SX5774 : North Hessary Tor Transmitter

North Hessary Tor

517m Elevation
63m Prominence
England Country
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SX5774 : North Hessary Tor Transmitter

Mike Faherty Photo source

Explore routes near North Hessary Tor

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

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Route planning notes

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

Hessary Tor Circuit

A scenic circular route starting from the car park at Princetown, this path leads you through the moors, providing a great warm-up before the final ascent to the summit.

5.5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Direct Ascent from Princetown

A straightforward path leading directly from Princetown to the summit, suitable for those looking to get straight to the top without much fuss.

3 km ~1 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Dewey

Elevation

517m

1,696 ft

Prominence

63m

Coordinates

50.5504, -4.0076

SX578742

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N OL28S

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and a distinctive cairn that make it easy to identify. From here, you can take in the panoramic views as far as the eye can see—and maybe even spot a few sheep trying to poetically wander off the beaten path.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy sections on ascent. Expect the occasional squelchy surprise which is part of Dartmoor's charm.

North Hessary Tor is primarily composed of granite, which has been shaped over millennia by the forces of erosion. The boulders you encounter are remnants of this ancient rock formation, lending a rugged charm to the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the distant peaks of Dartmoor, the sprawling expanse of the moors, and on clear days, even views towards the north coast of Devon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hessary' is thought to derive from the Old English word for 'grassy hill', which is rather fitting given Dartmoor's landscape.

Historical Significance

Dartmoor has a rich history steeped in folklore and the enigmatic presence of prehistoric sites. The tor itself has been a witness to centuries of human activity, from ancient settlements to modern day hikers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at Princetown, located just a short distance from the trailhead. It's a popular spot, so arrive early to snag a space!

Public Transport

There is a bus service that operates to Princetown from nearby towns like Tavistock, making it accessible without a car.

Nearby Facilities

In Princetown, there are cafes, shops, and public toilets available for those needing a quick pit stop before or after their hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden weather changes common in Dartmoor; fog can roll in quickly, and the ground can be muddy and treacherous after rainfall.

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 North Hessary Tor?

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

Are there other walkers around North Hessary 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 North Hessary Tor search or of course create your own walk for North Hessary Tor

Can I organise a walk to North Hessary 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 North Hessary 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 North Hessary 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 North Hessary 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: SX578742

View on OpenStreetMap

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