Brown Willy from Rough Tor

Linking Rough Tor and Brown Willy creates one of Bodmin Moor’s classic summit walks. Though relatively short by distance, the route quickly leaves roads and shelter behind, replacing them with granite, open sky and a feeling of genuine space that is increasingly rare in southern England.

Rough Tor arrives first, its scattered granite towers rising abruptly from the moorland slopes. Even before reaching the summit, the views begin opening west across the rough folds of Bodmin Moor.

From Rough Tor, the route continues across exposed high ground towards Brown Willy itself — Cornwall’s highest point. The walk between the two summits is where the character of the route really settles in: peat underfoot, sheep tracks winding through the grass and distant tors appearing through shifting light and weather.

In good conditions, visibility can stretch for miles. In mist, however, the moor becomes surprisingly serious, and simple navigation skills become important.

The granite landscape here was shaped millions of years ago, but human traces across the moor are nearly as striking. Prehistoric field systems, hut circles and ancient trackways lie scattered across Bodmin Moor, giving the entire area a deep-time atmosphere that suits the exposed terrain perfectly.

The weathered rock formations on Rough Tor are especially dramatic at sunrise or late evening, making this one of Bodmin Moor’s favourite locations for landscape photographers.

Despite its popularity, the route can still feel wonderfully remote once away from the car park. Wind, skylarks and the crunch of granite often replace any sense of modern noise.

On a clear day, this remains one of the finest short summit outings anywhere in Cornwall.