Rippon Tor

Rippon Tor (SX 746756) is on the east side of Dartmoor and has a commanding view over Newton Abbot and the Teign estuary. It is a highish tor (473m) and is very easy to walk to. Rippon Tor is probably a derivative of Raven Tor and in the past this bird would have nested here. There are 2 large cairns on the summit in addition to the granite pillars of the tor. All around Rippon Tor there are remains of extensive Bronze Age settlements together with a lot of other remains. There are superb views over South Devon from here and on a clear day you can easily see Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor.

Park at Hemsworthy Gate (SX 742761) and take the SE path up to Rippon Tor. Then head SW downhill to Nutcrackers and then make for Blackslade Ford. Then walk north up to Pil Tor and Top Tor and finally back to the car park.

This is a very easy walk of a little under two miles. A little climb to Rippon Tor, no rough or wet ground. Allow an hour or longer as the point of the walk is to enjoy the views. An ideal Sunday afternoon walk for most of the family.

	The path leading up to Rippon Tor.
	The NW view from halfway up the track to Rippon Tor. Bonehill is on the right and Top Tor on the left.
	The W view from Rippon Tor. Top Tor on the right, Pil Tor on the left and just below are the lines (ie. reaves) that signify the old settlement of Foale's Arrishes.
	One of the granite pillars of Rippon Tor.
	The summit of Rippon Tor (SX 746756). In the distance is one of the cairns.
	The Nutcrackers rock at SX 744753. This old logan rock alas no longer rocks!
	The remains of the entrance to the Newhouse Inn (SX 740756) that burned down around 1850. This pub would have satisfied the needs of the horse drawn traffic that came up the steep hill from Ashburton bound for Chagford. Years ago this would have been a much needed pause along the important trade route between the two towns of tin and wool.
	A view of Rippon Tor and Nutcrackers from near Blackslade Ford.
	The main avenue of Pil Tor.
	One of the rocks of Pil Tor (SX 735760). This tor is surprisingly extensive and is an excellent example of an avenue tor.
	Looking back at Pil Tor.
	Top Tor (SX 736763)
	The N view from Top Tor looking over towards Bonehill straight ahead and part of Hameldown on the left.
	A view from Top Tor looking towards Rippon Tor. Saddle Tor on the left with the B3387 road leading down towards Hay Tor.
	Dartmoor ponies at Top Tor with Rippon Tor in the background.