Hiking Adventure from Princetown to Great Mis Tor Through Foggintor Quarry. Janurary 2nd 2026
- John Haslett
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Starting a walk just after 10 am, I followed an old railway track for about half a mile. This quiet path led me to veer right, onto a trail that climbs above the remarkable Foggintor Quarry. The winter sun cast a soft glow over the landscape, making the nearby scenery and distant views especially beautiful.
Following the Trail Above Foggintor Quarry
The old railway track offers a peaceful start, with the sound of crunching gravel underfoot and the crisp air filling the lungs. As I moved away from the track and onto the trail above Foggintor Quarry, the view opened up dramatically. The quarry itself is a fascinating sight, with its rugged rock faces and the history etched into its walls. The winter sun highlighted the textures of the stone and the surrounding moorland, creating a scene that felt both wild and serene.
The trail here is well-marked but uneven, with occasional loose stones. Walking boots are essential to keep steady footing. The path gently climbs, offering glimpses of the quarry below and the rolling hills beyond. This section is perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of natural beauty and industrial heritage.
Climbing Towards Little Mis Tor
Continuing on, the path leads up to the main Merrivale road. Turning right, I followed the road for a short distance before turning left onto the trail heading towards Little Mis Tor. Standing at 485 metres, Little Mis Tor is a notable landmark on this route.
The weather shifted as I climbed, with a hail and snow shower making the ascent more challenging. The cold wind bit at exposed skin, but the effort was worth it. Reaching Little Mis Tor, I paused to enjoy a hot cup of soup. This break was a welcome chance to warm up and take in the views. The tor itself is a rugged outcrop of granite, standing proudly against the sky. From here, the landscape stretches out in all directions, with moorland, distant hills, and scattered rock formations.
Reaching the Summit of Great Mis Tor
Ahead lies Great Mis Tor, rising to 539 metres. The walk from Little Mis Tor to Great Mis Tor takes about 15 minutes. The path winds through rocky terrain, with stones of various shapes and sizes creating a natural puzzle to navigate.
Great Mis Tor’s summit is full of intrigue. The granite rocks form unusual shapes, some balanced precariously, others worn smooth by centuries of weather. The views from the top are expansive, offering a panoramic look at the surrounding Dartmoor landscape. On a clear day, you can see far across the moors, with patches of woodland and distant hills fading into the horizon.
Descending and Crossing to Four Winds Car Park
After circumnavigating Great Mis Tor, I began the descent. The path down is long but steady. Snow continued to fall lightly at first, then gradually stopped. The trail leads to Four Winds car park, located just across the Merrivale road.
This section of the walk offers a chance to relax and enjoy the quieter parts of the moor. The car park is a useful landmark for walkers, providing access to several trails and a place to rest or regroup.
Marshy Cross-Country Hiking Back to the Car
From Four Winds car park, I took a marshy, boggy cross-country route back to the old railway track just below Kings Tor. This part of the walk is more rugged and requires careful footing. The ground is soft and uneven, with patches of wet grass and small pools of water.
The final stretch follows the railway track for just over a mile back to the car. This peaceful path offers a chance to reflect on the day’s journey, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Dartmoor.
Arriving back at the car at 1.45pm ,i had completed a hike of just under 10 miles.
The weather was cold with plenty of wintery sunshine but with one or two hail and snow showers thrown in .
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