Beyond its seemingly endless expanse of moorland, Dartmoor is perhaps most recognisable for its tors – huge collections of granite jutting out from the beautiful rolling hills. There are hundreds of different tors across Dartmoor, many of them easily accessible from places to stay in Chagford.
While some tors are taller and larger, few are as dramatic as Hound Tor. One of Dartmoor’s most iconic locations, discover the rich history and culture around Hound Tor and how to make the most of your trip.
Where is Hound Tor? How to Get There
One of the reasons Hound Tor is so popular is that it’s one of the easiest tors for tourists to visit.
Hound Tor is situated next to arguably the most-visited location in Dartmoor, Haytor, which is just outside Bovey Tracey in East Dartmoor. You can travel to Haytor Visitor Centre, which has a large car park and facilities, and walk past Haytor to Hound Tor, which is only a few miles away on relatively flat land.
Alternatively, if you just want to visit Hound Tor and cut down on your walking, there is a smaller car park near Hound Tor at Swallerton Gate.
The Story of Hound Tor: One of Dartmoor’s Most Dramatic Locations
There are many great tors in Dartmoor that make for fantastic walks, but few have as much culture and history tied to them as Hound Tor.
Folklore has it that Hound Tor was once a pack of hounds that were one day turned to stone after angering a witch. It is believed that Hound Tor played a role in inspiring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, whose story The Hound of the Baskervilles is set on Dartmoor. The modern BBC adaptation of the story was also set in the area.
Beyond the tor itself, Hound Tor is also home to the remarkable remains of a deserted medieval village. The outlines of 13th-century longhouses can still be explored today.
Things to See & Do at Hound Tor
- Hike to the top of Hound Tor for beautiful views across Dartmoor.
- Discover the mysterious locations that inspired Sherlock Holmes and appeared in Doctor Who.
- Explore the history of civilisation on Dartmoor at the Abandoned Medieval Village and nearby Granite Tramway.
- Enjoy circular walks including Haytor, Yarner Wood, and other nearby locations.
- Explore iconic locations in Dartmoor folklore, including nearby Bowerman’s Nose and Jay’s Grave.
Facilities at Hound Tor
Facilities at and around Hound Tor are limited as there are no towns or villages within walking distance. Hound Tor’s main car park will sometimes have a food van, but that’s pretty much all you’ll find in this specific area, so it’s best to be prepared.
For those who are happy walking, you’ll find more facilities at nearby Haytor Rocks, which has parking and a visitor centre including toilets. That’s why many visitors will park at Haytor and explore both tors on the same day.
How Accessible is Hound Tor?
As with many of Dartmoor’s tors, the ground around Hound Tor is uneven and unpredictable, with slip and trip hazards that can make accessing it difficult for some people. However, compared to other Dartmoor tors, Hound Tor is one of the easier ones to visit.
There is a bit of a steep incline to reach Hound Tor, and this particular tor is known for having a lot of rocks sprawling around its surface. However, the walk to the area, especially if coming from the Hound Tor car park, is relatively straightforward.
Popular Walks Around Hound Tor
Hound Tor is situated in one of the most popular areas of Dartmoor for walks. You could head off in almost any direction and find a point of interest!
- Haytor Circular: No visit would be complete without popping over to Haytor. The largely flat walk is around 5 miles long and takes around 2.5 hours.
- Hound Tor & Grimspound: This moderately challenging walk takes around two hours and covers two of Dartmoor’s most renowned ancient village sites while also passing Jay’s Grave.
- Lustleigh Cleave: For those who love hiking, this challenging six-hour walk encompasses nearby forests and rivers for a true taste of Dartmoor.
Must-See Landmarks Around Hound Tor
One of the main reasons people make the pilgrimage to Hound Tor is to discover the rich history of Dartmoor. There are so many places here that are filled with stories to discover:
- Bowerman’s Nose: A tall granite tower that, legend says, is the remains of Bowerman the Hunter, who was turned to stone along with his hunting dogs in the formation of Hound Tor.
- Jay’s Grave: The resting place of a housemaid who committed suicide. Legend has it that pixies are responsible for ensuring the grave is always decorated with flowers.
- Grimspound: A few miles from Hound Tor, this is another of Dartmoor’s most renowned prehistoric settlements, with the outline still visible today.
Image credit: Bowerman’s Nose by Paul Hutchinson. CC BY-SA 2.0.
If you’re looking to understand what it must have been like to live in ancient Dartmoor, Hounds Tor is one of the best places to visit. Remember, our Mill End Hotel is less than 10 miles from Hound Tor, making it the perfect starting point for your adventures in the area.
