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Yes Tor

5 miles (8 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This circular walk climbs to Yes Tor from Meldon Reservoir in the Dartmoor National Park. The route runs for about 5 miles, visiting West Mill Tor and Black Down on Okehampton Common. The tor is Dartmoor's second highest peak, at 619 metres (2,031 ft) above sea level.
Start the walk at the car park at Meldon Reservoir and climb south east to Longstone Hill on Okehampton Common. The route then follows paths to the Yes Tor summit where there are a number of cairns and an observation post. There's fine views over the national park from this elevated position.
The route then descends east to West Mill Tor and Black Down to the north. The final section takes you back down to the reservoir, passing close to the impressive Meldon Viaduct as you go. The structure was opened in 1874 and carried the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) across the West Okement River. It was constructed from wrought iron and cast iron and is now a Scheduled Monument. To extend your walking in the area you could try our High Willhays Walk which also starts from the reservoir and visits Yes Tor on the way. There's also a nice circular path heading round the lake to try.

Yes Tor OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Yes Tor Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head to the Highwayman Inn after your exercise for a great pub experience. The pub is considered England's most unusual inn with a marvellous interior and an interesting mix of ancient artifacts. It dates from the 11th-century and is also said to be haunted! The wonderful inn is located to the west of Meldon Reservoir at Sourton, postcode  EX20 4HN.
You could also head into Okehampton and visit The Fountain Inn. The inn has a lovely terrace and riverside garden area where you can relax on warmer days. They serve a fine Sunday carvery with a cosy interior and two real fires. You can find them on Fore Street with a postcode of EX20 1AP. The town itself is also well worth exploring with highlights including the 15th century Chapel of St James and the medieval ruins of Okehampton Castle which is now run as a tourist attraction by English Heritage.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the east there's a fine climb to another prominent Dartmoor Peak on the circular Sticklepath and Cosdon Hill Walk. The riverside village is a lovely place for a stroll with paths along the River Taw to try. At Cosdon Hill there's a stone circle and more excellent views to the coast.
The Black A Tor Copse Walk also starts from the reservoir car park. It will take you south to visit the noteworthy Black A Tor Copse National Nature Reserve. The wildlife rich reserve is a rare example of high altitude oak woodland and includes some pleasant trails along the West Okemont River.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Dartmoor Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Meldon Reservoir 4

 Meldon Reservoir 1

Meldon reservoir 2

 Meldon Reservoir 2

Yes Tor - geograph.org.uk - 43143

Yes Tor. Dartmoor's second highest peak, at 2028 feet. Pic taken from Meldon viaduct

Yes Tor - geograph.org.uk - 1575615

Yes Tor

Yes Tor, West Devon - geograph-4131865-by-Lewis-Clarke

Yes Tor, West Devon

Cairn on Yes Tor

Cairn near the Yes Tor summit. The hills surrounding Meldon Reservoir are in the background

West Mill Tor - geograph.org.uk - 1575626

West Mill Tor

Trig Point, on Yes Tor - geograph.org.uk - 1424653

Trig Point, on Yes Tor. Looking towards High Willhays.

GPS Files

GPX File

Yes Tor.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Yes Tor.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)