SX7682 : Bridleway above Lustleigh Cleave

Hunter's Tor

326m Elevation
95m Prominence
England Country
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Good walks are even better shared.

SX7682 : Bridleway above Lustleigh Cleave

Derek Harper Photo source

Overview

Hunter's Tor: A Dartmoor Jewel

Nestled within the stunning Dartmoor National Park, Hunter's Tor stands proudly at an elevation of 424 meters. A true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, this peak is classified as a Hewitt and Marilyn, ensuring it receives its fair share of admiration from both seasoned walkers and casual hikers alike.

Geology

As we lace up our walking boots, it's interesting to note that Hunter's Tor is primarily composed of Dartmoor granite. This fascinating material has been shaped by the elements, leading to the magnificent tors that dot the landscape. Don't be surprised if you feel like you’re stepping into J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth; the mystical rock forms will inspire your imagination!

Routes

There are several accessible routes to conquer Hunter's Tor.

  • Route 1: Princetown to Hunter's Tor - A delightful 6.5 km trek that allows you to bask in the splendid heathland as you make your way to the summit.
  • Route 2: Burrator Reservoir to Hunter's Tor - This 7.0 km walk takes you past tranquil waters and across beautiful moorland, perfect for spotting the local wildlife.
    Both routes should take around 2.5 to 3 hours and are rated as moderate, so be sure to stretch those legs before setting off!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the top, you're greeted with a lovely cairn and the awe-inspiring granite outcrop. The views from Hunter's Tor are truly spectacular, showcasing the eminent landscapes of Dartmoor.

Terrain Type

Expect rocky ground interspersed with grassy patches. While it's a relatively straightforward hike, be prepared for uneven terrain that requires a careful foot placement to prevent slips or trips.

Views

On a clear day, your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Dartmoor's rugged beauty. Look out for the shimmering Burrator Reservoir, nestled among the sprawling heights. Spring and autumn tend to offer the best viewing conditions, so plan your trip accordingly!

Hazards

Nature can be unpredictable; changes in weather can occur without warning. Dartmoor is notorious for fog and rain, making navigation a bit tricky! Keep an eye on the sky and stay on your toes to avoid any sprained ankles.

Nearby Summits

Take advantage of the landscape by also hiking to nearby summits like Great Mist and Kestor Rock, both rewarding in their own rights.

Access

Starting your adventure from Princetown provides convenient parking facilities along with a café to fuel your journey. Alternatively, if you prefer public transport, there are regular bus services from Plymouth.

Facilities

After your hike, rejuvenate with a cup of tea from any of the delightful cafés in Princetown, where you can quench your thirst and enjoy a well-deserved slice of cake.

History

The name 'Hunter's Tor' carries the legacy of this area's historical significance, once a site for hunting activities. It is a true testament to Dartmoor's captivating past, making it as rich in culture as it is in natural beauty.

Ready to conquer Hunter's Tor? Pack your bag, grab your mates, and experience the serene yet rugged charm of Dartmoor!

Explore routes near Hunter's Tor

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

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

Exeter Canal, Double Locks and Countess Wear river circuit

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

Killerton to Clyston Mill: Broadclyst farmland and heritage walk

8.9 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

Princetown to Hunter's Tor

A scenic route starting in the picturesque village of Princetown, meandering through heathland and past ancient stone walls before reaching the summit.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Burrator Reservoir to Hunter's Tor

A lovely trail from Burrator Reservoir that takes you across some truly stunning moorland, ideal for spotting wildlife along the way.

7 km ~3 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

300-399m hill Subhump

Elevation

326m

1,070 ft

Prominence

95m

Coordinates

50.6277, -3.7514

SX762823

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N

At the Summit

The summit boasts a notable granite outcrop and a small cairn, complete with stunning views over the incredible Dartmoor landscape.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassland moderately uneven underfoot

Hunter's Tor is predominantly composed of Dartmoor granite, a coarse-grained igneous rock formed from magma crystallisation beneath the Earth's surface. You might even spot some tantalising examples of weathered granite formations known as 'tors' – lovely, craggy structures that could have easily inspired a pirate's treasure map!

Views & Scenery

From the top, you'll be treated to expansive views of Dartmoor's undulating moors, the Burrator Reservoir shimmering in the distance, and on a clear day, the far-off peaks of Cornwall.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hunter's Tor' likely derives from historical hunting activities in the area, as 'tor' refers to a rocky peak.

Historical Significance

Hunter's Tor is a reminder of Dartmoor's rich history, once serving as a popular hunting ground and later becoming a favourite spot for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at Princetown, where there is a car park with toilet facilities and a café for a pre-hike caffeine fix.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Plymouth to Princetown, making it accessible via public transport.

Nearby Facilities

In Princetown, you'll find several cafés and shops, providing a warm cuppa and some hearty snacks for your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of rapidly changing weather conditions, as Dartmoor is notorious for its fog and heavy rains. Also, uneven ground can lead to sprained ankles, so watch your step!

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 Hunter's Tor?

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

Are there other walkers around Hunter's 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 Hunter's Tor search or of course create your own walk for Hunter's Tor

Can I organise a walk to Hunter's 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 Hunter's 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 Hunter's 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 Hunter's 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

Hunter's Tor location map

Grid reference: SX762823

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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