Brook, there's a large parking area below Rowtor. There's more parking above Cullever Steps and by OP22 above East Okement Farm. There are other spots but these act as starting points.

 

Tors

On the right fork from Okehampton Camp, you can access Dartmoor's and southern England's highest ground at Yes Tor and High Willhays. West Mill Tor is a stunning collection of rocky outcrops. On the road extending over Moor Brook, you can easily access Rowtor. Belstone Tors, Oke Tor and East Mill Tor are further away. Steeperton Tor, Wild Tor, Hangingstone Hill and Okement Hill are on the limit of the ring road. Cranmere Pool is accessible from Hangingstone Hill and Okement Hill.

 

Walking

We'd recommend walking up to Yes Tor and High Willhays. It's fun to follow the army ring road west of East Mill Tor to Okement Hill and then to wander back via Steeperton Gorge and Oke Tor. Much lower down, the Okehampton Camp to West Cleave Circular Walk is a favourite especially in Spring when the bluebells are out.

 

Mountain biking

Walk Dartmoor's north moor regularly and you'll see plenty of people mountain biking the army ring road to Okement Hill.

 

Nature and wildlife

Okehampton Camp is known for its starling clouds. The Spring bluebell showing on East Hill is one of the best in the National Park. Also look out for the unbelievably cute miniature ponies.

 

Wild swimming

Plenty of rivers and brooks run from the high ground down to the fringes of the National Park. These provide plenty of opportunities to wild swim. Near Okehampton Camp, try Cullever Steps Pool for a dip.

 

Ten Tors

Last, visit Dartmoor in Winter and Spring and you'll see lots of kids and young adults yomping across the moor. Most are training for the Ten Tors that takes place in early May. Thousands base themselves at Okehampton Camp for this event.