Why Rippon Tor is a Must-Visit Spot on Dartmoor
With their awe-inspiring views and fascinating rock formations, Haytor and Hound Tor have earned their place among the most popular of Dartmoor’s tors. Meanwhile, Rippon Tor waits patiently beside its famous neighbours, ready to reward those who prefer to take the path less travelled. Make the steep climb to the top and you’ll find its panoramic views equal those of any of the most popular Dartmoor viewpoints. It’s one of our favourite places to enjoy the wild, empty beauty of the moors. This is especially true in summer holiday season when many scenic Dartmoor spots attract a flurry of visitors. Here’s why we think it’s one of the best Dartmoor tors:
Where is Rippon Tor?
You’ll find this often overlooked tor in the eastern section of Dartmoor, about a 20-minute drive from Moretonhampstead. There are several small car parks nearby, but the one at Hemsworthy Gate offers an easier hiking trail up to the summit. As always when exploring Dartmoor, travel prepared. Good boots, water, a packed lunch including energy-boosting snacks, a first aid kit, map and compass are advised. Keep an eye on the weather too. As with most Dartmoor viewpoints, the mist can descend quickly on Rippon Tor. On a sunny summer’s day though, as you soak up the views in every direction, it’s easy to see why so many people agree that it’s one of the very best Dartmoor tors.
Great for walking
A hike up Rippon Tor is a good walk that’s suitable for most people. Its steep slopes are more challenging than its more popular neighbours, but the rewards are well worth it if you make the climb. This is one of the most scenic Dartmoor spots, with a fascinating and varied history.
In-trig-ing facts
If facts and figures are your thing, you’ll want to know that at 473 metres above sea level, Rippon Tor is taller than its more famous neighbour, Haytor Rocks, by some 16m. At the top, you’ll see its Trig Point. These concrete posts were once used by Ordance Survey to create mapping data and are now historic markers. Rippon Tor’s Trig Point is one of the top ten highest Trig Points on Dartmoor. No wonder sailors coming into the harbours of Teignmouth and Dartmouth on the South Devon coast have used its peak as a landmark for centuries.
Ancient his-tor-y
Like all the best Dartmoor tors, Rippon Tor reveals a rich history underfoot. It’s said to be the burial site of a Bronze Age chieftain, whose cairn can be found at the top of its slopes. Nearby, two more prehistoric cairns suggest he might have some ghostly friends. If you can drag your eyes from the scenery at one of the most stupendous Dartmoor viewpoints, other objects to search for include a recumbent cross, cut in relief on the bedrock. Its purpose is unknown, although according to some legends it could offer protection from angry spirits buried under the summit cairns. Look out for three ancient millstones too. The largest has some grooves cut into its upper surface, which indicate it might once have been used as a cheese press. You’ll also find a slice of modern history to the south of Rippon Tor in the shape of a disused WW2 rifle range.
One of the best Dartmoor viewpoints
If you miss the cross, the millstones and the rifle range, never mind. Like all the best Dartmoor tors, Rippon Tor boasts stunning views from its summit. On a clear day, you can see from the South Devon coast in one direction to Exmoor in the other – with plenty of scenic Dartmoor spots in between.
Make a day of it
Rippon Tor is a five-minute drive from the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Steeped in history and home to a selection of craft and gift shops, it’s the perfect place to find a Devonshire cream tea after an invigorating walk.
Alternatively, combine Rippon Tor with a visit to one of the area’s most popular Dartmoor viewpoints. The circular walk from Rippon Tor to Haytor is a challenging four-hour route with stunning views at every step of the way. While Haytor Rocks are the main attraction for most visitors, seek out the tranquility of nearby Haytor Quarry too. In the 18th century, granite from this site was transported to London, where it was used to construct landmark buildings such as the British Museum. Today, you’ll find a hidden lake, as nature has quietly reclaimed the landscape. With its placid water lily-strewn waters, this is one of the most peaceful and scenic Dartmoor spots for a picnic.
A place to stay
When evening comes, make your way to Moretonhampstead, where the White Hart Hotel will be waiting to welcome you with a hearty meal and a comfortable bed. It’s a cosy spot to retreat to after a day’s walking and its location makes accessing the moors a breeze. Wake up refreshed and ready to check out the view from another one of the best Dartmoor tors.
