Great Staple Tor
Experience the wild heart of Dartmoor at Great Staple Tor, offering vast, peaceful vistas and an adventurous open moorland walk.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Great Staple Tor
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the wild heart of Dartmoor at Great Staple Tor, offering vast, peaceful vistas and an adventurous open moorland walk.
"Beautiful short easy walk all the way from car park to little staple tor then great staple tor and beyond."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Moorland terrain can be uneven. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety on your Dartmoor adventure.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Paths are minimal. Consider a map and compass or GPS for navigation, especially if venturing off the main routes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Dartmoor Vistas
Summit of Great Staple Tor
Soak in breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the vast Dartmoor National Park. Perfect for a quiet moment.

The Three Tor Circuit
Connecting Great Staple, Cox, and Roos Tors
Embark on a rewarding walk linking these iconic tors, offering varied terrain and stunning scenery.

Picnic with a View
Sheltered spots near the summit
Find a cozy nook to enjoy a packed lunch amidst the serene beauty of the moorland.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Moorland Adventure
Strategic Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Moorland terrain can be uneven. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety on your Dartmoor adventure.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Paths are minimal. Consider a map and compass or GPS for navigation, especially if venturing off the main routes.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Limited facilities on the moor. Enjoy the views with a packed lunch and snacks.
☀️ Check the Weather
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even on the same day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Moorland terrain can be uneven. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety on your Dartmoor adventure.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Paths are minimal. Consider a map and compass or GPS for navigation, especially if venturing off the main routes.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Limited facilities on the moor. Enjoy the views with a packed lunch and snacks.
☀️ Check the Weather
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even on the same day.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Exploration
Children love jumping rocks! It's an adventure for them, but keep a close eye on them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Great Staple Tor for its stunning, peaceful, and expansive Dartmoor views. It's highlighted as an accessible yet adventurous spot, perfect for picnics and short walks, especially when combined with nearby tors. Some note the lack of defined paths as part of its wild charm, though it requires careful navigation.
"Stopped off here for lunch while doing the round trip between Cox, Roos and Staple Tors. Beautiful views from the top, and found a nice sheltered spot for a picnic. Easily ascended across wide open moorland, there aren't many paths so it's a bit more of an adventure especially for our children who loved jumping over the rocks and grassy knolls."
Giles Moss
"30 min walk from Merrivale car park, open moorland that's not too challenging, great starting place if your looking to do the three Tor circuit."
Richard Aldcroft
"Beautiful short easy walk all the way from car park to little staple tor then great staple tor and beyond."
Harris Wain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Staple Tor is best accessed by car. Popular starting points include Merrivale car park or Pork Hill car park, both offering relatively short walks to the tor. These car parks are situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, making them convenient for day-trippers.
Public transport options directly to Great Staple Tor are very limited. Buses may run to nearby Princetown, but from there, you'd likely need to walk or arrange a taxi. It's generally recommended to have a car for exploring Dartmoor's tors.
Merrivale car park and Pork Hill car park are both excellent starting points. Merrivale is often cited as being about a 30-minute walk away, while Pork Hill is also in close proximity.
While you can cycle on some of Dartmoor's tracks, the open moorland around Great Staple Tor is best explored on foot. Some old railway tracks nearby are suitable for cycling.
Absolutely! Great Staple Tor is perfect for a day trip, especially when combined with nearby tors like Cox and Roos. The walk from the car park is manageable for a few hours of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Great Staple Tor and the surrounding Dartmoor National Park are free to access. There are no entrance fees.
Great Staple Tor is an open natural landscape and has no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There isn't a dedicated visitor center directly at Great Staple Tor. The nearest visitor information can often be found in towns like Princetown.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always be mindful of the natural environment. Stick to paths where they exist and take all litter with you.
Wild camping is permitted in certain areas of Dartmoor with specific guidelines. It's best to check the Dartmoor National Park Authority's website for current regulations and designated areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terrain is open moorland with grassy knolls and rocky outcrops. There are few defined paths, so expect uneven ground and some scrambling over rocks.
The walk from the car park is generally considered short and not too challenging, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The 'challenge' comes from navigating the open moorland.
You'll be rewarded with stunning, wide-open views across Dartmoor National Park. It's a place of total peace and quiet with a real sense of wilderness.
There are no facilities directly at Great Staple Tor. You'll need to use facilities in nearby towns like Princetown or pack everything you need.
Yes, the dramatic tors and expansive landscapes make it a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining establishments directly at Great Staple Tor. It's a natural landscape, so plan to bring your own food and drinks.
The nearest options for food are in Princetown, which has pubs and cafes. You can also find eateries in nearby villages.
Absolutely! It's an ideal spot for a picnic. Many visitors find sheltered spots to enjoy their meals while taking in the views.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Consider items that are easy to eat on the go and won't spoil in varying temperatures.
While not directly at the tor, pubs in Princetown often offer traditional pub fare and can be a good stop before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light, casting long shadows and golden hues across the moorland. Overcast days can also provide soft, diffused light perfect for capturing the textures of the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the tors or distant landscapes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The summit of Great Staple Tor itself offers the best panoramic views. Exploring the surrounding tors like Cox and Roos also provides unique photographic opportunities.
The weather can be a significant factor, with wind and rain potentially affecting your shoot. Navigation on the open moor can also be tricky, so ensure you're prepared.
Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. Always check the official Dartmoor National Park Authority guidelines and obtain any necessary permissions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Pack plenty of snacks and drinks: Facilities are scarce, so come prepared.
* Wear sturdy shoes: The terrain is uneven, so good walking boots are essential for everyone.
* Keep a close eye on children: The open moorland means they can wander easily, and the rocks can be slippery.
* Embrace the adventure: Let them enjoy the freedom of exploring the wild landscape.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
Tips for solo visitors:
* Prioritize safety: Always inform someone of your route and expected return time.
* Master navigation: Carry a map, compass, or GPS device, as visibility can change quickly.
* Be prepared for all weather: Dartmoor's climate is unpredictable; pack layers and waterproofs.
* Enjoy the quiet: Embrace the opportunity for introspection and to simply be present in the wild landscape.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips:
* Wide-angle lens: Essential for capturing the sweeping panoramas.
* Tripod: Crucial for low-light conditions and sharp images, especially during dawn/dusk.
* Look for textures: The granite formations and heather provide rich textural elements.
* Consider the weather: Dramatic skies, mist, or even rain can add mood and atmosphere to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dartmoor's Tors
These tors are not just geological wonders; they hold historical and cultural significance, often serving as ancient boundary markers or navigational points. The rugged beauty of Dartmoor, with its tors, bogs, and heather-clad hills, has inspired artists, writers, and adventurers for centuries. When visiting, remember that the moorland is a sensitive environment, and it's crucial to tread lightly and respect its natural state.
For those seeking a more structured experience, the 'Ten Tors Challenge' is a famous annual event for young people in the South West of England, which introduces them to the challenges and rewards of navigating Dartmoor's tors. This highlights the enduring appeal of these rocky sentinels as destinations for both personal challenge and scenic enjoyment.
Navigating the Open Moorland
It's highly recommended to carry a map and compass, or a reliable GPS device, especially if you plan to explore beyond the immediate vicinity of the tor. Weather conditions on Dartmoor can change rapidly, and fog can descend quickly, making visibility poor. This is where having navigation skills becomes crucial for safety.
For families, the lack of defined paths can be both exciting and a point of caution. Children often enjoy the freedom to roam and jump over rocks, but adult supervision is essential. Planning your route in advance and informing someone of your intended itinerary is always a wise precaution when venturing into such wild terrain.
The Appeal of the Three Tor Circuit
Each tor in the circuit has its own character. Great Staple Tor provides expansive views, Cox Tor is known for its distinctive rock formations, and Roos Tor offers a slightly different perspective of the surrounding moor. The journey between them involves traversing open heathland, where you might encounter grazing ponies or sheep. The lack of clear paths between the tors adds to the sense of adventure, encouraging a more intuitive approach to navigation.
This circuit is often recommended for its accessibility from nearby car parks like Merrivale, and it's a route that families often enjoy due to the engaging terrain. It’s a quintessential Dartmoor experience, showcasing the raw beauty and wildness of the national park in a manageable and rewarding walk.

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