Hound Tor & Medieval Village
13 miles from Exeter • 0.5 mile to tor from car park, longer routes available
Hound Tor is the most famous tor in Dartmoor - dramatic granite stacks rising from the moor, said to resemble the heads of dogs. Widely believed to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. The nearby 13th-14th century deserted medieval village is an English Heritage site with remains of four stone farmsteads.
© John Phillips, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
Easy to Moderate
0.5 mile to tor from car park, longer routes available
Yes
Free
Overview
Hound Tor is the most famous tor in Dartmoor - dramatic granite stacks rising from the moor, said to resemble the heads of dogs. Widely believed to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. The nearby 13th-14th century deserted medieval village is an English Heritage site with remains of four stone farmsteads.
What to Expect
Dramatic granite tor with sweeping views. The brief climb up the hillside rewards with spectacular views overlooking Dartmoor National Park. Explore the fascinating medieval village ruins - several longhouses that served as both living quarters and livestock shelter. A nice easy adventure that's a hit with dogs and families.
Best For
- ✓Dramatic scenery
- ✓Off-lead freedom
- ✓Medieval history
- ✓Photography
- ✓Easy Dartmoor access
- ✓Literary connections (Hound of Baskervilles)
Not Ideal For
- ⚠Sheltered walks
- ⚠Bad weather
- ⚠Dogs who chase livestock
Things to Be Aware Of
- ⚠Exposed - weather can change fast
- ⚠Steep drops around tor edges
- ⚠Livestock roam freely - keep dogs under control
- ⚠Arrive early for parking on sunny weekends
Local Tips from Evie
The medieval village is fascinating - believed occupied 13th-14th century before abandonment in the early 15th century. The Rock Inn nearby has free parking and is dog-friendly with a separate dining area where you can eat with your dog. They also offer accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hound Tor good for dogs?
Excellent! Plenty of wide space on the moorland for off-lead exercise. Dogs on leads welcome at the medieval village. Keep under control around livestock.
What is the medieval village at Hound Tor?
An English Heritage site with remains of four 13th-century stone farmsteads. The village was abandoned in the early 15th century, with longhouses that served as both living quarters and livestock shelter.
Did Hound Tor inspire The Hound of the Baskervilles?
It's widely believed that the dramatic granite outcrops inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous novel.
Practical Information
Hound Tor, Manaton
TQ13 9XE
Limited parking at Swallerton Gate Car Park (1.7 miles after turning off B3387). Small car park near Hound Tor (OS Map 191, ref SX 746788). Arrive early on sunny weekends. The Rock Inn also has a free car park.
Dogs on leads welcome at the English Heritage medieval village site. Plenty of wide space on moorland for off-lead exercise. Keep under control around livestock - free-roaming sheep and cattle on Dartmoor.
Need a Dog Walker?
I walk dogs at Hound Tor & Medieval Village regularly. Get in touch if you need help.
Contact Me
