Haytor Wildlife walk

Dartmoor National Park is one of the UK’s best national parks, with acres of open moorland, ancient tors, rare wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. A trip to Dartmoor is a must for anyone visiting Devon! Which is why in today’s article I want to show you one of my favourite wildlife walks on the Moor. It not only lets you see some of the amazing wildlife Dartmoor has to offer but also the opportunity to climb one of its most famous Tors!

• Distance: 4 miles
• Type: Circular
• Ascent: 692 ft
• Time: 2 hours (Allow more time if you plan to take lunch/or snap photographs)

For the OS Map version of this walk click HERE and for the Easier version HERE

Wildlife you might spot!

• Dartmoor Ponies
• Sheep
• Cows (highland, Belted Galloways)
• Rabbits

• European Stonechat
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Eurasian Magpie
• Great Tit
• Eurasian Wren
• Yellowhammer

• Crickets
• Damselflies
• Dragonflies
• Butterflies

• Frogs
• Newts
• Adders

Start

You are going to want to start the walk from the Carpark located directly below Haytor (you will be able to see the Tor from the carpark). If you are confused by the number of carparks close by you want the one called Haytor Upper Carpark. Which is free before 10am, otherwise it is £3.50 for the full day. The machine accepts cash as well as the parking app Ringo. Once you are ready to set off you are going to make your way directly towards the Rocks- it’s here you may be able to spot some ponies, cows, or sheep (Potentially all 3 in one shot as was the case when I visited recently). It’s your choice whether you want to climb to the top of Haytor Rock now or at the end of your walk- personally I think it’s fun to save the best till last!

Moving through the two rock formations, the route follows the paths down towards the river. There are several trails that lead in the same direction here going past other granite formations. It doesn’t matter which one you choose as long as you are heading towards the cluster of trees that mark where the river flows. Around the granite formations you may be able to hear several different birds such as the wren, woodpecker, and yellowhammer. Keep an eye on the vegetation and trees to spot some of them flying about. If you are unsure of the route check out the OS Route here.

The River and Stone Bridge

As you get closer to the river the path does become uneven and narrower depending on how overgrown the ferns are, so be sure to check for ticks afterwards. The river itself is rather small and is crossable by a small stone bridge. This also provides a good photo opportunity as well as a quiet spot for lunch, unlike the main rocks which can become busy in the summer months. You can walk a small way downstream, and there are further routes extending from this point, However, to follow the wildlife walk you are going to want to backtrack across the bridge and back up the trail you previously walked, until you reach the path divide where you should take the left path going back up the moor.

It is around this area you might be able to see and hear the European Stonechat, which is about the size of a robin. They have orange chests, and the males have a noticeable black head marking. The route will also take you along a path with visible granite lines, this was part of the Haytor granite tramway between 1820-1860s. It was unusual in that the granite lines where shaped to guide the wheels of horse carriages between the quarries. You are going to follow this trail before turning up again and towards the quarry.

The Quarry

Be on the look out for the quarry entrance which is slightly tucked away. If you are unable to find it simply follow the perimeter of the quarry (which is fenced off) until you come to one of the two entrances. Inside the quarry, you will be able to find several large ponds, with different wildlife species. Several, damselfly, and dragonfly species can be seen, as well as newts, frogs, and fish in the larger ponds. If you are feeling really brave, you can even go for a little dip or paddle- but be aware this water can be freezing even in the summer months! The Quarry also works as a nice spot for a picnic or snack. Finally, once you have finished exploring the quarry head out and back on to the moor. You will then want to head South back towards the main rocks and carpark.

Back to the Haytor rocks!

I think its fun to save the best till last, so once you reach Haytor rocks again and provided its not too windy, you can head up to the top to admire the view. It’s also fun if you are visiting with your friends if some of you head up the bigger formation and the rest up the other rock and wave at each other from the top! To climb up the largest of the rocks, head to the back, where once you climb slightly up you will be able to find the steps that have been carved by hundreds of people following the same route. Once you are finished snapping photos and admiring the view you can head back down towards the carpark! 

(Photo is me at the top of Haytor taken by a lovely Irish family I met, in exchange for me taking a photograph of them!)

An Easier route

This is a lovely route for those looking for wildlife and to explore the best the moor has to offer! However, it is quite strenuous at points, so for a shorter version you can skip out on the river and head straight for the Quarry- Check out the shorter version on OS maps here.