Rough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor)
Devon
Rough Tor and Brown Willy are Cornwall's two highest points, rising to 400 and 420 metres respectively above the open granite moorland of Bodmin Moor. This 7.2km circuit crosses wild, treeless terrain dotted with granite tors, Bronze Age hut circles and ancient stone features, with the constant sense of being on high, exposed ground far from the coast. The approach to Rough Tor passes the memorial to the 43rd Wessex Division, and the summit is crowned with tumbled granite boulders that require a short scramble. Brown Willy, reached across a boggy saddle, is the higher but less dramatic of the two. The moorland has a stark, windswept beauty quite different from Cornwall's famous coastal scenery.
Off-lead potential on this dog friendly walk is limited as livestock grazes the open moor throughout the year, with cattle, sheep and Bodmin Moor ponies all present. Leads should be kept on across the entire route. The moorland carries rich scent from heather, gorse and peat, and the exposed granite tors provide interesting terrain to navigate. The ground between the two summits is boggy and can be very wet, particularly after rain, so waterproof boots are essential and dogs will get muddy. Water is available from moorland streams. The car park at Roughtor Road provides access. Jamaica Inn at Bolventor is the nearest dog-friendly pub. A walk for those who want genuine moorland wilderness in England's far southwest.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None
- Parking
- Free car park at Rough Tor base - approximately 30 spaces
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor) dog friendly?
Rough Tor and Brown Willy scores 9/10 for dog friendliness, making it a great choice for dogs who enjoy open, wild terrain. The moorland offers plenty of sensory interest , heather, gorse, peat and granite boulders to clamber over , and there are moorland streams along the route where dogs can drink. Bear in mind that livestock is present year-round, so leads are required throughout.
Can dogs be off lead at Rough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor)?
Unfortunately, off-lead potential here is limited. Cattle, sheep and Bodmin Moor ponies graze the open moor throughout the year, and dogs should be kept on leads across the entire route. It's worth going prepared for that from the outset rather than hoping for pockets of lead-free freedom.
What should I know before visiting Rough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor) with my dog?
This is a genuinely exposed moorland walk covering 7.2km, and the ground between the two summits can be very boggy , waterproof boots are a must, and your dog will almost certainly come back muddy. There are no facilities at the site itself, so bring everything you need with you, though moorland streams provide water along the way. If you're after a post-walk drink, Jamaica Inn at Bolventor is the nearest dog-friendly pub.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk5.9 mi awayBoscastle to Tintagel Coastal Walk
Cornwall
A dramatic North Cornwall coast walk from Boscastle harbour along towering slate cliffs to the legendary ruins of Tintagel, dog friendly with leads on for cliffs and livestock.
Walk9.9 mi awayCardinham Woods
Devon
A Forestry England woodland walk with well-marked trails, a cafe and dog wash on site - the reliable option when weather pushes you off the coast.
Walk12 mi awayPentire Headland Walk
Devon
A punchy headland walk above Polzeath with wild coastal views and clifftop drama, short but exposed and rewarding.
Walk12.2 mi awayPolzeath to Port Isaac Coastal Walk
Cornwall
A long, dramatic North Cornwall coast walk from surf-town Polzeath round Pentire and Port Quin to the harbour of Port Isaac, dog friendly with seasonal beach restrictions at Polzeath.
Walk13.8 mi awayCamel Trail
Devon
A flat, easy trail along a disused railway beside the Camel Estuary, shared with cyclists but wide enough to feel relaxed with dogs.
Walk19 mi awayFowey to Polkerris Coastal Walk
Cornwall
A circular from Fowey out along the cliffs past Readymoney Cove and Gribbin Head to Polkerris, returning inland along the historic Saints Way, dog friendly with seasonal beach rules.
