Haytor

A Granite Tor on the eastern edge of Dartmoor

This is a lovely adventure for you and your dog and takes about 1.5 hours. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Bowerland – see Map. Haytorite, a variety of quartz found in an iron mine adjacent to the Hay Tor granite quarries, was named “in honour of its birth-place.” (source: Wikipedia).

When you arrive at Haytor, park in the large car park, nearest the rocks. After parking, cross over the road and walk towards right side of the round shaped tor – there is a lovely view from here, so be sure to stop and admire the view.

Directions:

• Take the path on your right, leading down the hill.
• On the left hand side after about 200 metres you will see a wire fence surrounding Haytor Quarry. This is a lovely sheltered spot with a pool if you fancy a quick dip – and your dog may also want to cool down.
• After your dip, follow the fence around to a gate which you can use to explore the quarry which is worth seeing.  Otherwise, just carry straight on to the lower side of the gulley and at the end, turn left.  This is a very distinctive track with granite kerbs on either side. Years ago, back in 1820, it formed part of the Haytor Granite Tramway.
• Follow it as it curves along to the right and across a causeway.  You will come to a junction and turn sharp left (Haytor will now be on your left).
• Follow the track uphill towards the other quarries. Ignore the three sets of points to the right, but take the first branch to the left. The track disappears a bit at this stage, but a footpath leads you through the gorse undergrowth.  As long as you keep Haytor on the left and the outcrop of rocks on the right, you should be fine.
• Once you are sort of level with the small tor on your right, follow the left hand path upwards.  If you have the time, explore some of the disused quarries which you will find about 40 metres before reaching the small tor.  You will need to take a smaller track to the right to get to them.
• Back on track, if you circle anti-clockwise around to the southern edge of the small tor, then you will be able to see Haytor again.  Carry on down the hill, following the wide track leading towards it.
• At this point you can either climb the tor, or return to the car park.
• Your walk around Haytor is now over!

We hope you enjoy this beautiful walk. Read more of our Wednesday Walks HERE. And see Devon Dog’s Calendar of Events HERE.

 

Featured image by Smalljim | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons