My day out: Rough Tor
Making the most of the summer sunshine, I decided to pay Bodmin Moor a visit and take a trip up Rough Tor. I hadn’t been there since I was a lot younger, and it was a good opportunity for a scenic walk and take in the unique surroundings on offer.
I roughly knew what to expect, having visited before, but I did have a quick look at some recent reviews of the area before setting off. Visitors describe it as “a wonderful scenic walk”, and “inspiring, littered with prehistoric remains”. As a result, I was quite excited to head off on my moorland adventures.
When I arrived, I was soon reminded why this area is known as one of the most beautiful spots in the county. My favourite part of the day was enjoying the picturesque views from both the bottom and top of Rough Tor, absolutely stunning.
There is lots of wildlife on the moors, including sheep and wild ponies. This is something to keep in mind if you have dogs, as it is probably best to keep them on a lead in order to avoid any confrontation with the wildlife that roams free on the moors.
At the bottom of Rough Tor I noticed a memorial for Charlotte Dymond, and having read into it further I found out it was one of the most famous murders ever to have occurred in Cornwall. The story behind it is fascinating, but probably only suitable for an older audience.
I also discovered some horseback scenes of the popular BBC programme, Poldark, were filmed near Rough Tor.
This walk can be enjoyed by most, although I wouldn’t suggest it for any who struggle with mobility – as the hill walk can get very steep and climbing amongst the rocks can get tricky at times.
Top tips for visiting Rough Tor:
- Keep your dog on a lead.
- Wear suitable footwear, as the ground can be uneven and there are some rocks to climb.
- Pack lots of water and appropriate clothing – you are open to the elements on the moors, so make sure you have a coat, and suncream if it is sunny.
About the author: Rob is our customer experience advisor who visited Rough Tor in August 2019.