Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park in Princetown the walk heads west on the trackbed of the old Princetown railway, a broad stony track that curves gently round the hillsides. A short branch leads up the old tramway to Foggintor quarry, whose granite is said to have gone into Nelson's Column, with its deep pool and ruined buildings. Paths cross to King's Tor for a wide view over the Walkham valley, and the trackbed loops round the hill past the Swell Tor quarries before taking the walk back to Princetown.
It is 9.8 km with 140 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy. More than half is on the level old railway.
Take care near the quarry edges and the deep water at Foggintor. The trackbed is exposed to the weather and the moor is easy to get lost on in mist. Ponies, sheep and cattle graze, so keep dogs on leads near stock. All of the walk is south of the B3357, outside the Merrivale firing range.
The car park is a National Park pay car park; the visitor centre beside it closed in 2025. There is no station near; the nearest is Bere Alston, about 16 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Out along the trackbed of the old Princetown railway, which curves round the hillsides
- Foggintor quarry, whose granite is said to have gone into Nelson's Column
- Up King's Tor, then round the hill on the old line past the Swell Tor quarries
- All south of the B3357, outside the Merrivale firing range
Summits on the way
- King's Tor 401 m
Getting there
Start: Princetown car park · Pay and display. 50.54405, -3.99239
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Bere Alston: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
