Hound Tor Walks and Wonders: A Day Out from the White Hart
Hound Tor is the most famous tor in Dartmoor, Devon, and is widely known as one of the most impressive granite outcrops in the UK. Its striking appearance takes its name from its shape, which many say resembles the heads of dogs.
If you’re visiting the area or staying at the White Hart, this guide explores the history and heritage of Hound Tor in Dartmoor. We’ll suggest some of the best walks and wonders around Hound Tor and how to make the most out of your day out.
The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Novel Inspired by Folklore
Hound Tor is steeped in local folklore and has inspired many artists’ work, too, most notably The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The plot of the novel surrounds an investigation set in the eerie Hound Tor, a landscape shrouded in mist, mystery, and the imagined presence of ghostly hounds roaming the moor. Whether you’re a fan of literature, history, or just love a dramatic setting, it’s hard not to feel the atmosphere here.
Getting to Hound Tor from The White Hart
Hound Tor is located just a 25-minute drive from The White Hart, making it a must-visit for anyone staying with us. We recommend using the free car park at Hound Tor, which is located right at its base, to ensure you get a spot. It’s always a good idea to set off as early as possible, especially at the weekend.
Circular Walks Around Hound Tor
There are a number of different circular walks around the famous Hound Tor, which you can choose from. We’ve listed our favourites below, along with details of distances and suggested experience levels.
Hound Tor to Greator Rocks and the Medieval Village
Key information: a 2.5-mile circular walk taking 1.5 hours in total. An excellent choice for an easy to moderate difficulty level.
Enjoy the gentle loop that begins at Hound Tor car park, which takes you past the outcrops of the tor before exploring an ancient woodland. After exploring the surrounding nature, you’ll reach the medieval village of Hound Tor, where you will find remnants of a past long before our time.
From the longhouses to the boundary walls, there is plenty of history to explore. Continue crossing to Greator Rocks and enjoy panoramic views of the valley before looping back around via moorland. This walk is among our favourites as a family-friendly and interesting route with lots to see!
Extended Circular to Haytor and Becka Brook
Key information: This moderate 5.5-mile circular route takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, making it a rewarding option for those seeking a longer walk with a moderate challenge.
If you enjoy a walking challenge, this extended circular route is for you. Start at Hound Tor and head to Haytor, a beautiful landmark definitely worth the effort! This route takes you through deep valleys of Dartmoor alongside Becka Brook, before reaching open moorland where you may witness the infamous wild ponies.
Parts of this route are known for being muddy, so wear appropriate clothing and dress sensibly in case it rains.
Wildlife Spotting Around Hound Tor
If you enjoy spotting wildlife, you’re in for a treat when visiting Hound Tor and the surrounding areas. Of course, visitors hope to see the wild ponies grazing, but there is much more to see, so keep your eyes wide open. Look upwards to the sky and see striking birds of prey circling, not to mention the many other birds that are local to the region.
With its wildflower-covered landscape, there’s also the opportunity to see wonderful butterflies and other smaller creatures, too. Why not bring along some pencils and paper and set up a sketching session with your children? Or, if drawing isn’t on the agenda, simply enjoy the views, perhaps with the aid of binoculars.
Practical Information for Visiting Hound Tor
Now that we’ve covered all of the spectacular sites and some of the amazing walking routes, it’s time to talk about practical information. Here’s what you should know:
Parking: There is a free car park located just off the B3387, which is a short walk from Hound Tor.
When to visit?: We recommend visiting as early as possible since the tor can get quite busy. Late afternoons are also a great time to visit, as you’ll catch the beautiful golden hour, perfect for photography!
Weather: In Dartmoor, the weather can change from minute to minute due to its location. We advise that you come prepared with waterproofs and warm clothing.
Footwear: Wear good walking boots!
Dogs: Hound Tor is very dog-friendly with plenty of wide space for your dog to enjoy. As with any walk, clean up after your dog and respect nearby livestock.
Book Your Next Adventure at the White Hart
Once you’ve finished exploring Hound Tor and adventuring in Dartmoor’s wonderful landscapes, the perfect place to return to is The White Hart, Dartmoor.
We’re located in the picturesque village of Moretonhampstead, a great base location for anyone visiting the local area. Our hotel is popular among walkers, who find the charm of our crackling fires and hearty food the ideal remedy for after a long day.
Book your stay at our historic hotel, The White Hart, and enjoy everything that Dartmoor has to offer, from scenic tors like Hound Tor to tucked-away villages and breathtaking views.