Rough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor)
Walk

Rough Tor and Brown Willy (Bodmin Moor)

Devon

Dog Friendly Rating: 9/10 A proper moorland adventure to Cornwall's two highest peaks, with open, exposed terrain and a real sense of wildness on the summit.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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Location

Rough Tor Car Park, Rough Tor Road, Camelford, Cornwall, PL32 9QG

50.611651, -4.642578

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