Princetown, Foggintor Quarry and Swelltor
Old quarries, railway ghosts and open moor on the high heart of Dartmoor
Princetown, Dartmoor · Dartmoor
Quick summary
A strong Dartmoor circuit from Princetown taking in the dramatic remains of Foggintor Quarry and Swelltor Quarry, sections of the old Princetown railway trackbed and wide open moorland. Around 9,500–11,000 steps for most walkers, depending on route variations.
Why this walk works for 10,000 steps
At just under 5 miles across open moorland with some elevation change and quarry exploration detours, this route consistently delivers close to or above 10,000 steps. The rough ground and trackbed sections keep the pace varied and the step count honest.
Route summary
- 1From Princetown car park, head southwest along the old Princetown Railway trackbed.
- 2Bear south toward Foggintor Quarry — the flooded granite pit and spoil heaps are unmistakable.
- 3Continue west to Swelltor Quarry and the dressed stone stacks left by Victorian quarrymen.
- 4Loop back north across open moor, passing King Tor.
- 5Return to Princetown along the railway trackbed.
Terrain and difficulty
Mostly firm moorland grass and old railway trackbed. Some rough ground around the quarries. Can be boggy after heavy rain. No significant scrambling required but the quarry edges require care. Navigationally moderate — the quarries are distinct landmarks but mist can make the open moor confusing.
Best time to walk
Any season. Autumn and winter give the quarries a dramatic, melancholy atmosphere. Avoid in low cloud if unfamiliar with moorland navigation.
Facilities nearby
Princetown has a pub (The Plume of Feathers), a café and a small visitor centre. Toilets in the village.
Safety & access
The quarry edges are unfenced — keep children and dogs back from drops. Dartmoor weather changes fast; take a waterproof and map. Military firing ranges are active north of Princetown — check firing times before detouring.
Distances and step counts are approximate and vary by stride length, terrain and device. Moorland and coastal routes can feel harder than the numbers suggest. Always check weather, daylight and access conditions before setting out.