Hameldown [Hamel Down]

Hameldown [Hamel Down]

Hameldown [Hamel Down] Group Walks | Join a Walk

532m Elevation
99m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Dodd Dewey Sub-Hump

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Elevation

532m

1,745 ft

Prominence

99m

Coordinates

50.6045, -3.8305

SX705799

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a prominent granite tor, which offers a perfect perch for a well-deserved snack break. A fantastic stone cairn marks the highest point and serves as a great photo opportunity.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops occasional boggy patches. An ideal mix for a good ol' stomp!

Hameldown is primarily composed of granite, characteristic of Dartmoor's rugged landscape. The eroded granite formations create fascinating shapes, making it a delight for both geology buffs and photographers.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy expansive views of Dartmoor's moors, the distant hills of Exmoor, and on clear days, even a glimpse of the English Channel.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hameldown' is believed to derive from the Old English 'hamel', meaning 'bald' or 'bare', aptly describing the summit’s treeless plateau.

Historical Significance

Hameldown holds significance for many, not just as a hiking destination but also as an area steeped in history, with standing stones and ancient Bronze Age sites nearby.

Popular Routes

Hameldown Beacon Circular

Moderate

A scenic circular route starting from the nearby car park, which offers stunning views along the way and a gentle ascent to the summit.

6.4 km 2.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at Hookney Tor, approximately 1.5 km from the foot of Hameldown. Limited spaces available, so arrive early!

Public Transport

Regular buses service the nearby village of Buckfastleigh, followed by a scenic walk through the moors to reach the start of your adventure.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities at the summit, the nearest toilets can be found in Buckfastleigh. A couple of delightful cafes can also provide a slice of cake or a refreshing drink after your trek.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Wet and boggy paths can be common, particularly after rain. Navigation can be tricky in low visibility, so be sure to keep your wits about you!

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Hameldown [Hamel Down]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Hameldown [Hamel Down] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Hameldown [Hamel Down]?

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 Hameldown [Hamel Down] search or of course create your own walk for Hameldown [Hamel Down]

Can I organise a walk to Hameldown [Hamel Down]?

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 Hameldown [Hamel Down].

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 Hameldown [Hamel Down]?

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 Hameldown [Hamel Down] 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