Haytor Rocks And Hound Tor

Start in the car park below Saddle Tor (Grid ref. SX754764) found on the B3387 from Bovey Tracey to Widecombe in the Moor.

From the car park, walk up towards the col immediately to the right of Saddle Tor and turn right onto the clear path leading northeast to Haytor Rocks.

Haytor Rocks consists of two distinct tors. The highest tor is the first one you’ll reach and can be climbed using the steps and grab irons. The lower tor is slightly more of a challenge.

As you descend, keep the lower tor on your right and continue north easterly towards Haytor Quarries.

Keep the boundary fence on your left and join the disused Haytor Tramway with its granite rails. Follow this path to the first junction.

Turn left and continue following the tramway through a shallow cutting and past a small lake on your right.

Ignore the tramway track descending right into Holwell Quarry and continue along the main line to where the rails end.

Turn right here up a clear path to the summit of Holwell Tor. Enjoy the excellent view of Becka Valley and the surrounding countryside.

Retrace your steps back along the main line until just before the small lake.

Fork left and follow the clear path to the summit of Smallacombe Rocks. The view southwards is especially good.

Descend along the path and join a bridleway that crosses a small clapper bridge over Becka Brook.

The bridleway climbs through woodland before reaching open country.

Ahead you will see the summit of Hound Tor. Follow the path past the remains of the Medieveal village of Hundatona to reach the summit. Find the two separate towers of weathered granite at the top.

Continue between the two granite towers to face the car park below.

Turn left and follow the path that heads for Haytor Rocks.

This path continues with Greator Rocks on your left to reach a gate.

Follow the onward path signed ‘Haytor Down’ which leads you down to cross Becka Brook.

The path can be quite indistinct inplaces from here so be careful.

After crossing the Brook, head up the slope ahead and take the first clear path on your right.

This runs parallel to the Brook heading southwest. There is a boggy section that is best avoided by going left before continuing to a gate in a wall (Grid ref. 747769).

The path becomes clearer here and you continue past the remains of Emsworthy Farm to reach a waymarked path for Saddle Tor.

Follow this to the summit of Saddle Tor before descending back to the car park.

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