Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park in Princetown the walk takes the old track south over South Hessary Tor, with Princetown and its prison behind. It runs on across the moor to Nun's Cross, or Siward's Cross, a medieval waymark on the Abbots' Way, then passes Nun's Cross Farm to the tin workings at Whiteworks above Fox Tor Mires. The way back climbs over Peat Cot Hill and heads north to Bullpark and Princetown.
It is 11.2 km with 138 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate. The tracks are easy to follow but very exposed.
The open moor is bleak in bad weather and featureless in mist: carry a map. Keep to the paths near Fox Tor Mires, a deep bog. Ponies, sheep and cattle graze, so keep dogs on leads near stock. The walk is well south of the military ranges.
The car park is a National Park pay car park. 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
- South on an old track over South Hessary Tor, with Princetown and its prison behind
- Nun's Cross, or Siward's Cross, a medieval waymark on the Abbots' Way
- Past Nun's Cross Farm to the tin workings at Whiteworks, above Fox Tor Mires
- Back over Peat Cot Hill and by Bullpark
Summits on the way
- South Hessary Tor 452 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.
