⚠️ MOD Firing Range — Check Before You Go
Yes Tor and High Willhays lie within the Okehampton Military Range — an active MOD firing range. Access is permitted when the range is not in use, indicated by red flags at range boundaries (flags up = no access). Range firing times are published on the Dartmoor National Park website and the MOD's Dartmoor range timetable. Weekends are typically free; weekdays can be restricted. Always check before setting out — entering the range during live firing is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Southern England's Highest Summits
High Willhays (621m) and Yes Tor (619m) sit side-by-side on the northwestern plateau of Dartmoor — two granite-crowned summits separated by less than a kilometre of open moorland. They are the highest points in England south of the Peak District, and the highest in the South West of England. The views from the summits are genuinely vast: north across the rolling farmland of Devon to the Bristol Channel on clear days; south across the full Dartmoor plateau to Bodmin Moor in Cornwall; east to Exmoor; west to the Atlantic coast.
The terrain is quintessential high Dartmoor — open, boggy, trackless in places, and subject to rapid and severe weather changes. Mist descends with extraordinary speed on these high plateaux, and map-and-compass navigation is an essential skill for this walk, not an optional extra. The rewards are commensurate: a genuine sense of wild remoteness, extraordinary long-range views, and the satisfaction of standing on the highest ground south of the Pennines.
🧭 Navigation & Kit
This walk requires map-reading confidence. The high plateau offers few landmarks in mist, and paths are indistinct across the bog. Carry OS Explorer Map OL28 (Dartmoor), a compass, and know how to use both. A GPS device or phone with offline maps is a useful backup but should not be the primary navigation tool. Waterproofs, warm layers, and good boots are essential regardless of starting conditions — Dartmoor weather changes fast at altitude.
The Route
🗺️ Yes Tor & High Willhays Circular from Meldon (6 miles · 3–4 hours)
From Meldon Reservoir (EX20 4LU), cross the dam and follow the track south into the Okehampton range. The range boundary is marked by warning signs and the track becomes less defined. Check range flags at the boundary — if red flags are flying, turn back. In clear conditions the distinctive tor-crowned skyline of Yes Tor is already visible ahead.
Follow the West Okement River south, then bear southeast onto the ridge rising to Yes Tor. The climb is steady rather than steep, over open moorland with increasingly impressive views behind as you gain height. Yes Tor's granite tor is visible on the skyline from well below — the summit rocks themselves are quite modest but the views are extensive. The OS trig point sits just below the highest rocks.
From Yes Tor, the short ridge walk southwest to High Willhays takes 15–20 minutes over open moorland. High Willhays is distinguished by its trig point and a small cairn — the actual summit is less dramatic than Yes Tor visually, but at 621m it is 2 metres higher and the highest point in southern England. In clear weather the views are spectacular in every direction.
Descend northwest from High Willhays, aiming for the West Okement River valley below. The return passes Black Tor — a fine granite outcrop above the river with good views back to the summits. Follow the river north back to Meldon Reservoir. This valley section is significantly easier underfoot than the summit plateau and makes a pleasant contrast to the exposed high ground.
☁️ Weather on the High Moor
The Dartmoor plateau generates its own weather. Mist forms rapidly from clear conditions, especially in autumn and spring. Wind is almost always present — stronger than valley conditions suggest. Temperature drops approximately 1°C per 100m ascent. At 621m this is a genuinely exposed mountain environment despite being in Devon. Always carry more kit than you think you need, and have a clear plan for mist — know the compass bearings back to the valley before setting off.
The Two Summits
Yes Tor
The more northerly of the two, with a more pronounced tor of stacked granite blocks at its summit. Slightly lower than High Willhays at 619m, but with a more characteristic Dartmoor profile visible from the approach. The OS trig point is here.
High Willhays
The true summit of southern England at 621m — identified by a trig point and modest cairn on an open, boggy plateau. Less visually dramatic than Yes Tor but 2 metres higher. The views extend to Cornwall, Somerset, and the coast on clear days.
Black Tor
A fine riverside tor above the West Okement River, passed on the return leg. Less visited than the summits, with good views back to Yes Tor and a quieter, less exposed character than the high plateau.
Meldon Reservoir
A Victorian reservoir in a dramatic gorge setting at the edge of the range. The dam and surrounding landscape are worth exploring on their own — golden and rainbow trout are visible in the clear water from the dam wall.
Getting There
Meldon Reservoir is 3 miles southwest of Okehampton, via the B3260. From Okehampton town centre follow signs for Meldon — the reservoir car park is signed from the village of Meldon (EX20 4LU). There is no public transport to the starting point; a car is essential.
What to Bring
- Navigation: OS Explorer OL28 and compass — essential, not optional
- Waterproofs: Full waterproof jacket and trousers even in good weather
- Warm layers: Temperature at summit can be 8–10°C lower than the valley
- Boots: Waterproof, ankle-supporting footwear — the plateau is boggy year-round
- Food and water: No facilities on the route — carry sufficient for 4 hours
- Range timetable: Check MOD/Dartmoor NP website before departure