Bodmin Moor: granite moorland in northeastern Cornwall

Geology and landscape

Bodmin Moor is one of the granite plutons in Cornwall, formed as molten rock intruded into older rocks during Earth’s distant tectonic past. The slow cooling and later exposure of that granite produced the rounded, blocky outcrops known as tors. The moor contains high points such as Brown Willy — the county's highest summit — and nearby Roughtor. Peat bogs occupy hollows between the rock outcrops and store water that feeds rivers. Several rivers rise on the moor, including the headwaters of the River Fowey and others that drain to both north and south coasts.

History and archaeology

Human presence on Bodmin Moor goes back to prehistoric times. Bronze Age field systems, burial cairns, standing stones and hut circles are common across the moor and testify to early farming and ritual activity. The name "Bodmin Moor" itself is comparatively modern, first recorded in the early 19th century; earlier maps and accounts referred to the area by other local names such as Fowey Moor, after the river that rises there. From the medieval period onward the moor was used for rough grazing, and in later centuries tracks evolved into the trunk roads that cross it. One long-lived cultural association is with the 19th-century coaching inn and smuggling legends preserved in literature set on the moor.

Ecology and land use

The moor supports upland heath and bog habitats dominated by heather, gorse and sedges; these provide habitat for ground-nesting birds, insects and other upland species adapted to exposed, acidic soils. Much of Bodmin Moor is working countryside: sheep and some cattle graze the open land, and in places historic mining and quarrying have left their mark. Modern conservation efforts aim to balance farming, archaeological preservation and public access while addressing issues such as peat erosion and invasive species.

Recreation, economy and access

Bodmin Moor is a popular area for walking, birdwatching and studying archaeology. Rural lanes and rights of way cross the landscape, and a major road has crossed the moor since the 18th century, improving access to nearby towns. Visitors are encouraged to follow local guidance to protect fragile peat and archaeological sites. The moor also contributes to Cornwall’s rural economy through livestock grazing, small-scale tourism and the interpretation of its industrial and prehistoric heritage.

Notable places and facts

• High points: Brown Willy (the county high point) and Roughtor provide panoramic views.
• Granite tors such as the Cheesewring and other rock formations are distinctive landmarks.
• Many Bronze Age burial mounds, hut circles and stone rows are scattered across the moor.
• The River Fowey rises within the moor; other streams drain to different coasts.

For further general reading about the geology and landscape of Cornwall and granite moorlands see resources on granite, upland moorland, regional accounts of Cornwall and historical references linked to the River Fowey. When visiting, treat the moor respectfully: its peat and archaeological remains are valuable and vulnerable elements of a landscape shaped over millennia.