Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs Yes Tor from Meldon by way of the tracks around Longstone Hill. It is an 11.1 km out-and-back with 503 m of ascent, finishing at the 619 m summit before returning on the same line. The route deliberately stops at Yes Tor; nearby High Willhays is slightly higher but is not included in this GPX.
Leave the Meldon parking area on the moorland track and follow the recorded line around the old quarry side of Longstone Hill. There are several tracks and worn paths here, so use the GPX at each split and keep well away from quarry edges and workings. The route continues east and then south across open ground, passing the Red-a-ven Brook area before the final climb from the west. A cairn appears before the true top, but the trig point and summit rocks lie a little farther on. Turn around at Yes Tor and retrace the full approach to Meldon.
Part of this walk enters the Okehampton military firing range. Check the official firing programme before setting out and do not enter when red flags or warning signals are displayed. Outside the clearer tracks, the high moor can be wet and indistinct, and mist makes the broad slopes difficult to judge. Carry a map and compass, not just the GPX, and be prepared for strong wind around the summit. Do not follow paths south to High Willhays, and never touch unfamiliar metal objects or military debris.
From Longstone Hill, Yes Tor looks close; the broad moor and hidden summit make the last stretch longer than it first appears.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start from the designated Meldon parking area. Check the firing-range information and weather before leaving the car.
Follow the recorded track east from Meldon. Keep to the public route and stay away from quarry fences, drops and machinery.
Several tracks meet around the old workings. Check the GPX carefully and continue on the line leading towards Longstone Hill.
Skirt the hill on the established grassy track. Do not cut across rough ground when the main line curves around the slope.
The route turns more decisively south towards Yes Tor. In cloud, confirm the direction with a compass rather than relying on faint vehicle tracks.
Cross or pass the shallow drainage on the established line. After rain, choose firm ground and avoid widening boggy sections.
Climb past the western cairn to the trig point and summit rocks at 619 m. Stop here; High Willhays lies farther south and is outside this route.
Retrace the same path around Longstone Hill and the quarry side. Recheck track junctions as Meldon comes back into view.
Essential Tips
This route enters the Okehampton range. Check the official MOD timetable and never pass red flags, red lamps or closed-range notices.
High Willhays is nearby and slightly higher, but it is not on this GPX. Do not add it without planning a different route and timing.
Approaching from the west, a cairn appears before the trig point. Continue on the recorded line to the true Yes Tor summit.
Tracks around Longstone Hill and the quarry can be confusing, while the upper moor becomes featureless in mist. Use the GPX with a map and compass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to check anything before walking to Yes Tor from Meldon?
Yes, you must check the MOD firing programme before you go. This route enters the Okehampton military range, and you cannot enter when red flags or warning signals are displayed.
How long does the Yes Tor walk from Meldon take?
The walk is 11.1 km out-and-back with 378 m of ascent, taking an estimated 2 hours 51 minutes. That's based on Naismith's Rule, so adjust for your own pace and conditions.
How do I know when I've reached the actual summit of Yes Tor?
Don't stop at the first cairn you see approaching from the west — that's a false top. The true summit is a bit farther on, marked by a trig point and summit rocks at 619 m.