A guide to exploring Bodmin Moor from our campsite near Boscastle, from Rough Tor to Brown Willy.
Bodmin Moor is Cornwall's great upland wilderness: a landscape of granite tors, rough grassland, wandering ponies and huge skies. It's a complete contrast to the coast, and it's surprisingly close to Boscastle. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, Rough Tor is about six miles away, which makes the moor an easy half-day or day trip.
Where is Bodmin Moor?
Bodmin Moor lies in north-east Cornwall, roughly between Camelford, Launceston, Liskeard and Bodmin. The A30 crosses it. Much of the moor is open access land, where you can walk freely, though some parts are farmland, so follow signs and the Countryside Code.
Rough Tor
Rough Tor (pronounced "row tor", rhyming with "now") is the second-highest point in Cornwall and one of the best-known walks on the moor. It's cared for by the National Trust.
Getting there
The usual starting point is the car park at the end of the road from Camelford. From the car park, a track crosses a stream and climbs gently to the tor.
The walk
The climb to the summit is not long, but it is rough and rocky at the top, so wear sturdy footwear. From the top, the views on a clear day are wide across the moor and towards the north coast. You'll see stacked granite outcrops, the remains of prehistoric settlements and field systems, and grazing ponies and cattle.
History
The area around Rough Tor is rich in archaeology, including Bronze Age hut circles. There's also a memorial near the stream to Charlotte Dymond, whose murder in 1844 is a well-known local story.
Brown Willy
Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall, at around 420 metres. It lies south-east of Rough Tor, and many walkers combine the two. The walk from the Rough Tor car park to Brown Willy and back is longer and can be boggy in places, so allow plenty of time, take a map, and check the weather.
Other places to explore on the moor
Jamaica Inn and Bolventor
The famous Jamaica Inn at Bolventor, near the A30, inspired Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name.
Dozmary Pool
A small lake on the moor linked with Arthurian legend: some say it's where the Lady of the Lake received Excalibur.
Golitha Falls and Minions
On the south-east side of the moor are the woodland cascades of Golitha Falls and the stone circles at Minions. See our Golitha Falls and Minions guide.
Wildlife
The moor is home to skylarks, meadow pipits and other upland birds. Semi-wild ponies, cattle and sheep graze freely. Please don't feed or approach the animals, and keep dogs under close control or on a lead around livestock.
Safety on the moor
- Weather: the moor can be much colder, windier and wetter than the coast, and mist can come down quickly.
- Navigation: take a map and compass or a reliable app. Paths are not always clear.
- Ground: some areas are boggy. Wear waterproof boots.
- Livestock: give animals space, especially cows with calves.
- Supplies: take water and snacks; there are few facilities on the open moor.
Dark skies
Bodmin Moor is recognised for its dark skies, and on clear nights the stars are wonderful. You can enjoy dark skies from our campsite too. See our sunsets and stargazing post.
Planning your day
A half day is enough for Rough Tor. For Brown Willy too, allow most of a day. Combine the moor with Camelford, or drive on to Launceston. On a clear day, the moor is a great contrast to the coast walks around Boscastle; see our walks near Boscastle.
Getting there from the campsite
From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, drive towards Camelford and follow signs for Rough Tor. It's about six miles. The car park can be busy on fine summer weekends, so arrive early, and check any parking charges or notices when you get there.
What to take
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers, even on a sunny day.
- Walking boots; the ground is rough and often wet.
- Map, compass or a reliable navigation app, and a charged phone.
- Water and snacks.
- Binoculars for birds and distant views.
- A lead for your dog around livestock.
Best time to go
Spring and early summer bring skylarks and wild flowers, while late summer turns the heather purple in places. Autumn can be beautiful, with clear, crisp days. Avoid the high tops in poor visibility, as the moor can be confusing in mist.
Staying near the moor
Our farm campsite near Boscastle is a great base for both the coast and Bodmin Moor. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. Read more on our things to do page.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bodmin Moor from Boscastle?
Rough Tor is about six miles from Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
What is the highest point in Cornwall?
Brown Willy, at around 420 metres, on Bodmin Moor.
Is Rough Tor a hard walk?
It's a fairly short walk with a rough, rocky summit. Wear good boots.
Can I take my dog on Bodmin Moor?
Yes, but keep dogs under close control or on a lead around livestock.
Looking for a base on this side of the moor? See camping near Camelford. Want to combine the moor with the coast? Read about camping near Bodmin Moor at our farm near Boscastle. On clear nights, head inland for stargazing on Bodmin Moor, an International Dark Sky Landscape.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
