About
Visiting Hound Tor and the Deserted Medieval Village with your dog is a wonderful way to combine history with an outdoor adventure in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. The village’s atmospheric ruins, surrounded by the stunning moorland landscape, make for an ideal day out with your furry friend. Here’s everything you need to know for a memorable trip.
Dog Access and Rules
Hound Tor and the Deserted Medieval Village is dog-friendly. As the village is an open-air, rural site, dogs are welcome to explore the ruins and surrounding moorland with you. However, it’s essential to keep them under control and on a lead around livestock, as Dartmoor is known for its free-roaming sheep and cattle.
Things To See & Do
The Hound Tor and the Deserted Medieval Village is located in Dartmoor, Devon, and its name is derived from the iconic Hound Tor rocks. The village dates back to the 13th century, with the ruins of longhouses and other structures hinting at what was once a thriving farming community. The village was abandoned in the 14th century, possibly due to economic hardships or climate changes, leaving behind the remains we see today and excavated between 1961 and 1975. It has four Dartmoor longhouses, many with a central drainage channel, and several smaller houses and barns. The three-grain storage barns appear to have been adapted to include corn dryers, indicative of the deteriorating climate that may have led to the settlement’s abandonment.
Hound Tor is an excellent example of a heavily weathered granite outcrop. It is thought to derive its name from the shape assumed by the blocks on the summit that have been weathered into forms resembling the heads of dogs peering over the natural battlements. The rock formation is said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous novel The Hound of the Baskervilles, adding even more intrigue to this ancient and wild location.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy with your dog:
- Explore the Village Ruins: Wander through the remnants of the medieval longhouses and barns, taking in the history while your dog enjoys the open spaces. The village sits in a picturesque valley, offering stunning views of Dartmoor’s landscape.
- Visit Hound Tor Rocks: If your dog loves an adventure, take them to the nearby Hound Tor rock formations. The dramatic landscape is perfect for rock scrambling (for you and your dog) and offers incredible photo opportunities.
- Walk the Moorland Trails: The surrounding moorland is perfect for long, scenic walks with your dog. The area around Hound Tor has several footpaths, including trails leading to the tor itself, where you and your dog can climb the granite outcrops and enjoy panoramic views.
- Picnic with a View: After exploring the ruins, find a scenic spot for a picnic. There’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while your dog rests nearby.
Access and Facilities
Hound Tor and the Deserted Medieval Village are accessible via narrow country roads, and there is a small car park near Hound Tor. The roads leading to Dartmoor can be winding, so drive carefully, especially during peak times. Public transport is limited, but you can take a bus to nearby Widecombe-in-the-Moor, followed by a walk to the site. However, travelling by car is the most convenient option as from the car park, and it’s just a short walk to the medieval village ruins.
As a rural site in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, you have no facilities, so you must come with everything you need.
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