High Willhays

High Willhays

Overview

High Willhays reaches 622 m and is the highest point of Dartmoor and Devon. A large cairn stands on its highest rock tor at the southern end of the summit outcrops. Nearby Yes Tor is a separate summit with a trig point.

Walking routes

From Meldon Reservoir

Start at the reservoir car park, cross the dam and follow the southern-shore path. Continue up the east side of the West Okement valley, climb to Black Tor and cross the rough slopes to High Willhays. Follow the ridge north to Yes Tor, then descend towards the track around Longstone Hill and return to the dam and car park. Walking Britain's guide warns that its former northern-shore concessionary approach is blocked; use the documented southern-shore alternative.

From Okehampton station

Follow the signed permitted path over the A30 footbridge to Klondyke Corner and Moorgate. Continue over Rowtor to the tracks around West Mill Tor, cross the brook and climb towards High Willhays. Visit Yes Tor and retrace the outward route to the station. The rail partnership guide suggests 4½–6 hours, depending on ability. Its optional direct descent towards West Mill Tor crosses pathless rocks and boggy ground; use the retracing return described here.

Military access

The summit is inside the Okehampton military training area. Check the current MOD firing programme before travel and follow range signs and restrictions. Do not enter when red flags by day or red lamps at night are displayed. Red and white posts mark the range boundaries. Leave suspicious military objects untouched; note their location and report them to the Training Safety Officer on 01837 657210 or police.

Terrain and conditions

The open moor is exposed to wind, rain and sudden low cloud. Granite blocks, wet ground and brook crossings need care. Carry a map and compass, suitable footwear and waterproofs, and check the forecast. Views extend over the northern moor and towards Yes Tor when visibility allows.

Getting there and facilities

Meldon Reservoir car park is at SX561917, beside the dam, with toilets listed by the reservoir manager. Okehampton station has Exeter rail connections, a cafe and toilets; Okehampton Interchange is a separate station east of town. Check train times and allow enough time for the return walk. Okehampton offers further shops and cafes.

South West Lakes Trust currently reports a fishing closure at Meldon because of low water and dangerous soft mud. Keep off exposed mud and obey local notices; the notice is not a blanket closure of hill walks.

Landscape and history

The hill is part of Dartmoor's granite intrusion, an igneous rock formed below ground and exposed by erosion. Granite tors and scattered blocks shape the walking terrain. Dartmoor has been used for military training since the early nineteenth century, and the north moor remains a working training landscape.