Pew Tor Dartmoor
A classic Dartmoor tor offering breathtaking panoramic views and unique granite formations, perfect for a peaceful hike and contemplation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Pew Tor Dartmoor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic Dartmoor tor offering breathtaking panoramic views and unique granite formations, perfect for a peaceful hike and contemplation.
"Amazing views from here & is in a reasonable walking distance from Pork Hill carpark."
Pack for all weather
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots. :athletic_shoe:
Wild camping rules
Check current Dartmoor wild camping guidelines before setting up camp. Respect the environment. :tent:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Dartmoor Views
Summit of Pew Tor
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas across the rugged Dartmoor landscape. Perfect for contemplation.
Fascinating Granite Formations
Around the Tor
Explore unique rock outcrops, some showing signs of historical granite extraction. Look for quartz crystals.
Tranquil Grazing Animals
Base and slopes of Pew Tor
Watch local wildlife graze peacefully amidst the ferns and heather. A serene natural encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wild Camping Essentials
Best Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weather
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots. :athletic_shoe:
Wild camping rules
Check current Dartmoor wild camping guidelines before setting up camp. Respect the environment. :tent:
Beginner circular walks
Pork Hill Car Park
Free parking available here, a great starting point for your Pew Tor hike. :car:
Bring water & snacks
There are no facilities on the tor, so come prepared for your visit. :water_wave:
Recommendations for walks near Sourton/outside fringes?
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weather
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots. :athletic_shoe:
Wild camping rules
Check current Dartmoor wild camping guidelines before setting up camp. Respect the environment. :tent:
Pork Hill Car Park
Free parking available here, a great starting point for your Pew Tor hike. :car:
Bring water & snacks
There are no facilities on the tor, so come prepared for your visit. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pew Tor for its stunning panoramic views and fascinating granite formations. It's described as a readily accessible tor, perfect for a pleasant walk and a moment of contemplation. While some mention historical quarrying, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
"Amazing views from here & is in a reasonable walking distance from Pork Hill carpark taking in Windy Stone Cross on your way. Such a lovely place. Just sit & watch the world go by or watch the animals grazing."
Ian
"Beautiful tor on Dartmoor with plenty of places to park around its base. There are many paths you can take and during summer with all the ferns growing high makes this a beautiful walk. The tor has many peaks with large outcrops of granite. Up close the granite is very interesting with many quarts crystals and a variety of colours from the lychen growing on the rocks."
James “JAB1a” JAB
"A great spot with brilliant views across the Dartmoor landscape - fascinating rock formations at the peak and not too far a walk from nearby roads with space to park - we visited on the journey from Dorset to Cornwall - gave us a great opportunity to stretch our legs and get some fresh air - well worth a visit!"
Darren Gilbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is via Pork Hill Car Park, which offers free parking. From there, it's a scenic hike of approximately 45-60 minutes to reach Pew Tor.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Pew Tor are limited. Driving to Pork Hill Car Park is the most practical method for most visitors.
A popular route from Pork Hill Car Park takes you via Windy Post Granite Cross, offering a pleasant walk with good views on your way to Pew Tor.
While there are some parking spaces around the base of Pew Tor, Pork Hill Car Park is generally recommended for its accessibility and free parking.
The walk from Pork Hill Car Park is generally considered moderate and not overly challenging, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pew Tor is a natural landmark on Dartmoor and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free for all visitors.
Pew Tor is an open natural landscape, so there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to visit Pew Tor. The surrounding Dartmoor National Park is free to explore.
While technically possible, visiting Pew Tor at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
General Dartmoor National Park rules apply, including respecting the environment, not leaving litter, and being mindful of livestock. Wild camping has specific regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the stunning views, explore the unique granite formations, take photos, have a picnic, and for the adventurous, wild camp overnight (check regulations first!).
The views from Pew Tor are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas across the Dartmoor landscape, including views looking northward.
Absolutely! Pew Tor offers dramatic granite formations, expansive landscapes, and opportunities for capturing stunning natural light, especially during sunrise and sunset.
There are no facilities directly at Pew Tor. You'll need to bring your own water, snacks, and any other necessities.
You might see various bird species, and often sheep and other livestock grazing on the slopes. The area is rich in natural flora.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers great views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The summit offers the best panoramic shots. Exploring the various granite outcrops and the surrounding moorland will reveal many unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage on Dartmoor is subject to regulations. Always check the latest guidelines from the Dartmoor National Park Authority before flying.
The combination of rugged granite tors, rolling moorland, and the ever-changing Dartmoor skies makes Pew Tor incredibly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a picnic destination. The open spaces around the tor are ideal for spreading out a blanket. Remember to dress children in layers and ensure they have sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven. The sense of discovery and the vast open space can be incredibly engaging for younger visitors.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider extending your hike by linking Pew Tor with other nearby tors or points of interest on Dartmoor. The area offers numerous paths and trails for those looking for a longer excursion. Remember to carry a map and compass or a reliable GPS device, as the moor can be disorienting, especially in poor visibility.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wild Camping on Dartmoor
Redditors often share advice on finding suitable spots, emphasizing peace and quiet away from designated campsites. Planning your route from a nearby car park, such as Pork Hill, is essential, as you'll likely be carrying your gear for a significant distance. Remember to pack out everything you pack in, including all waste, to preserve the natural beauty of the moor.
Key considerations for wild camping include:
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all litter.
- Discretion: Be as unobtrusive as possible.
- Weather Preparedness: Pack appropriate gear for all conditions.
- Respect Wildlife: Do not disturb animals or their habitats.
Exploring the Granite Tors
Historically, these granite outcrops have held significance, with legends of Piskies and Druids associated with them. Pew Tor itself bears scars of human interaction, with evidence of granite extraction in the form of shallow, water-filled quarries. This history adds another layer of interest to the natural beauty of the tor.
When exploring, take time to appreciate the geological artistry. The varied shapes and sizes of the granite blocks create a unique landscape, offering opportunities for scrambling (with caution) and for simply marveling at the power of nature and time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit