Haytor and Hound Tor Circular

Haytor and Hound Tor Circular is one of Dartmoor's classic routes, covering 7.4 km from the Haytor Visitor Centre across open moorland to two of the moor's most dramatic granite tors. The route crosses heather moorland to Haytor Rocks before following the disused 1820 granite tramway past quarry workings and descending into the ancient mossy woodland of Becka Valley. The climb to Hound Tor reveals the substantial ruins of a deserted medieval village, and the return crosses open moorland back to the car park. With 308 metres of elevation gain, this is a properly rewarding circuit with genuine variety.

This dog friendly walk is endlessly engaging — the open moorland carries the warm, resinous smell of gorse mixed with the cold mineral edge of granite, while Becka Valley brings sudden shade, soft ground and running water. Off-lead potential is moderate on the open moor, but close control is essential near the Dartmoor ponies encountered frequently throughout, and livestock density is high with sheep and cattle grazing the moorland. The final climb back to Haytor is exposed, with significant wind even on clear days. This is one of Dartmoor's most popular routes and gets busy at weekends — early starts are rewarded with quieter paths.