Haytor, Haytor Vale, Newton Abbott, Devon
Just a few miles from Bovey Tracey, Haytor is probably the best known of Dartmoor’s famous tors. Formed over 280 million years go, there are over 160 tors throughout the National Park - rocky granite outcrops, usually standing on a hilltop. Each one is unique, being different in shape and size; some are enormous stacks, others are towers of huge boulders. Its one of Dartmoor’s talking points (and there are many!) – ask anyone who took on intrepid challenges like Ten Tors when they were a teenager and they’ll tell you all about it. Hikes of up to 55 miles taking in the tors, beacons and hills camping overnight in the wilds, carrying a huge rucksack on your back. Not for the fainthearted.
Anyway, Haytor is probably the best known tor and that’s because of the mazing views from the summit – even better if you scramble up onto the rock and stand on top. It is incredible, stretching on and on in every direction, out across the moors to the South Devon Coast. ‘Breathtaking’ somehow doesn’t do it justice, this is the kind of thing that leaves you lost for words.
Amble up from the National Park Visitor Centre, take your time and take in the staggering scenery, the wild ponies feeding, and if you keep your eyes peeled, maybe a rare butterfly or bird. In the spring Haytor is one of the best places on earth to hear the cuckoo, once heard, never forgotten. Pick up a leaflet from the Visitor Centre and you can continue your walk over to Haytor Quarry, or do the circular to Hound Tor. When you get back, go and treat yourselves to lunch at The Rock Inn down in the village.
All information correct at the time of writing