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Brent Tor

334m Elevation
130m Prominence
England Country
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Widemouth Bay to Bude Coastal and Canal

10.8 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Ropehaven Cliffs and Black Head

3.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Padstow to Trevone coastal circular

12.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Classic Brent Tor Circular Walk

This popular circular route begins in the Brent Tor car park and ascends the tor via the main footpath to St Michael's Church. After taking in the stunning views from the summit, the trail loops back through the surrounding moorland and farmland. This walk offers a blend of history, geology, and scenery.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Brent Tor and West Blackdown Loop

This extended route starts at the Brent Tor car park and includes a visit to the tor before heading west across the moor to the West Blackdown area. The path meanders through rolling farmland and offers expansive views of Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley. The walk finishes by retracing part of the route back to the tor.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Brent Tor and Lydford Gorge Adventure

A longer and more varied route that combines a visit to Brent Tor with an exploration of Lydford Gorge, managed by the National Trust. Starting at Brent Tor, the path winds its way to the gorge, where walkers can enjoy woodland trails, waterfalls, and the dramatic Devil’s Cauldron before looping back.

12 km ~4.5 hours Challenging

Sunset Walk to Brent Tor

This shorter, scenic route is ideal for an evening walk. It begins at the Brent Tor car park and follows a gentle ascent to the summit. Perfect for catching the stunning sunset views across Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. This route returns the same way, making it easy to follow.

2 km ~1 hours Easy

Brent Tor and Mary Tavy Explorer

This varied route links Brent Tor with the charming village of Mary Tavy. Starting at the tor, the trail descends through farmland and quiet lanes to reach the village. After exploring Mary Tavy, walkers return via an alternate path that offers further views of the moorland landscape.

9 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 300-399m hill

Elevation

334m

1,096 ft

Prominence

130m

Coordinates

50.6032, -4.1625

SX470803

OS Map

191 201

Explorer: 112

At the Summit

The summit features a notable medieval church, St. Michael de Rupe, which is perched dramatically on the tor, along with a few scattered granite boulders offering perfect photo opportunities.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes with some wet areas that may require the use of sturdy walking boots.

Brent Tor is primarily composed of volcanic breccia, which is a type of igneous rock formed from volcanic deposits. The striking geological features showcase ancient volcanic activity and provide a glimpse into the region's fiery past.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch breathtaking views over the Tamar Valley, Dartmoor, and on a clear day, even reach the distant North Coast.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Brent Tor' derives from the Old English 'brent' meaning 'hill' and 'tor', denoting a rocky peak or a high hill, an apt description of this prominent feature.

Historical Significance

The medieval church of St. Michael de Rupe holds historical significance, providing insights into the area's religious past and serving as a landmark for pilgrims.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area in the village of Brentor. Be aware that spaces are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

Public Transport

The nearest railway station is in Tavistock, approximately 7 miles away, and local buses run to Brentor from Tavistock.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the summit but the village of Brentor has a few local amenities. The town of Tavistock hosts several cafes and shops for thirsty trekkers.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven terrain in places, and care should be taken during wet weather as paths can become slippery.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Brent Tor?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Brent Tor through the maps

Are there other walkers around Brent Tor?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Brent Tor search or of course create your own walk for Brent Tor

Can I organise a walk to Brent Tor?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Brent Tor.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Brent Tor?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Brent Tor here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SX470803

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