Rippon Tor Rifle Range

Rippon Tor Rifle Range is a shooting range on Dartmoor built in 1942 as a military training facility and now preserved as a ruin. The site contains brick embankments with reinforced supports and intact trench systems that are spread across the moorland.

The range was built in 1942 during World War II and served British soldiers as a training ground for marksmanship practice. After the war it remained in use until closure in 1977, after which it was left as a historic reminder of that era.

The range takes its name from the nearby Rippon Tor hilltop and is visited today by those curious about wartime remains and military history on Dartmoor. The brick structures and trenches visible across the site tell the story of how soldiers trained here during the war years.

The site sits on marshy moorland with changing weather, so sturdy footwear and weather-resistant clothing are essential. Exploration is easiest during drier months, and visitors should stay on marked ground and read the information boards provided.

A notable feature is the preserved markers gallery where soldiers once operated the target mechanisms during training sessions. This detail reveals the working routine of those who staffed the range and brings its daily operations to life.

GPS coordinates: 50.55100,-3.76530

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58