Haytor Rocks, Bovey Tracey, South Devon
Dartmoor's most famous tor
Haytor Rocks is probably Dartmoor National Park's most famous tor. Owing to its location on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor above populated areas such as The English Riviera, it can get exceptionally busy on the rocks during the summer months, on long bank holiday weekends or after snow.
Location of Haytor Rocks
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To visit, follow the B3387 from Bovey Tracey to Haytor Vale. The road climbs steeply until you arrive at open moorland. Haytor Rocks is unmissable in front of you. Wide, grass tracks lead to the granite outcrops. Large car parking areas are spaced along the B3387 as it rises along the moors.
Haytor Rocks
If possible, start from Haytor National Park Visitor Centre. Spend some time reading the information boards in the centre as they'll help you understand the local area.
Afterwards, head up to the tor. As the name suggests, it's a collection of rocky outcrops. The two main outcrops are huge lumps of granite that dominate their surroundings. Whilst it's relatively easy to get to the top of the outcrops, avoid the scramble if you don't have a head for heights. Rough steps have been chopped into the granite of the two main outcrops to help you reach the top. The smaller of the two has metal climbing aids as well.
Once you are up on the top of either outcrop, you'll enjoy huge views. On a clear day, you'll see the sea running around the South and East Devon coastline. On the horizon, to the east, is Dorset's Isle of Portland. To the south west, west and north are immense views of the moors. Highlights include the dome of Cosdon Hill on the northern border of the Park and Great Mis Tor to the west. Both of Dartmoor's high plateaus are visible from Haytor Rocks. Hound Tor (East Dartmoor) is reasonably close. Visit on the Haytor Rocks to Hound Tor Circular Walk.
Below, on Haytor Down, you'll see quarries and the trackbed of a dismantled railway that's now the Templer Way.
There are usually ice cream vans at the lower and upper car parks along the B3387.
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