Devil's Tor, Princetown, Dartmoor National Park
Devil's Tor is a small rocky outcrop in a superb location next to the extraordinary Beardown Man Standing Stone. Go for the views, the standing stone and the evocative name.
Devil's Tor is situated in boggy, rough cut moorland on Dartmoor's north plateau. Whilst it's relatively easily accessible after a spell of dry weather, it can be hard going yomping across boggy moorland after a period of rain. We've positioned Devil's Tor on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. Note that the tor is in a British Army firing range so check live firing times before you visit.
You can walk to Devil's Tor from all directions. The easiest route, in our opinion, is from the car parking area at Holming Beam. Drop down to the footbridge that crosses the River Cowsic before following one of the tracks up to Beardown Tors. From there, you connect with other tracks that trend north to Lydford Tor. A stile takes you over a wall and then it's a potentially boggy walk across high moorland to Devil's Tor. As mentioned, the views are exceptional. Make sure you stand next to Beardown Man Standing Stone to get a sense of the sheer size of the stone.
In addition to the walk from Holming Beam, you can start from the car parking area across the road from Two Bridges Hotel. After a spell of dry weather, head up the eastern side of the West Dart River valley through Wistman's Wood to Wistman's Wood Ford. Cross the West Dart River and climb to Lydford Tor and cross high moorland as described above. After a period of wet weather, follow the path up the western side of the West Dart River to Beardown Tors. From there, cross to Lydford Tor and then Devil's Tor.
For those coming from the Bellever area, follow the old Lichway/Lych Way to Longaford Tor. Either drop down to Wistman's Wood Ford or walk north to Higher White Tor and then Lower White Tor. Jump across the skinny West Dart River below Rough Tor. Follow the rise of moorland to Rough Tor and then cross the moors to Devil's Tor. Note that this last section can be very boggy and wet so take care.
If you're coming in from the west, again, follow the Lichway/Lych Way to the River Cowsic before climbing up to Lydford Tor.
Last, it's possible to wander down from Cut Hill after a spell of dry weather. We'd only recommend trying this when the ground has dried out as you're walking between the sources of the West Dart River, River Tavy and River Cowsic as well as other moorland streams.
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