Bellever, near Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, PL20 6SA
Bellever Tor
Viewpoint
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3Climb from the trees onto open Dartmoor and Bellever Tor rewards the effort with far-reaching views over the moor. Pair the summit with the forest’s circular trails for a fuller outing among tracks, grazing ponies and old hut circles.
Bellever brings together a proper moorland summit, a peaceful forest walk and traces of Dartmoor’s older human landscape. The climb adds a memorable viewpoint to a visit that can be as short as a forest circuit or expanded into a half-day around Postbridge.
Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapBellever, near Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon, PL20 6SA
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The experience
Walk a forest trail, then add the climb to Bellever Tor for open views across Dartmoor. Visit Dartmoor describes two circular walks, one from Postbridge and one from Bellever, with different terrain and starting points.
Things to do
Walk the Postbridge Trail
Follow the circular route on forestry tracks, with open-moor views and an optional detour up Bellever Tor.
About 1.5 hours; the source lists 3 miles (4.5 km).
Explore the Bellever Trail
Take the circular forest walk from Bellever and keep an eye out for hut circles, grazing ponies and deer.
About 1 hour 15 minutes; the source lists 2.5 miles (4 km).
Climb Bellever Tor
Add the tor to a forest walk for an open-moorland viewpoint. Expect steep, rocky ground on the summit approach.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow around 1.5 hours for the Postbridge circular walk, plus extra time for the detour to the tor.
Quick Escape: Forest to tor
- 01
Start at the Postbridge village car park.
- 02
Follow the circular Postbridge Trail on forestry tracks.
- 03
Take the detour up Bellever Tor if conditions and your time allow.
- 04
Return to Postbridge by the trail.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: Forest trails and Postbridge
- 01
Choose either the Postbridge Trail or the Bellever Trail, using the listed start point and route information.
- 02
Add the climb to Bellever Tor for a change from forest tracks to open moorland.
- 03
Make time to look for hut circles and grazing ponies along the Bellever Trail.
- 04
Finish in Postbridge; Visit Dartmoor lists a village shop, pub and hotel there. Check what is open.
Verified history
Visit Dartmoor describes silent hut circles along the Bellever Trail, giving walkers a tangible glimpse of earlier settlement in the landscape. The supplied sources do not provide further dates or historical detail.
Hidden details
Hut circles in the forest landscape — Visit Dartmoor notes that walkers on the Bellever Trail may come across silent hut circles. Look out for these remains as you follow the forest route; the supplied source does not give their date or interpretation.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · A clear morning or afternoon; check the forecast before heading onto exposed moorland.
Longer daylight can make it easier to combine a forest circuit with the summit detour. The supplied sources do not specify a seasonal highlight.
The tor is exposed and the route includes steep, rocky sections. Check Dartmoor weather and ground conditions before setting out; carry suitable footwear and clothing.
The route
- surface
- Mostly surfaced forestry tracks; the tor approach has steep, rocky sections.
- distance
- Postbridge Trail: 3 miles (4.5 km). Bellever Trail: 2.5 miles (4 km).
- duration
- Postbridge Trail: 1.5 hours. Bellever Trail: 1 hour 15 minutes.
- difficulty
- Postbridge Trail includes some steep rocky sections on the tor detour; Bellever Trail is described as having gentle slopes.
- route shape
- Circular routes.
- start point
- Forestry Commission car park, Postbridge (SX646787) for the Postbridge Trail; main Forestry Commission car park, Bellever (SX656773) for the Bellever Trail.
- parking start
- Forestry England lists car parks at Postbridge village and Bellever village. Charges apply; check current prices and opening information.
- Optional detour to Bellever Tor
- Views across open moorland
- Forest trails
- Hut circles, grazing ponies and possible deer sightings
Worth pairing with
Postbridge
Visit Dartmoor lists a village shop, pub and hotel within walking distance of the Postbridge walk start, and identifies Postbridge clapper bridge and the visitor centre as nearby attractions. Check availability and opening times.
What to look for
Look for the change from forest tracks to open moor, the views from the tor, and the silent hut circles mentioned in Visit Dartmoor’s description of the Bellever Trail. Grazing ponies and deer may also be encountered.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for longer daylight and generally easier walking conditions; go in clear weather for the broadest views.
Choose a clear morning or afternoon when the summit views are more likely to open up. Dartmoor weather can change quickly, so check conditions and be prepared for exposed moorland.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Dogs · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Bellever Tor can be reached on foot from the Bellever or Postbridge forest car parks. The approach includes uneven, steep and rocky sections; check local conditions and route details before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Forestry England lists car parks at Bellever village and Postbridge village. Charges apply; check current prices and opening information before travelling. Overnight parking is not allowed in the forest.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Forestry England lists toilets at Bellever village car park, open daily 9.30am–5pm. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Visit Dartmoor notes a village shop, pub and hotel in Postbridge within walking distance of the walk start. Check opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed at Bellever Forest. Visit Dartmoor advises keeping dogs on a lead around the picnic area; check current local guidance.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The routes include uneven ground, and the approach to the tor has steep, rocky sections. Forestry England reports no designated accessible parking spaces at Bellever Forest. Check route suitability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Bellever Tor
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph5.7Postbridge Clapper Bridge
Postbridge, Yelverton, Dartmoor, Devon, PL20 6TH
2.5 km away
Place photograph6.6Grey Wethers Stone Circles
Open moorland north of Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon
6.7 km away
