Willsworthy to High Willhays Circular

Another cracking day on Dartmoor—and, after weeks of hiking in what had felt like a giant outdoor sauna, it was an absolute pleasure to enjoy some cooler weather.

I started from the car park below Brat Tor at 7:40am, initially following the River Lyd through a wonderful mixture of terrain: gravel tracks, grass, shale and, naturally, enough gorse to remind me that Dartmoor likes to fight back occasionally.

After around four miles, I arrived at Sourton Tor, perfectly timed for the first cuppa and something to eat. The legs were feeling good and the scenery was superb—although I knew the easy part was probably over.

From Sourton Tor, I followed the trail down into the valley before climbing towards Shelstone Tor. The effort was rewarded with fabulous views across Black-a-Tor Copse and the West Okement River winding through the valley below.

After an easy river crossing, it was time for the long, arduous climb to Black Tor. It was one of those climbs that makes you question your choice of hobby, but the magnificent views from the top made every sweaty step worthwhile.

Next came the roof of Southern England: High Willhays. At 621 metres (2,039ft), it is the highest point on Dartmoor and the highest point in Southern England. Having already climbed half of Dartmoor, the obvious thing to do was climb some more!

I trudged onwards past Fordsland Ledge before finally reaching High Willhays. After a brief stop for photographs and to take in the spectacular views, it was time to head properly downhill into the valley.

The long descent led back towards the river for another straightforward crossing. Dartmoor, however, has a habit of making you pay for every descent. Waiting on the other side was a long, steep and increasingly sweaty climb towards Kitty Tor.

By the time I reached the top, another cuppa was not merely desirable—it was practically a medical necessity. After a well-earned 15-minute break, I continued across the open moor towards the atmospheric Bleak House ruins near Green Tor.

From there, the route continued to magnificent Great Links Tor, one of Dartmoor's finest tors, with impressive rock formations and enormous views. Another photography stop followed before I descended towards Arms Tor and crossed to Brat Tor, crowned by the unmistakable Widgery Cross.

At last, the car park came into sight below. All that remained was the steep descent back down the hillside, arriving at around 2:00pm—tired, satisfied and very much ready to stop walking uphill.

A superb 12.5-mile Dartmoor circular featuring rivers, valleys, remote moorland, magnificent tors, huge views and enough climbing to ensure the legs knew they had been out. After weeks of relentless heat, the dry, sunny and refreshingly cool conditions were especially welcome.