SX6569 : Looking towards Ryder's Hill

Ryder's Hill

515m Elevation
109m Prominence
England Country
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SX6569 : Looking towards Ryder's Hill

Roger Cornfoot Photo source

Overview

Ryder's Hill

Ryder's Hill is a hidden gem nestled in the rugged terrains of Dartmoor National Park, renowned for its scenic beauty and rich history. Standing at an impressive 400 meters, it boasts a prominence of 120 meters, making it a worthy climb.

Geology

Ryder's Hill is a fine example of Dartmoor's Devonian granite formation, which is prevalent throughout the area. The fantastical rock shapes are products of centuries of erosion, creating an extraordinary landscape that's perfect for amateur geologists and curious hikers alike.

Routes

Brent Tor to Ryder's Hill
  • Distance: 7.5 km
  • Time: Approximately 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
    Starting from the charming village of Brent Tor, this route offers an engaging ascent with stunning panoramas that unfold as you climb.
East Dart River Trail
  • Distance: 5.0 km
  • Time: About 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
    A leisurely walk along the picturesque East Dart River, leading you through lush vegetation and towards the hill.

Terrain

The terrain can be a mix of rocky outcrops and expansive grassy moors. While it's generally manageable, watch for those sneaky bogs that Dartmoor is infamous for. One step might have you questioning your life choices!

Views

Reaching the summit rewards hikers with exceptional views of the Dartmoor landscape and columns of granite standing proud against the sky. A clear autumn day is ideal for soaking up the grandeur.

Hazards

Dartmoor’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so prepare for sudden changes. If the clouds roll in, navigating can become a bit tricky, so pack a good navigational tool - even the best of us can lose the plot!

Nearby Summits

Nearby peaks like Crockern Tor and Hound Tor provide additional options for those looking to extend their adventure amid Dartmoor's stunning scenery.

Access

You can find parking at Brent Tor, making it easy to slather sunscreen on your face and hit the trails. If you're keen on public transport, hop on a bus from Tavistock for a lovely spin in the countryside.

Facilities

Head to Tavistock after your hike to indulge in some well-deserved refreshments. With plenty of cafes, you can treat yourself to a slice of cake; after all, calories consumed on the hill don’t count!

History

While the hill itself may not have grand tales to tell, its significance lies in its place in Dartmoor folklore, dotted with stories of riders navigating this rugged terrain.

In conclusion, Ryder's Hill is not just a hike; it's an experience steeped in natural beauty and historical charm. So lace up those boots and get ready for a fabulous day out in Dartmoor!

Explore routes near Ryder's Hill

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

Cotehele: Danescombe Valley and Mining Heritage Circuit

4.3 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Salcombe, Batson Creek and Snapes Point estuary circuit

6.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Brent Tor to Ryder's Hill

A scenic route starting from the picturesque village of Brent Tor that offers stunning views throughout the ascent.

7.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

East Dart River Trail

An enjoyable walk along the river, leading up to the hill through lush surroundings.

5 km ~2 hours Easy
Browse more walks on the map

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

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Dodd Dewey

Elevation

515m

1,690 ft

Prominence

109m

Coordinates

50.5060, -3.8914

SX659690

OS Map

202

Explorer: OL28S

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a sizeable cairn, providing an excellent photo opportunity. There’s also a trig point that serves as a reminder of the heights you’ve just conquered.

Terrain & Geology

The terrain is a mix of rocky patches and grassy moorland with occasional boggy sections. Be careful as the Dartmoor bog can be as deceptive as a cat in a bath!

Primarily composed of Devonian granite, Ryder's Hill showcases classic Dartmoor rock formations, including rugged tors and dramatic outcrops. The landscape features typical Dartmoor granite with interesting weathered shapes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can view the sprawling Dartmoor landscapes, the River Dart, and on a clear day, you might even spot the coast in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The origin of the name 'Ryder' is thought to be derived from the Old English word 'rider' or could refer to the historical use of the hill by riders crossing Dartmoor.

Historical Significance

Ryder's Hill has been a landmark for generations of local people and is steeped in folklore, often associated with the legendary tales of Dartmoor.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is available at the car park near the village of Brent Tor (SX 675 744), providing easy access to the trailhead.

Public Transport

There is a bus service running from Tavistock to Brent Tor, with a short walk to the starting point of the routes.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities directly at Ryder's Hill, but Tavistock has several cafes, restaurants, and public toilets if you need to refuel before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Changeable weather conditions can occur rapidly. Be prepared for fog, rain, or even uninvited sunshine. Also, watch out for muddy or slippery paths, especially after heavy 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 Ryder's Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Ryder's Hill?

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 Ryder's Hill search or of course create your own walk for Ryder's Hill

Can I organise a walk to Ryder's Hill?

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 Ryder's Hill.

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 Ryder's Hill?

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 Ryder's Hill 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

Ryder's Hill location map

Grid reference: SX659690

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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