Haytor to Hound Tor Walk: Get ready for an epic adventure that’s full of surprises, amazing views, and a splash of mystery! The walk from Haytor to Hound Tor on Dartmoor is like a treasure hunt for explorers of all ages!
Starting at the massive granite rocks of Haytor, you’ll be blown away by the jaw-dropping views that go on forever! As you hike along the moorland paths, keep your eyes peeled for wild Dartmoor ponies munching on the heather. The landscape is a magical mix of rolling hills, scattered rocks, and colorful blooming flowers.
Just when you think it can’t get any cooler, you’ll find a secret spot perfect for a wild swim! Take a refreshing dip in the hidden waters before heading off on the next part of your journey.
Your adventure then leads you to the eerie ruins of an abandoned medieval village tucked beneath the towering Hound Tor! Imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago as you explore the old stone buildings and crumbling pathways.
Finally, climb to the top of Hound Tor for one last amazing view – the perfect ending to an unforgettable day! This circular walk connects three of Dartmoor’s most famous tors, taking you through open moorland, fields of bluebells, and ancient woodlands, with friendly Dartmoor ponies along the way!
The trail has a few hills to climb, but nothing too tough! For extra fun, you can scramble up to the top of the tors, but even without that, the views are simply stunning! Ready to start your Haytor to Hound Tor adventure? Here’s everything you need to know!
Haytor to Hound Tor Walk 2024:
The stats
Distance: 6.2 miles (10km)
Elevation gain: 435m
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Trail conditions
This circular walk has some hills to climb, but don’t sweat it – most of the uphill parts are short, and there are plenty of flat stretches in between to catch your breath! The trail changes a lot, just like Dartmoor’s weather, so you’ll get a mix of everything, from smooth paths to rocky sections and open moorland.
Watch out for muddy or boggy spots, especially after it rains, but they’re usually easy to get through. The trail isn’t always super clear, so it feels like a mini-adventure! Make sure you’ve got sturdy shoes and a map or GPS to keep you on track!
The Route
The Haytor to Hound Tor Walk kicks off at the famous Haytor Rocks, where you’ll be treated to amazing views of Dartmoor! From there, follow a well-trodden path across the moorland, weaving through patches of heather and spotting ponies grazing along the way.
The trail leads you over gentle hills and rocky patches, eventually bringing you to Holwell Lawn – a hidden spot perfect for a wild swim! Next, you’ll explore the spooky ruins of the medieval village at Hound Tor, where ancient stone walls whisper secrets of the past. The walk ends with a climb to the top of Hound Tor, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views!
This walk can be a bit tricky to follow since there aren’t any signposts, so we’ve provided a rough map below! It’s a good idea to download an offline map on your phone or bring something to help with navigation, as you’ll find lots of trails to explore!
Here’s the basic route:
Saddle Tor Car Park -> Saddle Tor -> Haytor -> Haytor Quarry -> Smallacombe Rocks -> the Woodland -> Hound Tor -> Emsworthy Mire -> Saddle Tor Car Park.
Starting the trail at Saddle Tor
Starting the trail at Saddle Tor is like jumping right into an adventure! As soon as you leave the car park, you’ll spot the towering granite rocks of Saddle Tor, just waiting for you to explore them! If you’re up for it, scramble to the top – the view from up there is totally worth the climb!
From the summit, you’ll see the moorland spread out like a big, open playground, with more rocky tors, colorful wildflowers, and maybe even some Dartmoor ponies! The path ahead is a mix of grassy trails and rocky bits, making every step feel like a new discovery!
As you head toward Haytor, the trail rises and falls gently, leading you through patches of purple heather and past sheep munching on the grass! Keep an eye out for birds flying high above. The trail is easy to follow, but there’s always a sense of adventure as you cross the open moorland.
When you reach Haytor, you’ll be amazed by its size and the awesome views! And guess what? This is just the start of your journey, with even more cool spots to explore as you continue toward Hound Tor! If you want to mix things up, you can start the walk at any of the three tors, but Saddle Tor is a great choice to save the best for last!
Through the moors to Haytor
Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot some Dartmoor ponies munching on the grass, making the journey even more magical! From Saddle Tor, you’ll see Haytor towering in the distance, looking big and mighty!
The climb up to it might seem steep, but don’t worry – it’s easier than it looks! The path takes you downhill first, then flattens out before gently rising toward Haytor. The last 250 meters bring you to a wide, grassy area with huge rocks on either side – the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views!
Exploring both sides of Haytor
We decided to climb the left side of Haytor first, which is just 160 meters away! You’ll start by walking up shallow steps carved into the rock, and near the top, there are a few metal rungs to help you climb up easily. These were actually put in place to help Queen Victoria reach the top, but she didn’t end up using them because the weather was too wild! Luckily, they make it easier for everyone else!
The views from the top are amazing, but it’s super windy up there, so we could only stay for a few minutes! You can also climb the rocks on the right side, but it’s a bit tricky to find.
You’ll need to go around the back of the rocks and look for some small, easy-to-miss steps carved into the rock. These steps are a bit basic, but they’ll get you up there. Just be careful, especially if it’s wet or windy. The views over Dartmoor and the South Devon coast are spectacular, but on really windy days, sticking to the left side rocks is a better choice!
On to Haytor Quarry
After you’ve explored Haytor, it’s time to check out Haytor Quarry, where more adventure awaits! The quarry is like a giant outdoor playground with its old, abandoned stoneworks and huge rock faces.
As you explore, you’ll see where stone was cut from the granite, and there are lots of cool spots to discover! Look up and be amazed by the towering rock walls.
From the quarry, the trail takes you downhill on a grassy path. Follow the path until you see a small wooden gate – that’s 700 meters from the top of Haytor Rocks (on the right side). Walk through the gate and follow the gravel path down towards the quarry, which is just 100 meters away.
The quarry is surprisingly scenic, and the second pool of water is a popular spot for wild swimming. The water is clear and inviting, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. If you want a quieter swim, try to go early. Otherwise, it’s a great place to relax before heading on to Hound Tor!
Heading across the moors
Heading across the moors feels like diving into a huge, open adventure! As you walk, you’ll see rolling hills and grassy fields stretching out all around you, sprinkled with colorful wildflowers and maybe even some Dartmoor ponies!
The path winds through this amazing landscape, giving you lots of chances to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the views. You might spot little streams and boggy patches, adding extra fun to your journey. It’s like exploring a giant playground where every twist and turn shows off a new part of Dartmoor’s natural beauty!
To keep going, retrace your steps to the gate and head left across the open grassland. You’ll soon find the Haytor Granite Tramway, which was used to move granite from Haytor Down to the Stover Canal. It’s an easy, flat path with lovely views of Dartmoor ponies on the right.
When the tramway curves left, keep following it with Haytor still on your left. After another 450 meters, you’ll reach the Smallacombe Rocks, where you can enjoy some great views of Hound Tor in the distance!
Through ancient woodland to the medieval village
The rocky path soon turns into a grassy trail and leads you into a magical woodland! This part of the walk feels like a hidden treasure, very different from the rest of the trail. The trees are covered in soft, green moss, and the sound of birds singing is really calming. Plus, it’s a nice break from the wind!
The path might get a bit muddy, but you can hop over the squishy spots using the rocks scattered around. After 250 meters, you’ll cross a charming little creek.
Then comes a gentle climb, which is the longest part of the hike. In May, the path is sprinkled with beautiful bluebells and other wildflowers that make the climb even more special.
As you climb through the woods, you’ll reach the ruins of a medieval village after 600 meters. You can explore the remains of this 13th-century village and imagine what life was like back then. Just remember to read up on the history before you go, as there’s no information on-site!
This circular walk takes you between three of Dartmoor’s most iconic tors, along open moorland and fields of bluebells. You’ll pass a great wild swimming spot, a medieval village and ancient woodland, with plenty of Dartmoor ponies to keep you company.
It’s a varied trail with some hills to climb, but nothing overly strenuous. You can make it more of an adventure by scrambling to the tops of the tors, but the views are stunning regardless.
Heading up to Hound Tor
Heading up to Hound Tor is like stepping into a real adventure! As you start climbing, the path gets a bit steeper, but it’s all part of the fun. You’ll walk through rocky areas and grassy patches, with amazing views popping up along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for cool rock shapes and maybe even some Dartmoor ponies!
When you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of Dartmoor and the countryside. It’s a great spot to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery before moving on. From the village, follow the main path up to Hound Tor.
The next 600 meters are a bit steep, but the path is good, and soon you’ll be at the base of the famous Hound Tor. This rocky spot inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and is full of myths and legends.
On a clear day, the views are fantastic, but Hound Tor also looks really mysterious on misty days! The rocks here are impressive, just like at Haytor. You might see rock climbers on the right side, but you can easily scramble up the rocks on the left if it’s dry.
There are lots of great spots to sit and relax, and we were lucky enough to see plenty of ponies grazing nearby. It’s a classic Dartmoor scene!
On to Emsworthy Mire
After exploring Hound Tor, it’s time to head towards Emsworthy Mire! The trail will guide you through open moorland, where you’ll walk on grassy paths and rocky bits. Watch out for lovely wildflowers that might be blooming along the way. You’ll cross a few streams and navigate around some muddy patches, so be careful where you step!
Emsworthy Mire is a cool place with wetlands and lots of wildlife. It’s a peaceful spot where you can spot birds and insects. Take a break and enjoy the scenery before moving on!
From Hound Tor, the path leads gently downhill through the moors towards Emsworthy Mire. You’ll see Rippator (or Rival Tor) on your left. After 750 meters, you’ll reach a gate, where you’ll turn left and walk along a shaded path lined with bluebells (if it’s May).
Continue for another 650 meters, pass through another gate, and cross a small bridge over a stream. Follow the water to the right, then climb up a rocky path.
After a bit, you’ll encounter some boggy areas—try to stay on higher ground and use rocks and grass to avoid the mud. It’s not too long before the path flattens out and heads downhill towards the gate into Emsworthy Mire.
Completing the circuit
Completing the circuit is the final exciting part of your adventure! As you leave Emsworthy Mire, the trail guides you back toward Saddle Tor.
Enjoy one last look at the stunning views as you walk through open moorland and grassy fields. You’ll retrace some of your earlier steps, passing familiar sights and soaking in the beauty of Dartmoor.
When you reach Saddle Tor Car Park, where your adventure began, take a moment to reflect on the amazing journey you’ve had. The final stretch is mostly flat and leisurely, with a few different paths to choose from, but they all lead you back.
In May, Emsworthy Mire is covered in a sea of bluebells, making the walk even more magical! The last few hundred meters up to the car park are gentle but uphill.
This walk is a fantastic mix of great views, fun scrambles, and lovely moorland. Don’t be fooled by the sunny photos—sometimes the wind can be pretty fierce!
Finding cool places to stay near the Haytor to Hound Tor Walk:
| Hotel Name | Location | What It’s Like | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ashburton Arms Hotel | Ashburton, Devon | A cozy, friendly country inn with comfy rooms and yummy meals. It’s a great spot to relax after hiking! | The Ashburton Arms |
| The Dartmoor Lodge | Ashburton, Devon | A comfy hotel with cool views of Dartmoor, a nice restaurant, and close to local trails. | Dartmoor Lodge |
| Gidleigh Park | Chagford, Devon | A fancy country house hotel with a beautiful garden, delicious food, and a spa to chill out after your adventures. | Gidleigh Park |
| The Globe Inn | Chagford, Devon | A historic inn with cozy rooms and traditional pub meals. It’s perfect for exploring Dartmoor. | The Globe Inn |
| The Manor House Hotel | Moretonhampstead, Devon | A lovely hotel with elegant rooms and a peaceful setting. Great for relaxing and easy access to walking trails. | The Manor House Hotel |
Pros and Cons for the Haytor to Hound Tor Walk:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. | Rocky Terrain: Some sections of the trail are steep and rocky, which can be challenging. |
| Varied Landscape: Experience a mix of open moorland, woodlands, and interesting rock formations. | Limited Facilities: There are no facilities on the trail, so you need to bring your own supplies. |
| Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see Dartmoor ponies, birds, and other wildlife. | Weather Dependence: Dartmoor’s weather can be unpredictable; bad weather can make the walk less enjoyable. |
| Historical Sites: Explore the remains of a medieval village and iconic landmarks like Hound Tor. | Muddy Sections: Some parts of the trail can get muddy, especially after rain. |
| Free to Access: No entrance fee is required to enjoy this beautiful walk in Dartmoor National Park. | Limited Public Transport: Getting to the start of the walk via public transport can be tricky. |
Conclusion
The Haytor to Hound Tor Walk is an incredible adventure packed with stunning views, wild swimming spots, and a glimpse into history. As you hike from the iconic Haytor Rocks to the mysterious Hound Tor, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Dartmoor. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the quarry and explore the abandoned medieval village, where ancient ruins and wildflowers create a magical atmosphere. Whether you’re climbing rocky outcrops, spotting Dartmoor ponies, or simply soaking in the scenery, this walk offers an unforgettable experience full of natural beauty and exciting discoveries. If you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out more similar content for additional inspiration.
FAQs
Q1: How long is the Haytor to Hound Tor Walk?
The walk is approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) long. It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring.
Q2: Is the walk suitable for beginners?
Yes, the walk is suitable for beginners and families. There are some hills, but they are not too challenging. The paths are well-marked and mostly easy to follow.
Q3: What should I wear for the walk?
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots, as the terrain can be uneven. Dress in layers, as the weather on Dartmoor can change quickly. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket in case of rain!
Q4: Are there any facilities along the route?
There are no facilities directly on the walk. However, there are cafés, pubs, and toilets available at the starting point near Haytor. It’s a good idea to carry water and snacks with you.
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