SX7489 : Prestonbury Common

Prestonbury Castle

249m Elevation
87m Prominence
England Country
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SX7489 : Prestonbury Common

Derek Harper Photo source

Explore routes near Prestonbury Castle

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

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Langdon Hill Circular

2.2 km ~50m Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Prestonbury Castle Circuit

A circular walk starting from the nearby village of Drewsteignton that takes you up through scenic landscapes and offers a chance to explore the historic earthworks.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

249m

817 ft

Prominence

87m

Coordinates

50.6958, -3.7765

SX746899

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find the remnants of an Iron Age hillfort including impressive bank and ditch structures, which make for a perfect photo op and an even better excuse to catch your breath.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops merging into heather later in the season creating a beautiful array of colours.

Prestonbury Castle is primarily composed of local granite, which contributes to its rugged beauty and distinct appearance. The surrounding area features interesting volcanic rock formations, making it a fascinating study for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Teign Valley and the surrounding moors. On a clear day, Dartmoor's vastness stretches out before you like a green-and-brown patchwork quilt.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Prestonbury' may derive from the Old English 'preost' meaning 'priest' and 'burh' meaning 'fort', suggesting a historical significance tied to early ecclesiastical establishments.

Historical Significance

This site was not just a defensive stronghold but also held importance for local tribes during its time of occupation, providing a great window into early human settlement in Dartmoor.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at Drewsteignton, approximately 1.5 km from the start of the walk to Prestonbury Castle, making it a convenient spot to leave your vehicle.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in Drewsteignton with services from Exeter. However, be sure to check local timetables as they can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities on the summit, Drewsteignton has a quaint village shop and a couple of local cafes where you can grab some refreshments before or after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden changes in weather as Dartmoor can be notoriously unpredictable. Mossy, slippery rocks can be a hazard, especially after rain.

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 Prestonbury Castle?

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

Are there other walkers around Prestonbury Castle?

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 Prestonbury Castle search or of course create your own walk for Prestonbury Castle

Can I organise a walk to Prestonbury Castle?

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 Prestonbury Castle.

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 Prestonbury Castle?

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 Prestonbury Castle 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: SX746899

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