Bonehill Rocks
Iconic granite tors offering breathtaking Dartmoor views, popular for climbing, hiking, and family adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Bonehill Rocks
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic granite tors offering breathtaking Dartmoor views, popular for climbing, hiking, and family adventures.
"A climber's paradise with stunning views, but can get very busy on weekends."
🚗 Beat the Crowds
Arrive early on weekends to secure parking. Consider weekdays for a more serene experience.
🧗♀️ For the Adventurous
Bonehill Rocks is a climber's paradise! Bring your gear if you're into bouldering.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Dartmoor Views
Summit of Bonehill Rocks
Soak in breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Dartmoor National Park. Perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
Unique Rock Formations
Bonehill Rocks
Explore the striking granite tors, a playground for climbers and a fascinating natural wonder.
Wildlife Encounters
Surrounding meadows
Keep an eye out for ponies and sheep grazing freely in the picturesque landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access and Parking
Best for Active Explorers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Crowds
Arrive early on weekends to secure parking. Consider weekdays for a more serene experience.
🧗♀️ For the Adventurous
Bonehill Rocks is a climber's paradise! Bring your gear if you're into bouldering.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The terrain can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the rocks and trails.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Stunning views and unique rock formations make it a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Crowds
Arrive early on weekends to secure parking. Consider weekdays for a more serene experience.
🧗♀️ For the Adventurous
Bonehill Rocks is a climber's paradise! Bring your gear if you're into bouldering.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The terrain can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the rocks and trails.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Stunning views and unique rock formations make it a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for games like hide-and-seek among the rocks. Keep a close eye on little ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bonehill Rocks is praised for its stunning panoramic views and unique granite formations, making it a hit with climbers and families alike. While the easy access and free parking are appreciated, the site can become very overcrowded on weekends, and parking is limited. Some visitors find the views 'ok' and suggest better tors nearby, but for many, it's a beloved spot for adventure and photography.
"Easily car accessible rock outcrop with great views and plenty of trails to walk around them, easy to climb and perfect for hide and seek if you have kids"
Adrian Bullock
"Nice views, an easy climb up it if you're so inclined, ponies and sheep hanging about."
terike
"Part of a wider walk for us. We went on a weekend in July and we're the only walkers."
Paul Shaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bonehill Rocks is easily accessible by car, with a small, free car park located very close to the rock formations. It's situated within Dartmoor National Park.
Yes, there is a small car park right by Bonehill Rocks. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Wild camping is permitted in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park, including near Bonehill Rocks, provided you follow the Dartmoor National Park Authority's guidelines. +1
Bonehill Rocks is located in the heart of Dartmoor. The nearest town is Princetown, which is about a mile away and offers amenities and a starting point for many walks.
Public transport options to Bonehill Rocks are limited. It's best accessed by car. If using public transport, you would likely need to travel to Princetown and then walk or arrange a taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bonehill Rocks is a natural landmark within Dartmoor National Park and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free.
As an outdoor natural attraction, Bonehill Rocks is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to visit Bonehill Rocks. The parking is also free, though it is limited.
While technically accessible, visiting Bonehill Rocks at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
The main restriction is related to parking availability. Always respect the natural environment and follow any guidelines set by Dartmoor National Park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the panoramic views, explore the unique granite tors, go bouldering or climbing, and take walks in the surrounding area. It's also great for photography and wildlife spotting.
Yes, it's a fun spot for families. Kids often enjoy playing hide-and-seek among the rocks and exploring the open spaces. Ensure supervision.
You're likely to see ponies and sheep grazing in the fields around Bonehill Rocks. Keep an eye out for various bird species as well.
Yes, Bonehill Rocks is part of a wider network of walking trails across Dartmoor. You can explore various routes from here, including links to other tors.
The main rock outcrops are accessible via a short walk from the car park, but the terrain is uneven. Exploring the tors themselves may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for capturing the dramatic rock formations and expansive views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic vistas, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for details of the tors and wildlife. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
The summit of the main tors offers the best panoramic views. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and texture of the granite formations.
Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. Always check the latest guidelines from the Dartmoor National Park Authority before flying a drone.
The unique granite tors, vast moorland landscapes, and potential for dramatic skies make it a visually striking location for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the rocks themselves are fun to scramble on, always supervise children closely due to the uneven terrain. The nearby ponies and sheep can also be a source of great excitement for younger visitors. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The short walk from the car park makes it manageable for families with younger children.
🧗♀️ Climbers and Bouldering Enthusiasts
It's advisable to visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours if you prefer a less crowded climbing experience, as it can get busy on weekends. Ensure you have the appropriate safety gear and knowledge for bouldering. The accessibility from the car park makes it convenient for a quick climbing session or as part of a longer day out on the moors.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Combine a visit to Bonehill Rocks with a longer hike to fully appreciate the beauty of Dartmoor. Pack a map, compass, and plenty of water, as the terrain can be challenging and services are scarce. The opportunity to spot wildlife like ponies and sheep adds to the natural appeal of the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dartmoor's Granite Tors
Each tor has its own unique character and shape. Some, like Hound Tor, are more imposing, while others, like Bonehill Rocks, offer a more spread-out and accessible climbing experience. Exploring these tors often involves navigating uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential. The surrounding moorland also provides ample opportunities for longer hikes, connecting various tors and offering a deeper immersion into the wildness of Dartmoor.
For those interested in geology or simply seeking a sense of adventure, visiting Dartmoor's tors is a must. They are remnants of ancient landscapes, offering a glimpse into the powerful forces of nature. Whether you're an experienced climber or just looking for a scenic walk, the tors provide an unforgettable experience.
Wild Camping on Dartmoor
The key principles of wild camping on Dartmoor are to 'leave no trace' and to camp responsibly. This means pitching your tent discreetly, away from roads and settlements, and packing out everything you pack in. Campfires are generally discouraged to protect the fragile moorland ecosystem. Many campers choose to hike to more remote locations to find suitable spots, often incorporating visits to tors like Bonehill Rocks into their routes.
Before planning a wild camping trip, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the Dartmoor National Park Authority's guidelines on responsible camping. This ensures that the privilege of wild camping is maintained for future generations and that the natural beauty of the moor is preserved.
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