Haytor Rocks Circular Walk

5.9 miles (9.5 km)

This circular walk visits one of the most popular areas of Dartmoor at the spectacular Haytor Rocks. The 6 mile route takes you to several other viewpoints before descending through the beautiful Yarner Woods.
Walk Report October 12th 2026 By Rachel Turner:
We set off from the Haytor Vale Visitor Centre, where there was plenty of useful information about the surrounding moorland.... The staff were welcoming, and the little shop was handy for picking up walking essentials and maps. There are toilets here too, and although parking is paid, it makes a convenient starting point for exploring this part of Dartmoor. The morning was bright but breezy, so we were glad to have an extra layer with us.
From the visitor centre, we followed the path uphill towards Haytor Rocks. The granite outcrop looks dramatic as you approach, rising above the open moor, and the climb gives you a real sense of being out in the Dartmoor landscape. The rocks are popular with visitors, but it is worth taking your time on the uneven ground. From the summit, we could see across the rolling countryside towards the coast, with far-reaching views that made the uphill effort worthwhile.
We continued towards Holwell Tor, passing the remains of old quarries and the granite tramway that recalls Dartmoor’s industrial past. It is easy to think of this as untouched wilderness, but the tracks and quarry workings tell a different story. The granite from this area was transported towards the coast along the tramway and Templer Way. We stopped to look at the rock formations and take in the views before carrying on east towards Black Hill.
The landscape changed again as we descended towards Yarner Woods. After the exposed moorland, the shelter of the trees was welcome, and the paths beside the streams felt much quieter. The woods contain ancient oaks, mosses and lichens, and there is plenty to look out for if you enjoy wildlife. We paused by the water and listened for birds in the canopy before following the route out of the woods and back towards the old tramway.
On the return leg, we followed the historic track west towards the visitor centre. We had seen Dartmoor ponies grazing on the open ground earlier, and it was a reminder that livestock can wander close to roads in this area, so drivers need to take care. The weather can also change quickly on the moor, even when the day begins brightly, so waterproofs and warm layers are worth carrying.
This circular walk offers much more than the famous rocks: there are wide moorland views, fascinating quarry remains and a peaceful woodland section at Yarner Woods. The route has a few moderate climbs and uneven stretches, but the variety makes it a rewarding way to spend a few hours on Dartmoor. Back at the visitor centre, you can take a breather before heading to the nearby Rock Inn at Haytor Vale for something to eat or drink.
To continue your walking in the area try the climb to Hound Tor which starts from the same car park. The 414 m (1,358 ft) summit is considered one of the best viewpoints on Dartmoor.
The long distance Templer Way starts from Haytor. The walk is named after the Templer family who constructed the Stover Canal and Tramway to transport granite from Haytor Quarry to the coast at Teignmouth.
Pubs and More Info
Head into Haytor Vale and there's some nice options for post walk refreshments. For example you can visit the Rock Inn, an impressive 18th century former coaching inn. The inn has a lot of character with a cosy interior and a nice sunny beer garden to relax in on warmer days. There's a very good menu and an on-site restaurant featuring local meat, game and fish. The Rock also has a free car park and is dog friendly with a separate dining area where you can eat with your dog. They provide good quality accommodation too, if you need to stay over. It's a popular place for walkers to go after climbing Hound Tor and Haytor being located just a short distance from both. Postcode for your sat navs is TQ13 9XP.
To the south west there's the worthy climb to Buckland Beacon. The beacon is well known for its Ten Commandments Stones and its excellent views over the Dart Valley.