SX1480 : Rough Tor

Rough Tor

400m Elevation
86m Prominence
England Country
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SX1480 : Rough Tor

Sandy Gerrard Photo source

Explore routes near Rough 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

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Padstow to Trevone coastal circular

12.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Ropehaven Cliffs and Black Head

3.4 km ~1h 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.

Classic Rough Tor and Brown Willy Circular

This popular circular route begins at the car park near Poldue Downs (grid ref SX138818) and ascends Rough Tor via well-trodden paths. From the summit, continue to Cornwall's highest point, Brown Willy, before looping back through open moorland. Expect stunning vistas of Bodmin Moor and a mix of grassy trails and rocky sections.

8.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

Rough Tor Direct Ascent

Starting from the Rough Tor car park at SX138818, this shorter route takes a direct path to the summit of Rough Tor. Ideal for those looking for a quick climb, it features a steady ascent with spectacular views at the top. Return via the same route.

4 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Rough Tor, Brown Willy, and Fernacre Farm Loop

This extended route combines Rough Tor and Brown Willy with a scenic detour through Fernacre Farm's historic landscape. Beginning at the Rough Tor car park, ascend Rough Tor and Brown Willy before heading east toward Fernacre Farm and looping back through the moorland. The route includes more rugged terrain and some off-path sections.

10 km ~4 hours Challenging

Rough Tor to Showery Tor Linear Walk

This linear route connects Rough Tor with Showery Tor, a nearby granite outcrop. Starting at the Rough Tor car park, ascend to Rough Tor and traverse the ridge to Showery Tor, enjoying the unique moorland scenery. Return via the same route.

6 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Rough Tor and Crowdy Reservoir Circular

This varied route begins at Rough Tor car park, ascending Rough Tor and Brown Willy before descending toward Crowdy Reservoir. Follow the reservoir's edge before looping back to the start. The route combines moorland trails with peaceful waterside walking.

12 km ~5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill

Elevation

400m

1,312 ft

Prominence

86m

Coordinates

50.5973, -4.6219

SX145807

OS Map

200

Explorer: 109

At the Summit

The summit features a remarkable granite outcrop, with stunning rock formations ideal for exploration. A small cairn marks the top, which has been a popular spot for photos.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky grassy with sections of moorland

Rough Tor is primarily composed of granite, a testament to the ancient volcanic activity of the region. The distinctive tors, shaped by millennia of weathering, are a striking feature of the landscape.

Views & Scenery

Views extend across the rugged landscape of Bodmin Moor, with the distant outlines of Dartmoor and the Atlantic coastline visible on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Rough Tor derives from the Cornish language, with 'Tor' meaning rocky hill, a fitting descriptor for this rugged peak.

Historical Significance

Rough Tor has been a significant landmark for centuries, featuring in local folklore and offering a popular destination for walkers and climbers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small layby on the A395 trunk road, approximately 2 km south of the tor, which provides access to the moors.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service operates between Launceston and Bodmin, with a stop at Bolventor, approximately 4 km away.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly at Rough Tor, but the nearby town of Camelford has shops and eateries. Public toilets are also available there.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be uneven and rocky; be cautious of loose stones. Also, weather conditions can change rapidly, so check the forecast before heading out.

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 Rough Tor?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Rough 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 Rough 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 Rough 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 Rough 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: SX145807

View on OpenStreetMap

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