Rough Tor Cornwall
Explore Rough Tor, a dramatic granite outcrop on Bodmin Moor offering breathtaking panoramic views and ancient history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Rough Tor Cornwall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Rough Tor, a dramatic granite outcrop on Bodmin Moor offering breathtaking panoramic views and ancient history.
"Fantastic views in all directions, well worth a trip!"
Wear sturdy boots! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be boggy. Proper footwear is a must for a comfortable hike.
Check the weather forecast :cloud:
Bodmin Moor weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for wind, rain, and fog, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rough Tor Summit
Summit
Climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views across Bodmin Moor and beyond.
Rocky Outcrops
Throughout the tor
Explore the dramatic granite tors, perfect for scrambling and unique photo opportunities.
Iron Age Settlement Remains
Base of the tor
Discover ancient history with visible remnants of a large Iron Age settlement and tor enclosure.
Brown Willy Tor Views
Across the valley
Gaze across to Cornwall's highest point, Brown Willy, for a sense of scale and wild landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Footwear and Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy boots! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be boggy. Proper footwear is a must for a comfortable hike.
Check the weather forecast :cloud:
Bodmin Moor weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for wind, rain, and fog, even on sunny days.
Bring water & snacks :apple:
There are no facilities on the moor. Pack essentials for your walk.
Dogs are welcome! :dog:
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, but keep them under control around livestock.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy boots! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be boggy. Proper footwear is a must for a comfortable hike.
Check the weather forecast :cloud:
Bodmin Moor weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for wind, rain, and fog, even on sunny days.
Bring water & snacks :apple:
There are no facilities on the moor. Pack essentials for your walk.
Dogs are welcome! :dog:
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, but keep them under control around livestock.
Drone photography :camera_with_flash:
Stunning aerial shots are possible, but be mindful of wildlife and other visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from Rough Tor's summit and the dramatic granite rock formations. It's considered a great spot for a family hike and offers a sense of wild, untamed beauty. Some note that the moorland can be boggy and weather unpredictable, so proper preparation is key.
"Awesome hike around rough tor well worth a visit as from the top there are some fantastic views in all directions and can get busy weekends but well worth a trip"
John Hawker
"One of my favourite view points on the north Cornwall coast. Looking up the coast you can see up to Morwenstow, with Davidstow much closer and down the coast to the Mouls and Port Quin bay.
Looking across to Brown Willy which is the highest point in Cornwall (but only 20 m higher than Rough Tor) and beyond to the wilderness of Bodmin Moor."
Buzz Smith
"Absolutely hated it up here.
I've experienced absolutely hell up here, I was although delighted to have the best HEAVER of my life up here. I was bouncing up and down while shouting Thank you! Thank you!"
alt 3_rr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rough Tor is located on Bodmin Moor. The most common access point is via the B3257 road. There's a small parking area near the base of the tor. Some visitors park near Brown Willy and walk across.
Yes, there is a small, informal parking area near the base of Rough Tor. It can fill up on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transport options to Bodmin Moor are limited. It's best to travel by car. If using public transport, you'd likely need to combine bus services with a significant walk or taxi.
Due to the uneven, rocky, and often boggy terrain, Rough Tor is not easily accessible for wheelchairs or prams. It's best suited for those who can navigate natural landscapes.
From Rough Tor, you can walk across Bodmin Moor to Brown Willy. The terrain is open moorland, and while there isn't a single marked path, you can navigate by landmarks or GPS. It's a moderate walk across the moor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rough Tor is a natural landscape and part of Bodmin Moor, which is open access land. There are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit.
Rough Tor is accessible at all times as it's an open natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment of the views.
Bodmin Moor, including Rough Tor, is free to access. You are welcome to explore the moorland at your leisure without any charges.
While technically accessible, visiting Rough Tor at night is not recommended due to poor visibility, uneven terrain, and potential disorientation. It's best enjoyed during daylight.
As open access land, there are few restrictions. Please respect the natural environment, keep dogs under control around livestock, and be mindful of the historical sites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can hike to the summit for panoramic views, explore the granite tors, discover ancient Iron Age settlement remains, and enjoy the wild moorland landscape. +1
The climb to the summit from the parking area is relatively short, perhaps 30-60 minutes depending on your pace and how much you explore around the base.
There are no formally marked trails on Rough Tor itself. The landscape is open moorland, and you navigate by following the contours of the land or using a map and compass/GPS.
You might see sheep grazing freely on the moor, various bird species, and potentially adders (snakes) basking on rocks, especially in warmer weather. +1
Yes, with appropriate footwear and supervision, families can enjoy Rough Tor. The lower slopes are manageable, but care is needed on the rocky summit. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The granite outcrops themselves make for dramatic foregrounds, and the surrounding moorland provides a wild backdrop.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone photography is popular here due to the expansive views, but always fly responsibly and be aware of any local regulations or wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or details on the tors. Consider a polarizing filter for skies and a sturdy tripod.
The remnants of the Iron Age settlement and tor enclosure offer unique photographic opportunities, blending natural beauty with ancient history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Ensure everyone wears sturdy, waterproof footwear, as the moorland can be uneven and boggy. Keep a close eye on children, especially near the rocky outcrops at the summit. Dogs are welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family, but always keep them under control around livestock.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Recommendations for hikers: Plan your route, especially if venturing beyond the immediate tor area. Carry a map and compass or GPS device, as visibility can drop quickly. Be prepared for all weather conditions and wear appropriate hiking gear, including waterproofs and sturdy boots. The archaeological sites add an extra layer of interest for those who appreciate history within their natural explorations.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for details on the tors or distant views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the skies and a tripod for stability in windy conditions. The ancient settlement remains also offer unique photographic subjects, blending history with the natural environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bodmin Moor's Wild Heart
The experience of visiting Rough Tor is one of immersion in nature and history. The climb to the summit is not overly strenuous but rewards with unparalleled 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see for miles, taking in the sweeping wilderness of the moor, the distant coastline, and neighboring tors. The granite formations themselves are a key feature, offering opportunities for scrambling and providing a dramatic, almost prehistoric, feel to the landscape.
Many visitors combine a trip to Rough Tor with a visit to Brown Willy, which is just a short walk across the moor. The moorland can be challenging underfoot, so appropriate footwear is crucial. The weather on Bodmin Moor is notoriously changeable, so being prepared for wind and rain is essential, even in summer. This wild and untamed beauty has inspired artists, writers, and musicians, with some even drawing on local folklore and historical events, such as the tragic tale of Charlotte Dymond, associated with the foot of Rough Tor.
A Walk Through Time: History and Folklore
Beyond its ancient past, Rough Tor is also associated with local folklore and more recent historical events. The moorland has long been a place of mystery and legend, often linked to tales of King Arthur and mythical beings. More poignantly, the foot of Rough Tor is the site where Charlotte Dymond, an 18-year-old servant, was brutally murdered in 1844. This tragic event has become part of the local lore and has inspired artistic works, adding a somber layer to the moor's narrative.
For those interested in history and folklore, Rough Tor offers a unique opportunity to connect with Cornwall's past. The combination of ancient archaeological sites and compelling local stories makes for a deeply engaging visit. It's a landscape that invites contemplation, where the echoes of history seem to resonate with the wind whistling across the moor.
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