Haytor Quarry
Haytor Quarry is the perfect spot for a short, yet scenic walk. The route is not too hilly (considering it is on Dartmoors most famous Tor), making it accessible for all levels and ages of hikers. Take a leisurely stroll through the quarry, where you'll see an abundance of nature, including Emperor moths, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Stonechats, Wheatear, and Dartford warblers. You may even see a lizard in the summer. In addition, there are several places where you can sit and enjoy a picnic or just to take a moment and breathe in the fresh air.
START On the B3387 near Haytor
DISTANCE 1.5 miles
TIME 1 hour
PARKING At the Dartmoor Visitor Centre
ROUTE CONDITIONS Mostly level former tramway after an initial climb from the car park
REFRESHMENTS Farm, Café | Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot - Ullacombe Farm
TOILETS In the visitor centre car park
OS MAP OL28
TOTS TRIED AND TESTED DIFFICULTY RATING
This is a very simple route, so instructions will be limited! Most of the time, you will have a good view of either the quarry, or the car park. From the car park, cross the road and walk straight (slightly) uphill on a well trodden path. Keep going until you reach a flattish, grassy area and follow a bank on your left which leads into the quarry.
Turn right through a gate in the fence, and follow the path bearing left, to the ponds, walking clockwise around them. At this point you can decide whether to return the way you came, or make a bit of a circuit of the walk.
To do the circuit, leave the quarry by the stile after the second pool, through a bank onto a grassy path, where you walk straight ahead to join the old tramway. Turn right at the T junction of the paths, and follow the tramway, curving right to the next junction with another path on your right.
Follow this path on your right back towards the quarry. You will soon see the area in front of the quarry where you previously entered, and can then retrace your steps back down to the car park.
Tot Tips:
Plan a picnic or snack for when you get to the quarry. There are a spots that are ideal to put down a blanket, or also some good rocks to perch on.
Get directions to start point here