Barn Hill, Pew Tor & the Bullseye Stone at Windy Cross

Be mindful that the walking route can change with the seasons. With the Visorando app, this route can be followed. Be sure to download the route. This route was set in August, Summer, when the overgrown fern/bracken can disguise a well-trodden route. Yet in the autumn, winter, and to a lesser degree, spring, when the bracken has died back or is just starting to shoot, a multitude of routes will be visible. This section of moorland has boundaries of farm hedges and country roads, and the way back to the start is north.

The Start: Known as Pork Hill/Cox Tor car park W3W >>

(S/E) From the car park (for the start, use the central dividing section of the car park), head southwest towards the gorse bushes, and as the hill drops away, near the bushes, a more defined walking path will be apparent, heading in the southerly direction. This crosses a stream, dry at the time of the plotting, heading towards the corner of a field, where the path is more defined. Continue to the next corner of the field.

(1) Here you have several options:
Option 1: (not taken) At this point, notice, looking east and left, on the headland, how there is a dip between the two hills, a saddle or col, a shortened route to 'Windy ridge' to (6).
Option 2: (described below) Continue following the defined path, crossing over a stream (the sound of the water falling may be more apparent). It follows a more southerly direction, see Tor in the distance (3).

The vegetation may obscure the path; keep heading south and then southwest. There will be other defined routes to the left, but they are not considered for this route. As the route passes under Pew Tor (3), the landscape will open up, and a country lane may be visible.

(2) The route turns back on itself and starts to climb the hill at an angle, northeasterly, not directly towards (3) the tor; this should become the track which passes a disused quarry, it will become apparent. Continue to the top of the rocky outcrop, Pew Tor.

(3) From Pew Tor, having enjoyed the views and explored the different granite rock piles (this approach to the tor is the easiest), the route then continues east; to get there, there is a way down off the rocks, stepping down and off some boulders, large steps, or from the approach route, skirt around the southern side of the tor, noticing a remote cottage (Pewtor Cottage) to the right. From the cottage, north is a well-defined track that will be the objective to get to. The route down to the track will pass a stream, the Grimstone and Sortridge Leat. Follow the track, going in a northeasterly direction, follow the hedgeline to Heckwood Tor.

(4) Heckwood Tor is a named rocky outcrop; it is small and by the track. Continue along the track as it gradually ascends the hill. Notice the old wooden farm gate with the sign 'Heckwood Farm, Bull Roaming'. Just past the gate, there is a clear route left and northwest. Do not go too low into the valley; it is very boggy.

(5) As the route leads northwest, notice the large tor within non-accessible land, Vixen Tor. Public access is banned; it was once a popular tor to climb, and there have been many attempts to gain access. The route now climbs up to within the dip of the high points - the col. At the top, the ground will be wet and meet up with the leat again (there is a breach in the leat wall). For reference, there is a small granite bridge at the leat, turn right and north to Feather Tor, continue north as the path drops down to the leat, again, and a large granite cross.

(6) This is locally known as 'Windy Post Cross' (E) and the Bull's Eye Stone (B). The route now continues north to the start (S/E).

The paths on this route are not very visibly marked. It is strongly recommended that you follow the route using the GPX on the Visorando app.

The route described is as it was on the day; this could change - the dry leats, at another time, could be full flowing, with the bracken all died back with more choices.

Start: This walk's starting point, Pork Hill/Cox Tor Car park W3W >>>

Alternative Transport: There is a bus service which travels across the moor. It may offer on-request stop and pickups, but not confirmed timings of which would need to be confirmed.

Parking: Vehicle parking - this is a large free moorland car park, which is a very popular starting point for moorland walkers. Getting there early ensures a parking place.

Timing: The time taken is estimated, to allow extra time, when appropriate, for exploring and personal pace.

Note: Ensure that the country code is followed and that dogs are kept under control. Farmers have certain rights if moorland animals are pestered by dogs.

Wellbeing: Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. This is only a short walk, but good supporting shoes are recommended. Keep hydrated, even on a short walk.

Care should be taken when climbing tors, especially when wet. All three tors have easy access routes; be mindful of the more adventurous scrambles and appreciate that there can be some high drops.

Although it is not common, as this is an area where moorland sheep roam, and bracken grows. There is a remote chance of picking up 'ticks'. It is advisable to check oneself and the dogs after brushing the bracken for ticks. Be Tick aware >>

Accessibility: There are stepping stones and places to cross the leat, if needed, and there will be the option to ascend the tor by choice.

Dartmoor is open-access land: On the moor, you are free to choose your walking route, and you don’t have to keep to public rights of way. Access Land is shown on the OS maps as a yellow wash.

To 'bag' a tor is a hiker's hobby/pastime/challenge - to have peaked all of the tors on Dartmoor. Similar to Scotland - Munros and peaking the Lakeland fells - Wainwright's.

Refreshments: There is usually an Ice Cream wagon in the car park from midday; other requirements see ' In the nearby area'.

Option: This is a circular route that can be walked either way. There is a shortened optional route (S/E) to (6) to see the cross.

(E) Beckmoor Cross (Windy Post Cross), a former waymark for the monks travelling across the moors, visiting the different priories. This cross was a waymark for the route between Buckfast Abbey and Tavistock, a 23-mile route across open moorland. The route is a Moorland Challenge walk, The Abbots Way >>

(B) The Bullseye stone was used as a method of measuring water, a water meter. The Grimstone and Sortridge Leat, which supplied water to old mine workings, further down the valley. Past through land which had a 'water catchment' for more local dwellings, the bullseye metered that flow as a form of charge for the leat to cross catchment land.

• Cox Tor car park - the panoramic views across South West Devon. See viewing map in the corner of the car park - with Brentor (church on the hill) northwest. Tavistock to the west. Plymouth Sound to the southwest, and far-reaching views across to Cornwall. Not forgetting the sunset from here.
• Princetown - Dartmoor Prison
• Merrivale - Stone Row and Cairn - Dartmoor Inn
• Tavistock - Ancient Stannary Town