SX7478 : Houndtor, Dartmoor

Hound Tor

414m Elevation
28m Prominence
England Country
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SX7478 : Houndtor, Dartmoor

Alan Hunt Photo source

Explore routes near Hound Tor

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Widemouth Bay to Bude Coastal and Canal

10.8 km ~3h Moderate

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Langdon Hill Circular

2.2 km ~50m Easy

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Ropehaven Cliffs and Black Head

3.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Hound Tor Circular Walk

A scenic circular route that takes you around and over Hound Tor, ideal for soaking up the stunning views.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Unclassified

Elevation

414m

1,358 ft

Prominence

28m

Coordinates

50.5967, -3.7781

SX742789

OS Map

191

Explorer: OL28N

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent rocky outcrop and several granite boulders, with a lovely circular cairn to mark the top. Some locals might joke that if you find the right boulder, it might just be a throne!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with patches of grassy areas; typical of Dartmoor's rugged terrain.

Hound Tor is primarily composed of granite, formed during the Variscan Orogeny. The distinctive tors are the result of erosion, making it a prime location for geology enthusiasts. Some parts show fascinating weathering patterns.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can expect to see the sprawling Dartmoor landscape, with views to nearby Hay Tor and the woodland in the valley below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hound Tor' likely derives from Old English, referring to the rocky outcrop which resembles a hound lying down. It certainly has a face only a mother could love.

Historical Significance

Hound Tor is closely associated with local legends and folklore, adding a mystical element to your hike. Additionally, it has signs of prehistoric activity, showcasing its long-standing significance in the region.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park located at SX 742 780, with space for about 20 cars. It's free but can fill up quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

Buses run from nearby towns like Bovey Tracey to the Dartmoor area, but be prepared for a bit of a walk to the Tor itself.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Hound Tor; however, Bovey Tracey offers cafes, shops, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks, sudden weather changes, and the potential for boggy ground in other areas of Dartmoor.

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

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Hound Tor?

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

Are there other walkers around Hound Tor?

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 Hound Tor search or of course create your own walk for Hound Tor

Can I organise a walk to Hound Tor?

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 Hound Tor.

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 Hound Tor?

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 Hound Tor 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SX742789

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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