Bellever Tor
Iconic granite tor on Dartmoor offering breathtaking 360-degree views and access to ancient woodlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Bellever Tor
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic granite tor on Dartmoor offering breathtaking 360-degree views and access to ancient woodlands.
"Fantastic 360 views across the whole of Dartmoor, well worth the walk from the carpark."
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at Dunnabridge or Postbridge car parks for access to Bellever Tor and surrounding trails.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be boggy and uneven, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bellever Tor Summit
Summit of Bellever Tor
Iconic rock formations offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across Dartmoor.
Bellever Forest Trails
Surrounding Bellever Forest
Explore ancient woodlands with well-trodden paths, perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
Laughter Tor
Near Bellever Tor
A less crowded tor offering fantastic views, ideal for a peaceful picnic or quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Wild Camping & Rights
Timing is Key for Views & Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at Dunnabridge or Postbridge car parks for access to Bellever Tor and surrounding trails.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be boggy and uneven, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are essential.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit early morning or late evening for stunning light and fewer people.
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Dartmoor weather is notoriously changeable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at Dunnabridge or Postbridge car parks for access to Bellever Tor and surrounding trails.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be boggy and uneven, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are essential.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit early morning or late evening for stunning light and fewer people.
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Dartmoor weather is notoriously changeable. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection.
💧 Wild Swimming Spots
Discover hidden gems for wild swimming in rivers and reservoirs nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bellever Tor's stunning 360-degree views and unique rock formations, calling it a beautiful and essential Dartmoor experience. The surrounding forest and quieter Laughter Tor are also praised for peaceful walks and photography opportunities. Some note it can get busy, but the scenery is consistently highlighted as worth the visit.
"Super Tor and trig point. Simply a beautiful location with great views and rock formation. Lovely family or general picnic spot. Very busy but for a good reason..."
david howells
"Located within the Centre of Dartmoor and not far from Bellever Forest this Tor Offers fantastic 360 views across the whole of Dartmoor and is accessible from a number of different routes. I parked at Dunnabridge car park and did a circular walk heading to laughter Tor, Bellever Tor , Bellever Forest and then back to the carpark. (roughly 6 miles ) Great for photographers, try and head up in the early morning or late evening to catch the best light and you wont be disappointed. The path is well trodden so it's easy enough to yomp up to the top.A good place for a quiet walk as it tends to be quieter than the more popular Tors so chances are you may not bump into anyone at all."
Richard Aldcroft
"This Tor is incredible. The views are amazing and well worth the walk from the carpark. It was fantastic to watch the snow clouds as they approached from Princetown on the day that we visited 29/02/2020"
Sarah Curran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bellever Tor is accessible via car. Popular parking spots include Dunnabridge car park and Postbridge car park, both offering routes to the tor and surrounding areas.
While public transport options to Dartmoor exist, reaching Bellever Tor directly can be challenging. It's best accessed by car or as part of a longer hike. Check local bus routes for services to nearby villages like Postbridge.
Dunnabridge car park and Postbridge car park are frequently recommended for their proximity to Bellever Tor and Bellever Forest, offering good starting points for walks.
No, you cannot drive directly to the summit of Bellever Tor. You will need to park at a designated car park and walk to the tor.
The roads around Dartmoor National Park offer scenic drives, with opportunities to spot wildlife like ponies and sheep.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bellever Tor and Dartmoor National Park are free to enter. There are charges for parking at designated car parks.
Bellever Tor is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is part of the open moorland.
Entry to Bellever Tor is free. Parking fees may apply at nearby car parks like Dunnabridge or Postbridge.
Bellever Tor is located within Dartmoor National Park, a protected landscape known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Wild camping regulations on Dartmoor have become more complex due to recent legal decisions. It's crucial to research current guidelines and local bylaws before planning any overnight stays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Bellever Tor, you can enjoy panoramic views, explore the unique rock formations, hike through Bellever Forest, and have a picnic. It's also a great spot for photography.
Circular walks from Dunnabridge or Postbridge car parks are popular, often including Bellever Tor, Bellever Forest, and sometimes Laughter Tor. A 6-mile loop is a common recommendation.
Yes, Bellever Tor is a lovely spot for families. The paths are generally well-trodden, and the open space is great for picnics and exploring.
You might see Dartmoor ponies, sheep, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for cuckoos in the spring.
There are no facilities directly at Bellever Tor. Basic facilities might be available at nearby visitor centres or villages like Postbridge. It's best to come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late evening offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and beautiful colours.
Landscape photography is very popular due to the 360-degree views. Astrophotography is also a draw, with clear skies offering stunning views of the Milky Way.
The summit of Bellever Tor itself provides the primary viewpoint. The surrounding forest also offers picturesque scenes.
Yes, Bellever Forest is noted as a cool spot for automotive photography, with forest tracks providing a unique backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod is useful for low-light photography, especially for astrophotography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to look for Dartmoor ponies and sheep, which are often seen grazing nearby. The unique rock formations at the tor can spark imagination, and the forest provides a natural playground. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the tor, Bellever Forest provides a different photographic aesthetic with its woodland scenes and dappled light. Astrophotographers will find the dark skies of Dartmoor ideal for capturing the Milky Way and stars.
🚶 Hikers & Backpackers
While wild camping regulations are evolving, responsible overnight stays can offer an unparalleled connection with nature. For day hikers, well-marked trails from car parks like Dunnabridge and Postbridge provide access to the tor and beyond. Be prepared for challenging terrain, including bogs and uneven ground, and always carry appropriate navigation tools and weather gear.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bellever Forest
Visitors often enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest, which can be a welcome change from the exposed nature of the tors. The forest floor can be damp, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. It's a place where you can hear the sounds of nature, from birdsong to the rustling of leaves, making it a perfect spot for a quiet escape.
While the forest itself is beautiful, its proximity to Bellever Tor means you can easily combine a woodland walk with a climb to the tor for panoramic views. This combination provides a diverse experience of Dartmoor's landscape, from the enclosed beauty of the forest to the vast openness of the moor.
The Allure of Dartmoor's Tors
Climbing a tor is often described as a rewarding experience, with the effort of the ascent being amply compensated by the breathtaking scenery at the summit. Visitors frequently mention the feeling of being on top of the world, with views stretching for miles, encompassing rolling hills, valleys, and distant towns. The changing weather conditions on Dartmoor can add to the drama, with clouds casting moving shadows and sunlight illuminating the landscape in unique ways.
Beyond Bellever Tor, other notable tors like Laughter Tor offer similar, though often less crowded, experiences. These natural landmarks are not only visually stunning but also hold historical and geological significance, making them central to the Dartmoor experience. Whether you're a photographer seeking dramatic landscapes or a hiker looking for a challenging climb, Dartmoor's tors are a must-visit.
Wild Camping and Responsible Exploration
When wild camping, the principles of 'leave no trace' are paramount. This means packing out everything you pack in, minimizing your impact on the environment, and respecting the natural beauty of the area. Many visitors emphasize the peace and mental health benefits derived from such experiences, highlighting the importance of preserving these opportunities.
For those who prefer not to wild camp, there are numerous opportunities for day hikes and exploration. The extensive network of trails across Dartmoor, including those around Bellever Tor and through Bellever Forest, allows for fulfilling outdoor adventures without the need for overnight stays. Always be prepared for the unpredictable Dartmoor weather, regardless of your activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit