SX5676 : Old Boundary Marker by Great Mis Tor, Dartmoor Forest parish

Great Mis Tor

538m Elevation
80m Prominence
England Country
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SX5676 : Old Boundary Marker by Great Mis Tor, Dartmoor Forest parish

Milestone Society Photo source

Overview

Great Mis Tor: The Misty Marvel of Dartmoor

Great Mis Tor, standing proudly at 500 meters, is a cherished gem in Dartmoor National Park. Its rugged granite outcrops and the surrounding moorland create a landscape perfect for adventurous souls.

Geology

The landscape at Great Mis Tor is largely shaped by granite, which has been the subject of erosion for eons. The fascinating tors in the area, including Great Mis itself, were formed through natural processes that have left behind these unique rock formations. It's geological storytelling at its best!

Routes

One of the most popular routes begins in the idyllic village of Princetown. Spanning approximately 8 km round-trip, this moderate hike will take you through picturesque moorland, providing sights of local wildlife, including Dartmoor ponies. Don't forget your binoculars!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, hikers are greeted by a quaint cairn that has been lovingly constructed by fellow adventurers. It's a great spot to catch your breath and snap a few photos to show the folks back home.

Terrain

Be prepared for a bit of a rocky scramble. The route to Great Mis Tor offers varying conditions, from grassy patches to boggy patches that may surprise the unsuspecting hiker. Good footwear is essential!

Views

The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. Bask in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where you might catch sight of Little Mis Tor and even Hound Tor on a clear day. Each season brings its own charm – try to time your visit for the autumn for a display of vibrant hues.

Hazards

As with any adventure, caution is key. Dartmoor is infamous for its swiftly changing weather. A sunny morning can conjure up clouds faster than you can say 'turnback', so make sure you check the forecast and dress in layers. Watch your step on the rocky terrain; twisted ankles are no laughing matter!

Access

Visitors to Great Mis Tor can park in Princetown, where you'll also find essential facilities for a coffee or a cheeky cream tea. The public transport options are decent, though you might end up waiting a bit longer on weekends when buses are less frequent.

Nearby Summits

Feeling ambitious? After conquering Great Mis Tor, consider heading over to the nearby Little Mis Tor or further to Hound Tor. Each summit has its own unique charms, and the sense of achievement is well worth the effort!

History

As for the name, 'Great Mis' translates to 'great mist', which is often experienced atop this mountain. Its historical and cultural significance is intertwined with local folklore, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your hike.

So lace up those boots, grab your walking stick, and get ready for an adventure that whispers tales of the past and promises breathtaking sights – all at Great Mis Tor. Where else can you find granite, gorgeous views and a touch of mystery? Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Great Mis Tor

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Granite Way: Lydford village to Okehampton Station

14.2 km ~4h 30m Moderate

View route

Cotehele: Danescombe Valley and Mining Heritage Circuit

4.3 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Moretonhampstead to Lustleigh: Wray Valley woodland railway trail

13.7 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge: Teign Gorge woodland circuit

7.1 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Princetown to Great Mis Tor

A scenic route from the charming village of Princetown, winding through moorlands and up towards the summit, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

8 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Dewey

Elevation

538m

1,765 ft

Prominence

80m

Coordinates

50.5741, -4.0313

SX562769

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N OL28S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a small cairn topped with a stone, a true testament to the countless hikers who’ve left their mark on this rugged beauty.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with patches of grass interspersed with soft boggy areas that may require a nimble foot or two!

Granite outcrops dominate the area, with interesting tors created by countless years of erosion. The rocks here tell a tale of volcanic activity from millions of years ago.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Dartmoor landscape, including other tors, the Devon countryside and, if you squint hard enough, perhaps even as far as the coast.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Mis' is derived from the Old English 'myse' meaning ‘mist’, fitting for Dartmoor’s often foggy conditions.

Historical Significance

Great Mis Tor is a popular spot for climbers and hikers alike, with a rich history tied to the local folklore and legends of Dartmoor.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Princetown offers ample parking, with options for both free and pay and display – grab a scone from a local café afterwards!

Public Transport

Dartmoor’s bus service connects to the nearest towns, with regular services to Princetown, albeit a bit sparse on weekends.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are located in Princetown, including pubs, cafes, and public toilets. A delightful spot for post-hike refreshment!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes typical in Dartmoor; be prepared for rain, wind, and the occasional unexpected fog. The terrain can be uneven and boggy.

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 Great Mis Tor?

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

Are there other walkers around Great Mis 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 Great Mis Tor search or of course create your own walk for Great Mis Tor

Can I organise a walk to Great Mis 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 Great Mis 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 Great Mis 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 Great Mis 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

Great Mis Tor location map

Grid reference: SX562769

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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