Haytor Rocks

Haytor Rocks

Haytor Rocks Group Walks | Join a Walk

457m Elevation
67m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

400-499m Tump

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Elevation

457m

1,499 ft

Prominence

67m

Coordinates

50.5798, -3.7568

SX757770

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N

At the Summit

The summit is crowned by impressive granite outcrops, perfect for a spot of bouldering or simply enjoying the panoramic views.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassland and some exposed granite

Haytor Rocks is primarily composed of granite, formed during the Variscan orogeny. The weathered outcrops create spectacular rock formations and the gritstone screes are a testament to its rugged beauty.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can spot the Teign Valley and the distant Exe Estuary, as well as lovely vistas across Dartmoor. On a clear day, you might even see all the way to the coast!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Haytor' comes from the Old English 'haga', meaning 'fenced enclosure', reflecting its historical significance.

Historical Significance

An iconic Dartmoor landmark, Haytor has long been a place of inspiration for poets and artists alike, contributing to the cultural heritage of the region.

Popular Routes

Haytor Rocks Circular Walk

Easy

A classic circular walk starting from the main Haytor Rocks car park. This route takes you through the iconic granite tor, then loops around via the Haytor Quarry, offering stunning views of Dartmoor and a chance to explore the disused quarry pools. The path is well-marked and suitable for most walkers.

4.5 km 1.5 hours

Haytor to Hound Tor Loop

Moderate

This popular route connects two of Dartmoor's most famous tors: Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor. Starting at Haytor, the trail crosses open moorland and passes through Greator Rocks, offering a mix of dramatic landscapes and archaeological points of interest, including medieval village ruins near Hound Tor.

8 km 3 hours

Haytor Rocks to Widecombe-in-the-Moor

Moderate

A linear walk from Haytor to the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. This route combines moorland paths, woodlands, and scenic valleys, with opportunities to stop at local tea shops in Widecombe. Return transport or a circular route needs to be planned if starting at Haytor.

6.5 km 2.5 hours

Haytor Granite Tramway Trail

Moderate

Follow the historic Haytor Granite Tramway from Haytor Rocks down to Bovey Tracey. This route provides a fascinating insight into Dartmoor's industrial heritage, as well as a gently sloping walk through moorland and forested areas. Ideal for those interested in history and nature.

9 km 3.5 hours

Haytor Rocks and Smallacombe Rocks Circular

Moderate

This slightly extended circular route begins at Haytor and explores nearby Smallacombe Rocks. The path includes open moorland and rocky outcrops, offering panoramic views of Dartmoor and a quieter alternative to the main Haytor Rocks circular route.

6 km 2 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at Haytor Car Park (SX762762), which is a short walk from the rocks.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Haytor Vale, serviced by routes from Newton Abbot.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets at Haytor Car Park, and nearby cafes offer refreshments for your hike, including the Haytor Coffee van which serves surprisingly good espresso.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes typical of moorland areas. The terrain can also be slippery, especially when wet.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Haytor Rocks?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Haytor Rocks through the maps

Are there other walkers around Haytor Rocks?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Haytor Rocks search or of course create your own walk for Haytor Rocks

Can I organise a walk to Haytor Rocks?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Haytor Rocks.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Haytor Rocks?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Haytor Rocks here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible