Rippon Tor
Rippon Tor offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dartmoor and the coast, with an accessible hike and a unique trig point.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Rippon Tor
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rippon Tor offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dartmoor and the coast, with an accessible hike and a unique trig point.
"Stunning views from the peak overlooking towards Teignmouth and the river Teign."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be uneven; good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Parking Near Rippon Tor
Small car parks are available on the main road towards Haytor, offering easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rippon Tor Summit
Summit of Rippon Tor
Panoramic views stretching to the coast, featuring a trig point with a QR code for local info.
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park
Vast moorland offering wild camping, ancient stone circles, and stunning natural beauty.
Foggintor Quarry
Near Princetown, Dartmoor
A unique and striking former quarry, accessible via old railway tracks or a short walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Wild Camping & Rights
Navigating Dartmoor's Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be uneven; good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Parking Near Rippon Tor
Small car parks are available on the main road towards Haytor, offering easy access.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from Rippon Tor are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
🏕️ Responsible Wild Camping
Respect Dartmoor's wild camping rights and leave no trace.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be uneven; good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🚗 Parking Near Rippon Tor
Small car parks are available on the main road towards Haytor, offering easy access.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from Rippon Tor are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
🏕️ Responsible Wild Camping
Respect Dartmoor's wild camping rights and leave no trace.
⚠️ Beware of Gorse
When descending Rippon Tor, be cautious of prickly gorse bushes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rippon Tor for its accessible hike and stunning panoramic views, often noting it's less crowded than nearby Hay Tor. The trig point and the opportunity to see Dartmoor ponies are highlights. Some caution is advised regarding prickly gorse on certain descent routes.
"Great walk up to the top of this tor. There are a couple of small carparks at the bottom on the main road towards Haytor. Stunning views from the peak overlooking towards Teignmouth and the river Teign. There is a gate to enter as there are Dartmoor ponies grazing here. The climb is moderate and great sunsets from this peak."
P E
"If you park at Hemsworthy Gate, you can do Rippon Tor straight onto Saddle Tor but when you come down the other side of Rippon, be careful of the prickly gorse! Great views at the top of Rippon and a cool Trig point with a QR code for info!"
Stephanie Collis
"Lovely tor and trig point and very accessible from the road. Great views."
david howells
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rippon Tor is accessible by car, with small parking areas available on the main road towards Haytor. For those exploring Dartmoor National Park, it's a popular hiking destination.
Public transport options directly to Rippon Tor are limited. It's best accessed by car or as part of a longer hike within Dartmoor National Park.
Yes, you can hike to Rippon Tor from Princetown, often incorporating other points of interest like Foggintor Quarry along old railway tracks.
The most convenient parking is at Hemsworthy Gate or along the main road leading to Haytor, providing relatively easy access to the tor.
While some parts of Dartmoor are suitable for cycling, the direct ascent to Rippon Tor is best suited for hiking. Mountain biking trails exist elsewhere in the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rippon Tor and Dartmoor National Park are free to access. There are no admission fees for hiking or enjoying the natural landscape.
Rippon Tor is an open natural landscape and has no set opening or closing hours. It is accessible at all times.
Dartmoor National Park is a public space and does not charge an entrance fee. Enjoy the vast moorland freely.
Generally, no permits are required for day visits. However, specific activities like large organized events or certain types of camping might require permissions.
Dogs are welcome in Dartmoor National Park, but they must be kept under control, especially around livestock like the Dartmoor ponies grazing near Rippon Tor.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you'll find a trig point with a QR code offering information, and most importantly, stunning panoramic views across Dartmoor and towards the coast.
The hike is generally considered moderate and accessible from the road, making it a popular choice for many visitors.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or visitor centers directly at Rippon Tor. Basic amenities can be found in nearby towns like Princetown.
The views are spectacular, offering a wide panorama that includes Teignmouth, the River Teign, and on clear days, the distant coast.
While Rippon Tor itself doesn't have swimming spots, Dartmoor National Park has several beautiful wild swimming locations, such as the River Dart.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon and sunset offer the best light for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape and creating dramatic shadows.
You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes, the iconic trig point, and the unique Dartmoor ponies grazing in the area.
The summit itself provides the best vantage point for panoramic shots. The approach paths also offer lovely framing opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant details or wildlife. A tripod is helpful for sunset shots.
Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. Always check the latest guidelines from the park authority before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone has appropriate footwear. Consider shorter routes or focusing on the summit views to keep younger ones engaged. The accessibility from parking makes it a good option for a family outing.
🚶 Hikers & Adventurers
Experienced hikers can explore the wilder, less-trodden paths of Dartmoor, but always be prepared with navigation tools, appropriate clothing, and knowledge of the terrain. The opportunity for wild camping adds an extra layer of adventure for those seeking an immersive experience.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to capture the unique trig point at the summit and the iconic Dartmoor ponies. A wide-angle lens is recommended for the sweeping vistas, and a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dartmoor National Park
Visitors can explore ancient stone circles, remnants of prehistoric settlements, and dramatic landscapes shaped by millennia of natural forces. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
It's important to note that while wild camping is permitted in certain areas, it's a right that is currently under review, highlighting the need for responsible visitor behavior and respect for the environment.
The Significance of Tors
These tors have held cultural and historical significance for centuries, often serving as landmarks for ancient peoples and later for travelers navigating the moor. Many tors are topped with distinctive rock formations and cairns, adding to their mystique.
Climbing to the summit of a tor like Rippon Tor is a rewarding experience, not just for the physical achievement but for the unparalleled 360-degree views they provide. They are natural vantage points that offer a profound connection to the wild beauty of Dartmoor.
Wild Camping on Dartmoor
However, this privilege comes with responsibilities. Campers are expected to practice 'leave no trace' principles, minimizing their impact on the environment. This includes packing out all rubbish, using existing fire pits where available (or avoiding fires altogether), and respecting the landscape and wildlife.
Recent discussions and potential changes to bylaws mean that the future of wild camping on Dartmoor is a topic of concern for many. It's crucial for visitors to stay informed about current regulations and to advocate for the preservation of this unique right.
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