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.... You'll also follow a section of the Templer Way long distance trail as it passes through the area.
It's a wonderfully varied route with moderate climbs, fascinating granite geology, disused quarries, shady woodland trails and peaceful waterside sections alongside the streams in Yarner Woods.
The walk starts from the Haytor Vale Visitor Centre, where parking is available. From here it's a short climb to the striking Haytor Rocks, a distinctive granite outcrop visible from many parts of south Devon between Exeter and Totnes. From the 457 metre (1,499 ft) summit there are wonderful views across the Devon countryside to the coast and the Teign Estuary.
The route then continues around Holwell Tor, passing the remains of disused quarries and the old tramway before heading east towards Black Hill. Here you'll find more impressive rock formations and splendid views across the surrounding landscape.
The route then descends into Yarner Woods. The extensive woodland is home to a nature trail and numerous ancient oak trees, along with a variety of flora including cow-wheat, bilberry, lichens and mosses. The woods are also rich in wildlife, with buzzards, sparrowhawks and nightjars among the species you may encounter.
After leaving the woods on the southern side, you join the old tramway and follow it westwards towards the car park, completing the circular route.
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.