Hound Tor

Hound Tor, eastern Dartmoor

Hound Tor near Manaton is a 414 m granite tor at SX742789. This is the eastern Dartmoor landmark above Hound Tor medieval village, distinct from the 495 m Hound Tor on the north moor at SX628890. The Database of British and Irish Hills records the eastern summit as a central rocky outcrop, with 28 m of prominence.

A walk from Swallerton Gate

Start at Swallerton Gate car park and follow the uphill moorland path towards Hound Tor. Explore around the bases of the granite stacks. For a longer outing, continue down the eastern side to the deserted medieval village between Hound Tor and Greator Rocks, then retrace your route to the car park. The village extension adds a descent and a climb back; plan it with OS Explorer OL28 and enough daylight.

Walking to the rocks and climbing their faces are different undertakings. The tor is an established climbing and bouldering venue; the walking approach does not make every summit block an easy ascent. Keep to ground you can safely descend. New climbers should use an experienced provider, as advised by Dartmoor National Park, and check the BMC access entry before a climbing visit.

Rocks, views and archaeology

The granite formed deep underground around 280 million years ago. Much later, erosion exposed it and weathering along joints shaped the stacks and scattered blocks. Haytor Rocks, 457 m, lies to the south-east across the Becka Brook valley.

The ruined village has medieval longhouses, barns and corn-drying ovens. English Heritage’s history describes occupation in the 13th and 14th centuries. Greator Rocks is a separate outcrop beyond the village. The prehistoric ring cairn and cist is southwest of Hound Tor at SX7409778770, separate from the summit rocks. Leave archaeological stones and walls undisturbed.

The animal-like shapes of the stacks are associated with the name. The tale of a pack of hounds turned to stone is local folklore, rather than a geological explanation.

Access and practicalities

English Heritage identifies limited parking at Swallerton Gate. Check signs on arrival and leave gateways clear. Bring water and food; Widecombe-in-the-Moor has pubs and cafés. Bovey Tracey is a service town east of the tor, while Manaton is a nearer village to the north.

Expect exposed, uneven moorland, steep rocky edges and slippery rock in wet or icy conditions. Wear footwear with grip, carry warm waterproof layers and navigation, and turn back if wind or visibility makes the rocks unsafe. Keep dogs on leads around grazing livestock and supervise children near drops and ruins.

Public transport

As checked on 16 October 2026, the 271 Haytor Hoppa season has ended: its published 2026 service to Swallerton Gate ran on Thursdays and Saturdays from 23 May to 19 September. Country Bus 193 serves Haytor Vale on Wednesdays and Fridays, except public holidays. That stop needs a separate cross-country walk to Hound Tor. Check current dates and the return journey before travelling.