Haytor and Hound Tor

Dartmoor, Devon

Moderate Full

8.4 km Distance

~2h 30m Duration

Moorland and granite tor Terrain

Full Off-lead

Two of Dartmoor’s most recognisable granite tors in one route, with open moorland connecting them. Haytor is the more famous, rising clearly above the surrounding heath with a rock face that climbers use. Hound Tor is wilder and less visited, with a collapsed medieval farmstead at its base. The walk between them crosses open moor with long views in all directions.The terrain is rough moorland - a mix of short grass, heather, and rocky ground. Good boots are essential. After significant rain, lower sections can be very boggy; the higher ground drains better but is uneven underfoot. Dartmoor ponies graze freely across the moor and will not panic at a dog, but keeping close control near them is the right approach.

Cold, wet, and windswept in bad weather - and spectacular in good.

This is open-access land and dogs can be off lead across most of it. The moorland character makes for an excellent day out for a dog that wants real space and genuine countryside. Cold, wet, and windswept in bad weather - and spectacular in good. Come prepared for either.

Seasonal notes

Tick season · Mar-Oct · Check after every visit

Good to know

Hazards Ticks on dogs: what UK dog owners need to know Hazards Grass seeds and dogs - what every UK owner needs to know Hazards Alabama rot in dogs - a calm and accurate guide for UK walkers

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Before you go

Parking Haytor car park, free

Getting there No direct public transport. Car recommended.

Nearest town Dartmoor

Facilities Ice cream van at Haytor car park in season. Nothing on the route itself.

Difficulty Some hills and uneven ground

For your dog

Off-lead

FullOff-lead throughout - open access land, no road crossings on the main route.

Distance 8.4 km, typically ~2h 30m

More walks nearby

Grasmere Lake Circuit

7.2 km · Easy · Partial

Stanage Edge and Hathersage Moor

10.3 km · Moderate · Full

The walk between Haytor and Hound Tor crosses open Dartmoor - 7.8 kilometres of rough moorland that feels very different from anything in the south of England. The ground is honest about the effort involved: tussock grass, wet peat bogs that look firmer than they are, and rocky sections that require some attention underfoot. Dogs are technically off-lead on open moorland, but Dartmoor has free-roaming ponies, cattle, and sheep across the whole route and leads are needed whenever the path takes you near livestock, which happens regularly. Adders are common on the sunny, south-facing slopes around both tors - the rocky gaps between boulders at Hound Tor in particular are the kind of spots where a curious nose gets too close. Weather on Dartmoor changes without much warning; the moor can be in cloud when Exeter is sunny. The summit of Haytor itself is granite and loose in places. This is an excellent walk for a confident, well-trained dog; less suitable for one that is unreliable around livestock.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog to Haytor and Hound Tor?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Haytor and Hound Tor on Dartmoor. Much of the moorland is open access land and dogs can be off-lead, but Dartmoor ponies, cattle, and sheep roam freely across the moor so keep dogs under close control at all times. Leads are essential near any livestock. Adders are present on the moorland - keep dogs on leads through heather and bracken during April to July. The terrain is rough with tussock grass, bogs, and exposed rock. Weather changes fast and fog can roll in quickly. Free parking is available at the Haytor car park.