Saddle Tor
A dramatic granite tor offering breathtaking panoramic views across Dartmoor's wild moorland. Perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Saddle Tor
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic granite tor offering breathtaking panoramic views across Dartmoor's wild moorland. Perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
"Absolutely astonishing display of ragged yet beautiful nature on awesome display!"
Pack for All Weathers ☔
Weather changes fast! Bring layers, waterproofs, and warm drinks. No cafes nearby .
Respect the Ponies 🐎
Admire the free-roaming ponies from a distance. They are wild animals, so be mindful and respectful .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saddle Tor Summit
Dartmoor National Park
Panoramic views of the moors and beyond. An otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography and reflection.
Foggintor Quarry
Near Princetown, Dartmoor
A unique, abandoned quarry offering a glimpse into industrial history amidst stunning natural beauty.
Dartmoor Ponies
Across Dartmoor National Park
Encounter these iconic, free-roaming ponies. Observe them from a respectful distance and admire their wild spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Wild Camping & Rights
Weather-Ready Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for All Weathers ☔
Weather changes fast! Bring layers, waterproofs, and warm drinks. No cafes nearby.
Respect the Ponies 🐎
Admire the free-roaming ponies from a distance. They are wild animals, so be mindful and respectful.
Plan Your Route 🗺️
Easy access from car parks, but trails can vary. Check guides for best routes to Foggintor Quarry.
Capture the Views :camera:
Ideal for photography, especially at sunrise. Stunning panoramic vistas await.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for All Weathers ☔
Weather changes fast! Bring layers, waterproofs, and warm drinks. No cafes nearby.
Respect the Ponies 🐎
Admire the free-roaming ponies from a distance. They are wild animals, so be mindful and respectful.
Plan Your Route 🗺️
Easy access from car parks, but trails can vary. Check guides for best routes to Foggintor Quarry.
Capture the Views :camera:
Ideal for photography, especially at sunrise. Stunning panoramic vistas await.
Leave No Trace :recycle:
Help preserve Dartmoor's beauty. Take all your rubbish with you and be mindful of the environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Saddle Tor's astonishing natural beauty and otherworldly atmosphere, offering stunning panoramic views perfect for walking, jogging, and photography. The free access and manageable climb make it a highly recommended spot, though visitors note the lack of amenities and the need for weather preparedness.
"A favourite area to walk my small dog. Close to the carpark and easy to make this a short or longer hike. Open views. Beautiful."
Martin Brown (Martystagram)
"Absolutely astonishing display of ragged yet beautiful nature on awesome display!
The ponies run free, but be mindful of them and respectful.
The atmosphere is otherworldly in the best sense possible, offering stunning panoramic views of the moors and beyond, and is far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It’s a great location for walking, jogging and picture taking.
Highly recommended!"
Luke Daniel
"There are small car parks on either side of the tor. It is a manageable walk up to the tor and lovely views on a clear day ."
David Crouchen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saddle Tor is accessible via small car parks on either side of the tor. It's a manageable walk up from these parking spots. For Foggintor Quarry, you can follow an old railway track from Princetown or take a short 1-mile walk from the main road.
While public transport can get you to nearby towns like Princetown, direct public transport to Saddle Tor itself is limited. It's best accessed by car or as part of a longer hike or cycle.
There are small car parks located on either side of Saddle Tor, making it convenient for visitors. These are often the starting points for hikes up to the tor.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Dartmoor. Many trails and old railway lines, like the one leading to Foggintor Quarry, are suitable for cycling.
Dartmoor is surprisingly accessible, being only about 4 hours from London, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip for those seeking dramatic landscapes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Saddle Tor and Dartmoor National Park are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for accessing the natural landscape.
Saddle Tor and Dartmoor National Park are open 24/7, as it is a natural landscape. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee for Dartmoor National Park. You can explore its vast landscapes, including Saddle Tor, free of charge.
While generally open, be aware of any local bylaws or conservation efforts. Respect the environment and any signage. Wild camping rights are currently under review.
While official guided tours specifically for Saddle Tor might be limited, many local operators offer guided walks and adventure tours across Dartmoor National Park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Saddle Tor is perfect for walking, jogging, climbing on the rocks, and enjoying the stunning panoramic views. It's also a fantastic spot for photography, especially at sunrise.
No, there are no toilets or cafes directly at Saddle Tor. It's essential to plan ahead, bring your own food and drinks, and be prepared for a picnic.
Yes, Saddle Tor is a favourite area for walking dogs. Just ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around wildlife like ponies.
The terrain involves a manageable walk up to the tor, with rocky outcrops to climb and open moorland. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Wild camping is legally permitted in certain areas of Dartmoor, but this right is under threat. Always check current regulations and practice responsible wild camping if you choose to do so.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photography at Saddle Tor, creating stunning panoramic views. Clear day afternoons also provide excellent visibility.
You can capture breathtaking landscapes, dramatic rock formations, the iconic Dartmoor ponies, and sweeping vistas of the moors. It's a photographer's paradise.
The summit of Saddle Tor itself offers the best vantage points for panoramic shots. Exploring the surrounding rocky areas can also yield unique compositions.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant views or wildlife like ponies. A tripod is recommended for sunrise/sunset shots.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. It's crucial to check the latest regulations for Dartmoor National Park regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more unique family outing, consider a visit to Foggintor Quarry. Its historical remnants and dramatic landscape can spark imagination and curiosity. The walk to the quarry is also an adventure in itself. Remember to dress children in layers and bring rain gear, as Dartmoor's weather can be unpredictable. The sense of exploration and discovery on Dartmoor makes it a memorable destination for families looking to connect with nature.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Walkers
Consider exploring the trails around Foggintor Quarry for a different kind of hike, combining natural scenery with historical interest. Many visitors enjoy multi-day backpacking trips across Dartmoor, embracing the wild camping opportunities that the park offers.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss Foggintor Quarry for its unique, almost lunar landscape, offering a stark contrast to the natural beauty of the tors. Drone photography can capture incredible aerial perspectives, but always ensure you are aware of and comply with any drone regulations in national parks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dartmoor's Wild Heart
Beyond Saddle Tor, other notable spots include the abandoned Foggintor Quarry, which offers a stark contrast of industrial remnants against natural beauty, and the chance to encounter the iconic Dartmoor ponies roaming freely across the moors. These ponies are an integral part of the Dartmoor ecosystem and add to the wild charm of the landscape. Visitors are encouraged to observe them respectfully from a distance.
When planning a visit, it's crucial to be prepared for Dartmoor's unpredictable weather. Conditions can shift rapidly, with wind, rain, and cold being common even on seemingly clear days. Packing layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe experience. Amenities like cafes and toilets are scarce in the more remote areas, so bringing your own provisions, including hot drinks, is highly recommended.
The Unique Appeal of Foggintor Quarry
The quarry is easily accessible, with options to reach it via an old railway track from Princetown or a shorter walk from the main road. This accessibility makes it a popular destination for both hikers and photographers looking for unique scenery. The contrast between the rugged, water-filled quarry pits and the surrounding wild moorland is striking, offering a different perspective on Dartmoor's natural beauty compared to its more open tor landscapes.
Visiting Foggintor Quarry provides a tangible connection to Dartmoor's history. It’s a place where you can reflect on the human impact on the landscape while appreciating the resilience of nature. The area is also a great spot for a picnic, allowing visitors to soak in the atmosphere and the stunning views. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit