Haytor Rocks

Haytor Rocks is a granite tor on Dartmoor, in Devon's Teignbridge district, inside Dartmoor National Park. The twin outcrops crown a ridge at roughly 457 m (1,499 ft) above sea level, and the rock faces themselves stand up to about 15 m (50 ft) over the open grass and heather. It is among the most visited viewpoints in the South West, and it sits beside the remains of a remarkable stone-railed tramway.

What will you see at Haytor Rocks?

The rocks are the draw: huge weathered granite blocks that you can climb without any gear. Natural steps and cracks make the scramble manageable for most families, though the stone gets slippery when wet. From the top you look across Dartmoor's moorland, and on a clear day over the Teign valley towards the Devon coast.

Abandoned quarries lie close by. Spoil heaps and cut stone are visible right next to the paths, a reminder that this hillside once supplied building granite.

What was the Haytor Granite Tramway?

George Templer, who owned the local quarries, built the Haytor Granite Tramway in 1820. It ran for about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) and dropped around 1,300 ft (400 m) on the way down. Instead of iron rails it used carefully cut granite blocks as the track, with teams of Shire horses pulling the wagons. Stone travelled down to a canal and onward to the coast. By around 1858 the quarries were no longer profitable, and both the workings and the tramway were abandoned.

You can still follow the granite rails and points across the moor. The waymarked Templer Way, an 18-mile (29 km) trail, traces the old stone route from Haytor to Shaldon, across the water from Teignmouth.

How do you get to Haytor Rocks?

Most visitors arrive by car. There is parking on Haytor Down, and near the Haytor information centre (around grid reference SX 765772) you will find toilets and route information. Check current parking rules before you travel, as they vary by site. From the car park it is an easy, gently rising walk of 10 to 15 minutes across grass to the foot of the rocks.

Which walk should you choose?

• Short stroll to the rocks: about 20 to 30 minutes each way, suitable for most people.
• Tramway walk: a loop of about 2.5 miles (4 km), roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, passing granite rails and quarry spoil.
• Longer circuit: about 5.9 miles (9.5 km), taking in other viewpoints and a wooded stretch through Yarner Woods.

When is the best time to visit?

Pick a clear day for far views and dry paths. Early morning and the hour before sunset give the best light on the granite and usually fewer people than summer weekends. The top is exposed and cloud can drop quickly, so bring a windproof layer and shoes with grip.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to visit Haytor Rocks?

Access to the rocks and the open-moor paths is free. Charges, if any, apply to parking, so check on arrival.

How long should I allow?

An hour covers the climb to the rocks. The tramway walk takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and a full outing on the longer circuit can fill half a day.

Is the climb difficult?

No climbing skill is needed, but watch for slick granite after rain and for drop-offs at the edges.

What is the Templer Way?

It is a roughly 29 km (18 mile) walking trail from Haytor to Shaldon that follows the old route used to carry quarried granite to the coast.