Bodmin Moor Circular Loop
Description
Description: A spectacular inland moorland walk exploring the rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall's largest area of open moorland. This circular route climbs to Rough Tor, the second highest peak on the moor with ancient cairns and panoramic views, then continues to Brown Willy, Cornwall's highest point. Begin from the peaceful village of Bolventor, ascending through heather moorland peppered with prehistoric stone circles, settlement ruins, and Bronze Age burial cairns. The landscape shifts between open moorland, rocky outcrops, and sheltered valleys. Excellent wildlife spotting opportunities including Dartford warblers and adders. On clear days, views extend to Bodmin town, Lisllevegh, and towards Exmoor. A challenging but rewarding inland adventure showcasing geological heritage and wild Cornish countryside.
Walking Steps:
Start at Bolventor village car park (50.5667° N, 4.7167° W) – Small moorland village. Head towards the moor.
Follow moorland track northward – Leave village and head onto open moorland (~0.5 km).
Ascend towards Rough Tor – Steadily climb the moorland slope with heather and grass (~2 km).
Reach Rough Tor summit (
3 km) – Ancient cairns visible. Panoramic views of surrounding moor. Rest here (15 min).Descend towards Showery Tor – Head southwest across open moorland (~4.5 km).
Pass prehistoric stone circles – Walk past ancient Bronze Age remains and settlement ruins (~5.5 km).
Climb towards Brown Willy – Ascend to Cornwall's highest peak at 420m (~7 km).
Reach Brown Willy summit (
7.5 km) – Stone cairn at top. Rest and enjoy 360° views (15 min).Descend southwestward – Head down towards De Lank River valley (~8.5 km).
Walk through sheltered valley – Follow small stream through moorland vegetation (~9.5 km).
Return to moorland track – Head back towards Bolventor following marked paths (~10.5 km).
Return to village car park (~11.2 km).
Walk Details
- Location Bodmin Moor
- Coordinates 50.5548° N, 4.6091° W
- Distance 11.2 km
- Duration 4h 15m
- Difficulty Hard
- Type Circular
- Author Callum