High Willhays

High Willhays is a granite summit on Dartmoor’s northwestern edge, rising to 621 metres (2,039 feet) as the highest point on the moor and in Southern England. It is not a huge isolated cliff: the top is a broad, open north–south ridge with a few low rocky outcrops and a cairn on the highest one. That modest shape is part of the appeal. You come for the high point, open moorland and the sense of being on the roof of the landscape.

The summit gives you space and distance rather than a single theatrical rock wall. On a clear day, the view opens over the West Okement valley, Meldon and the Devon lowlands; looking south, Fur Tor is visible on the horizon. Yes Tor, about 1 kilometre north, is lower but has the more dramatic granite formation, so the two peaks make a natural pair. If you only want the most impressive tor, Yes Tor is the stronger visual stop; if the highest point matters, High Willhays is the one to reach.

There is no drive-up viewpoint. The usual approach starts at Meldon Dam, about 1.5 miles away, and follows a walking circuit that can take in both summits; route versions range from roughly 12 to 14 kilometres round trip. Expect open, exposed ground rather than a surfaced path, with navigation becoming more important when cloud comes down. Meldon’s car park has toilets and an area map, useful before setting out, but there are no reported visitor facilities at the summit.

High Willhays lies inside the Okehampton military training range. Public access is available when the range is not in live use, but you must check the current Dartmoor firing programme and obey the red flags or red lamps. For the photo, frame the cairn with the layered outcrop, or look north along the ridge to include Yes Tor; the second view explains why the two summits are best experienced together.