Hound Tor
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Hound Tor

4.9
·202 reviews·, United Kingdom

Iconic Dartmoor tor with medieval village ruins, offering panoramic views and a perfect spot for picnics and dog walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Hound Tor

Hound Tor

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Dartmoor tor with medieval village ruins, offering panoramic views and a perfect spot for picnics and dog walks.

4.9
(202 reviews)

"Beautiful scenery. Well worth the hike up to the rocks. Good sturdy foot wear required."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Boots Essential

Muddy and rocky paths require good footwear. Protect your ankles and enjoy the climb!

☕ Coffee Van Availability

A mobile coffee shop is sometimes available in the car park. Perfect for a post-hike treat!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hound Tor Summit

Hound Tor Summit

Top of the tor

Panoramic views of Dartmoor's rugged beauty. A perfect spot for picnics and feeling on top of the world.

Medieval Village Ruins

Medieval Village Ruins

Base of the tor

Explore the remnants of a bygone era. Imagine life in this ancient settlement nestled on the hillside.

Granite Rock Formations

Granite Rock Formations

Hound Tor

Impressive granite tors that define Dartmoor's landscape. A natural playground for exploration.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Footwear for Dartmoor

Sturdy walking boots are a must for Hound Tor! The terrain can be muddy and rocky, especially when climbing the tor itself. Don't let slippery paths dampen your adventure.

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

While Hound Tor is free to visit, it can get busy. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and truly soak in the serene Dartmoor landscape.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Good morning sleepyheads 😬
@thegoodsnews
2.5M likes • 24.7M views

🥾 Sturdy Boots Essential

Muddy and rocky paths require good footwear. Protect your ankles and enjoy the climb!

☕ Coffee Van Availability

A mobile coffee shop is sometimes available in the car park. Perfect for a post-hike treat!

Exploring Dartmoor and one of its many small rainforests🚶‍♂️. Was able to find this one and a few others by just looking at maps online (usually alongside rivers). Would definitely recommend as an alternative to ease the pressure on Wistman’s wood 🍃#Outdoors #Hiking #nature #rainforest #Dartmoor #adventure
@parityproject
115.1K likes • 685.1K views
Climbing Dartmoor 🧗🌳 Climbing Hound Tor with good friends on a grey but mild day for the 1st of February. First time using camera for video, huge learning curve for the editing process! #nikonz6iii #climbdartmoor #dartmoor #houndtor #videography #davinciresolve #nikon #climbing #rockclimbing #igersdevon
frid.jpg
0 likes • 1.8K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Ideal for senior dogs and families. Soft grass and gentle slopes make it accessible for all.

🚗 Narrow Access Road

The road to Hound Tor is narrow. Drive with care and enjoy the scenic approach.

Tried again. - Tried an e2 on Hound Tor again the other day. Got further this time. The next move up was just too far from last piece and I guess is probably the part that gets it e2. Backed off it. Decided to top rope solo it instead. 📸 @joel_griffs Belay - @_jamie.horwell - #arcteryx #bmcadventures #berghaus #bmcsummit #blackdiamond #climbdartmoor #climber #climb #climbworldtour #climbon...
jgs.adventures
0 likes • 4.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Boots Essential

Muddy and rocky paths require good footwear. Protect your ankles and enjoy the climb!

☕ Coffee Van Availability

A mobile coffee shop is sometimes available in the car park. Perfect for a post-hike treat!

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Ideal for senior dogs and families. Soft grass and gentle slopes make it accessible for all.

🚗 Narrow Access Road

The road to Hound Tor is narrow. Drive with care and enjoy the scenic approach.

What Travellers Say

4.9
(202 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Hound Tor's stunning scenery and accessibility for dogs and families, with many appreciating the free parking and the chance to explore ancient ruins. Some find the access road narrow and the climb to the tor challenging, advising sturdy footwear due to muddy conditions.

"Having seen Hound Tor on screen we were excited to visit the place with our own miniature hound. 🐩
It's the perfect place for senior dogs since the hill climb from the car park isn't very steep and the ground is very soft grass."

Dennis Bauszus

"Very scenic and rustic landscape!
Road to the place is quite narrow and difficult to reach by car. But, it's worth the visit !

For normal people, rocks are relatively more tough to climb upon. ;-)"

vrukesh panse

"Beautiful scenery. Well worth the hike up to the rocks. Good sturdy foot wear required as it is very muddy and you have to climb over rocks in some areas to progress up the hill."

Rachel Reeve

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Dog-friendly
Family-friendly

What People Dislike

Narrow access road
Muddy terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hound Tor is accessible by car via a narrow, scenic road. There's a free car park near the tor. For those without a car, local bus services can get you close to the Dartmoor area, followed by a walk. Reddit

Yes, there is a free car park available at Hound Tor. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

While direct public transport to Hound Tor is limited, you can take buses to nearby towns like Princetown and then embark on a hike. Check local bus schedules for routes serving Dartmoor National Park. TikTok

The road leading to Hound Tor is described as narrow and can be challenging to navigate by car. Drive cautiously and enjoy the picturesque journey. Reddit

While the main access is via the road, some visitors might approach from other parts of Dartmoor via hiking trails, offering a more immersive experience. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hound Tor is a natural landmark within Dartmoor National Park and does not have an entrance fee. The car park is also free. Reddit

Hound Tor is an open natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. TikTok

No booking is required for Hound Tor as it's a natural site. You can visit spontaneously. TikTok

The main path from the car park is relatively gentle, making it suitable for senior dogs and potentially some visitors with mobility challenges. However, climbing the tor itself involves rocky terrain. Reddit

Yes, Hound Tor is very dog-friendly and a popular spot for dog walking. Ensure your dog is under control, especially near livestock. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can hike to the summit for stunning views, explore the ruins of a medieval village, enjoy picnics, and take photos of the unique granite tors. Reddit

Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Dartmoor National Park, characterized by its wild, rugged, and rustic landscape. Reddit

Climbing the tor involves navigating rocky terrain and can be challenging for some. Sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

There are no formal facilities like restrooms directly at Hound Tor. The free car park is the main amenity. Reddit

The terrain is a mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops. It can be very muddy, especially after rain, so good walking boots are crucial. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the tors and landscape. Weekday mornings can provide clearer shots without crowds. TikTok

You can capture sweeping landscapes, dramatic rock formations, the ancient village ruins, and wildlife. The changing weather on Dartmoor also adds to photographic opportunities. TikTok

The summit offers the most expansive views. The ruins provide a historical element, and the tors themselves are iconic subjects. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details on the tors or distant views. A tripod can help with low-light conditions. TikTok

Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. It's advisable to check the official Dartmoor National Park website for current drone policies before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hound Tor is a fantastic destination for families. The gentle slope from the car park makes it manageable for younger children, and the soft grassy terrain is perfect for them to explore. The ruins of the medieval village offer a sense of adventure and a chance to spark their imagination about the past. Reddit Pack a picnic and let them roam freely (under supervision, of course!). The accessibility for senior dogs also means the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For hikers, Hound Tor is a rewarding stop on a larger Dartmoor trek. The climb to the summit offers brilliant views and a sense of accomplishment. Reddit The surrounding moorland provides ample opportunities for longer walks, with many trails crisscrossing the landscape. TikTok Remember to wear sturdy walking boots as the ground can be uneven and muddy. Reddit Consider exploring nearby areas like Yarner Wood for a change of scenery. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Hound Tor is a paradise for dog owners. It's a highly dog-friendly location, perfect for a vigorous walk or a relaxed stroll. The open space allows dogs to run and explore safely, and the soft ground is easy on their paws. Reddit Many visitors bring their dogs, making it a social outing for canine companions too. Just be mindful of other visitors and any livestock that might be grazing in the area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Dartmoor's Wild Side

Hound Tor is a gateway to the wilder side of Dartmoor National Park, a vast expanse of moorland known for its granite tors, ancient history, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Many visitors come to Dartmoor for wild camping, a legal activity here, offering a unique overnight experience under the stars. TikTok+2 The park is also a haven for wild swimming, with numerous rivers and pools providing refreshing dips on warmer days. TikTok+1

Beyond Hound Tor, Dartmoor offers diverse landscapes, from the ancient woodland of Yarner Wood Reddit to the dramatic Foggintor Quarry TikTok and the mysterious stone circles scattered across the moors. TikTok Whether you're interested in hiking, photography, or simply immersing yourself in nature, Dartmoor provides an unforgettable escape. Remember to pack appropriate gear, as the weather can change rapidly. TikTok

The History and Mystery of Hound Tor

Hound Tor is not just a geological marvel; it's steeped in history. The site features the ruins of a medieval village, offering a glimpse into past lives on the moor. Reddit These stone structures whisper tales of a time when this landscape was more populated and actively farmed. The tor itself, a prominent granite outcrop, has likely been a landmark for centuries, possibly even millennia, serving as a point of reference for ancient peoples. TikTok

Dartmoor is also rich in folklore and legends, with tales of the 'Beast of Dartmoor' adding an element of mystery to the landscape. TikTok While the exact origins of these stories are debated, they contribute to the enigmatic atmosphere of the region. Exploring Hound Tor allows you to connect with both the tangible history of its ruins and the intangible legends that permeate Dartmoor.

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