King's Tor
Majestic tor on Dartmoor offering breathtaking panoramic views and a gateway to ancient history and wild camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
King's Tor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic tor on Dartmoor offering breathtaking panoramic views and a gateway to ancient history and wild camping.
"Magnificent view from this Tor. Very worth the track."
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Four Winds Carpark fills up fast! Aim for before 9:30 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot.
👟 Wellies for Stream Crossing
The stream can be tricky after rain. Wellies or waterproof boots are a good idea for younger walkers.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 47 reviews
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King's Tor Summit Views
Summit of King's Tor
Panoramic vistas of Dartmoor National Park. Perfect for soaking in the rugged beauty and spotting wildlife.
Ancient Standing Stones
Near King's Tor
Explore a line of ancient standing stones and iron age hut circles, hinting at the area's rich history.
Foggintor Quarry Exploration
Short walk from King's Tor
Discover the unique, otherworldly landscape of Foggintor Quarry, a testament to Dartmoor's industrial past.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Tor Visit
Essential Gear for Dartmoor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Four Winds Carpark fills up fast! Aim for before 9:30 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot.
👟 Wellies for Stream Crossing
The stream can be tricky after rain. Wellies or waterproof boots are a good idea for younger walkers.
🧭 Geocaching Adventure
Hunt for hidden geocaches on the slopes for an extra layer of exploration and fun.
🏕️ Wild Camping Etiquette
If wild camping, be mindful of others. It's a popular spot, so expect company even on weekdays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Four Winds Carpark fills up fast! Aim for before 9:30 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot.
👟 Wellies for Stream Crossing
The stream can be tricky after rain. Wellies or waterproof boots are a good idea for younger walkers.
🧭 Geocaching Adventure
Hunt for hidden geocaches on the slopes for an extra layer of exploration and fun.
🏕️ Wild Camping Etiquette
If wild camping, be mindful of others. It's a popular spot, so expect company even on weekdays.
🚶♀️ Follow Old Railway Paths
Easy walking routes often follow old railway lines, offering a pleasant and well-maintained path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise King's Tor for its magnificent views and the rewarding walk to the summit. The presence of ancient standing stones and the proximity to Foggintor Quarry add historical and geological interest. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly valued for its natural beauty and sense of wildness.
"Parked in four winds Carpark (warning this can get full pretty early - we got the last space at about 9.30am). Took about 30 mins to amble up to the top...lovely Dartmoor ponies and sheep on the way, oh and a small stream to cross - lots of stepping stones. There was someone wild camping at the top. We just sat on the rocks and enjoyed the views...stunning day!"
J J
"King's Tor is a great typical Dartmoor Tor. There's good parking nearby and there's a lot of features in the immediate area like a line of standing stones that lead to the Merrivale stones and iron age hut circles.
It's about 30 minutes from the car park to the Tor with a 7 and 9 year old in tow and a little less getting back. There is a stream to cross that can be a little tricky if it's been raining for younger walkers (wellies are a good idea)"
Bernard Telling
"Lovely Tor with some great views.
I enjoyed the hop over the stream on one side to get to the Tor as much as the views from the top.
Look closely enough on the slopes and you'll find a couple of geocaches too, so take your time to hunt them down and add a note."
Ian Jordan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is via the Four Winds Carpark. From there, it's about a 30-minute walk to the tor. You can also reach it by following old railway tracks from Princetown or a short walk from the main road.
Yes, Four Winds Carpark is the primary parking area. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is highly recommended.
While direct public transport to the immediate vicinity of King's Tor is limited, you can take a bus to Princetown and then enjoy a longer walk or cycle to the tor.
Using a map and compass is advisable for exploring Dartmoor. However, the paths leading to King's Tor are generally well-defined, and following the old railway routes can be a good guide.
Cars can access the Four Winds Carpark, which is the closest point to King's Tor. The paths from the carpark are suitable for walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, King's Tor and Dartmoor National Park are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees.
King's Tor is accessible at all times as it is part of the open moorland of Dartmoor National Park. There are no set opening or closing hours.
Dartmoor National Park does not charge an entrance fee, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for King's Tor, many local guides offer tours of Dartmoor National Park that can include this area.
The main consideration is respecting the natural environment and adhering to wild camping bylaws if you choose to stay overnight. Always follow the Countryside Code.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy hiking to the summit for stunning views, explore ancient standing stones and hut circles, and discover nearby Foggintor Quarry. It's also a popular spot for wild camping.
Yes, it's generally suitable for families. The walk from the car park is manageable for children aged 7 and up, though wellies are recommended for stream crossings.
Keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies and sheep grazing on the slopes. The moorland is also home to various bird species.
There are no facilities directly at King's Tor. You'll need to come prepared with your own provisions and plan for facilities in nearby towns like Princetown.
Yes, wild camping is permitted in Dartmoor National Park, and King's Tor is a popular location for it. However, be aware of the bylaws and practice responsible camping.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of Dartmoor, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ancient standing stones and the rugged landscape also make for dramatic shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget extra batteries!
The summit itself is the primary viewpoint. Exploring the surrounding slopes also reveals unique perspectives of the tor and the moorland.
Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. It's essential to check the latest guidelines from the National Park Authority before flying.
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