Dartmoor: Grimspound and Hookney Tor Circuit
Devon
Grimspound is one of Dartmoor's most evocative ancient sites, a circular Bronze Age enclosure of twenty-four roundhouse foundations sheltered between Hookney Tor and Hameldown. This compact circuit climbs Hookney for the views, drops into Grimspound itself and loops back past the workings of the old Birch Tor and Vitifer tin mine, and it is a dog friendly walk on open moor where dogs can have plenty of off lead time when livestock is not close.
Dartmoor sheep, ponies and Highland cattle graze freely across this stretch, and on this kind of access land dogs must be on a short fixed lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds and lambs. Underfoot is mainly tussocky moor grass, granite tor scrambles and a stream crossing on Grims Lake, with no stiles to cross. Parking is at a small layby on the B3212 just below Grimspound, with no facilities on the moor itself.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.8 km (3.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on the moor; pubs, cafes and toilets at Widecombe-in-the-Moor a short drive away.
- Parking
- Free roadside parking in the Grimspound layby on the B3212, capacity around fifteen cars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dartmoor: Grimspound and Hookney Tor Circuit dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs and earns a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It's open access moorland with plenty of space to roam, no stiles to negotiate, and a route that takes in Hookney Tor and the fascinating Bronze Age enclosure at Grimspound.
Can dogs be off lead at Dartmoor: Grimspound and Hookney Tor Circuit?
Dogs can enjoy good off-lead time here when livestock isn't close by, but there are some important restrictions to be aware of. Between 1 March and 31 July, dogs must be kept on a short fixed lead of no more than 2 metres across this stretch of moor, to protect ground-nesting birds and young lambs. Outside of that period, you'll still want to keep a close eye out for Dartmoor sheep, ponies and Highland cattle that graze freely in the area.
What should I know before visiting Dartmoor: Grimspound and Hookney Tor Circuit with my dog?
The terrain is classic Dartmoor — tussocky moor grass, granite scrambles around the tor and a stream crossing at Grims Lake — so paws and footing are worth keeping an eye on. Livestock roam freely across the area year-round, and the seasonal lead rule from 1 March to 31 July applies across the moor. There are no facilities on the walk itself, so it's worth stopping in Widecombe-in-the-Moor beforehand for any supplies, and parking is free in the small layby on the B3212 with space for around fifteen cars.
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