High Willhays

High Willhays is the highest point in Southern England. At 621m it just beats the nearby but more dramatic Yes Tor which comes in at 619m. It consists of 2 rockpiles which - while respectable - lack the size and power of some other tors. But this is the Roof of Devon. When you are up here you know that you're in a high place. Previous names for this point include Hight Wille (High Well?) and High Willows. Coincidentally the highest point in Cornwall's Bodmin Moor is Brown Willy (Cornish 'Bron Wennyly' meaning swallows' hill) but whether there's any real connection between the two names is unknown.

Park up a track between West Mill Tor and Rowtor at SX 591913 which is approached from the Okehampton military camp. Turn immediately right once you've crossed the bridge at SX 591931. Follow the track southwards and when it forks take the left path that leads towards Dinger Tor. From Dinger walk NW along a pretty obvious track to Fordsland Ledge. There's great views over the Okement valley from here. From Fordsland it's a short step to High Willhays. Then north to Yes Tor where there are some more great views. Head NE down to West Mill Tor and then back down to the roadside.

This is a pretty spectacular walk because of the views and because you get a good look at the edge of North Dartmoor. A bit of climbing to do but the ground on the whole is not too rough. However, you're at the mercy of the elements and the Dartmoor weather so don't do this walk without proper clothing and equipment. All of it is located within the military training area.

	Roadside parking at SX 591913 just east of West Mill Tor. Space for up to 5 vehicles.
	The military track. You can't take normal vehicles along here. The buildings on the horizon are part of the military target railway.
	A boundary stone at SX 588891. Yes Tor is on the right horizon - High Willhays on the left.
	The military track at SX 589888
	The end of the track at Dinger Tor. This is clearly a turning spot for military vehicles. The smooth whaleback of Amicombe Hill is on the horizon with the Okement valley lying between.
	A north west view from Dinger Tor. Fordsland Ledge is on the horizon while on the left is part of Woodcock Hill and Corn Ridge with the deep valley of the Okement between.
	A group of walkers head up the track back towards West Mill Tor. Fordsland Ledge is on the horizon.
	Dinger Tor (SX 586881).
	The track that leads from Dinger Tor up to Fordsland Ledge. Okement Hill, Hangingstone and Fur Tor are on the horizon
	A couple of stones surrounding a boundary marker at SX 583885. Fordsland Ledge is on the skyline.
	Fordsland Ledge (SX 576888). Rocks and military paraphenalia.
	The NW view from Fordsland ledge. On the left left is the rounded shape of Corn Ridge and Woodcock Hill. The Okement valley lies down below and in the far distance is the landscape of Mid Devon.
	The south view from Fordsland ledge overlooking the Okement and Lints Tor. This is a fantastic place to sit and admire the view.
	The box at Fordsland Ledge. These look like horse boxes. Certainly horses have been kept in them. Whether this is part of the military exercises or whether farmers or scouts use the boxes to house horses temporarily is unknown.
	One of the pinnacles of High Willhays at SX 580896. Consists of layered granite (or lamellar bedding) rather like that of Char Tor or Watern Tor.
	The north view from the cairn on top of the main pinnacle of High Willhays. This is the roof of Devon - the highest point in Britain south of the Brecon Beacons.
	The ridgeway track that connects Yes Tor and High Willhays. They are about half a mile apart.
	Cloud and mist can appear very quickly on Dartmoor. This picture was taken shortly after the one above.
	Approaching the main pinnacle of Yes Tor.
	The triangulation point of Yes Tor. This is a dramatic tor with accompanying good views. We're very exposed to the weather up here so things can change rapidly.
	The Red a Ven stream crossing with Yes Tor in the background.
	West Mill Tor - (SX 587910). This is another impressive tor with great big blocks of granite.
	Another view of West Mill Tor - solid Cyclopean masonry.
	Going down eastwards from West Mill Tor (SX 588910). Rowtor is just below - as is the road.