Hound Tor is a popular place in the Summer for many reasons. Firstly it was made famous after Sherlock Holmes encounter here with a grim and fearfull beast that can still be seen on nights of a Full Moon. In recent times its popularity stems from its sheep trimmed lawns which are a Picnicing Paradise (great place for the family while you climb), the local car park (with coffee van) and the views from the summit, all of which bring holidaymakers from far and wide.After giving up on finding Stegadacea Chimney, the Trad climber will no doubt seek out the excellent Suspension Flake and Aerobic Wall before wondering which monkey put up Hung like a Baboon. The Boulderer could look to P6 to warm up before visiting the essential Sharks Fin Boulder, 5C Wall, the mean P23 & the jug filled P102. Feeling lucky, the hardcore Boulderer can consider Prowed, Cosmetix, The Barrel Rockover & The Cream Traverse amongst others.Finally either trad climbers or boulderers can try out Skin Graft just to ensure they have absolutely no skin left at the end of the day. The Dartmoor Climbers club guide and the Devon bouldering Rockfax are fairly comprehensive.
Climbing Area:
South West & Southern
Rock Type:
Granite
Importance:
Local
CRoW Land:
Yes
Ownership:
Unknown
No. of Routes:
164
Within National Park:
Yes
Year Developed:
Grid Reference:
SX742790
Parking and Approach
From the M5, continue onto the A38 then follow signs to Bovey Tracey.From the Bovey roundabout (the second, look for the Granite block feature), turn left following signs firstly for Moretonhampstead, then left to Widecombe in the Moor. Keep on going up the great big hill that eventually brings you out at Hay Tor. Hound Tor is on the other side of the valley to Hay Tor so keep on going round till you can turn right onto the other side of the Valley. If your going down a big hill turn around. Another mile on, Hound Tor becomes visible (on right), turn right and park up. Two minute walk in.
CRoW Information
Open access land, designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) give area access rather than linear access as provided by public rights of way. It also gives a legal right of access specifically for climbing, as well as walking and other quiet recreation on foot.
Please bear in mind however that the landowner still has the right to restrict access for up to 28 days per year (often used on public safety grounds for shooting in moorland areas), and can also apply for longer term restrictions with Natural England (such as bans on dogs, or regular restrictions during particular times of year). It is important to check for these restrictions regularly as they can be added at short notice – all details for open access land in England can be found on Natural England’s website .
Part of the Dartmoor National Park is used by the MoD for training and live-firing exercises. It also offers a wealth of excellent hillwalking and numerous Tors, some of which still have the potential for new climbing development – especially wild bouldering.
The Defence Estates endeavour to support public access (without compromising public safety and military training) and have produced a website with the important safety info and firing times.
Follow this link http://www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk/ for the Dartmoor training area homepage and links to detailed info.
There are no guidebooks assigned to this crag
There are no files associated with this crag