Top Dartmoor Hike: Saddle Tor to Hound Tor Loop
Introduction
Dartmoor National Park is one of those places that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook—wild, rugged, and full of surprises. Whether you're into hiking, history, or just want to see some ponies roaming around, Dartmoor has something for everyone. I recently went on a hike that I think shows off the best of what the park has to offer, and I’m here to share the full route with you.
The Meat
To take full advantage of all that Dartmoor National Park has to offer, a car is absolutely necessary. Once you acquire your car, the question remains: what is the best hike in Dartmoor National Park? Well, I have the answer for you.
Start your Dartmoor experience at Saddle Tor Car Park. Then you will progress as follows: Saddle Tor to Haytor, to Haytor Quarry, to Smallacombe Rocks, to Woodland, to the Medieval Village, to Hound Tor, to Emsworthy Mire, and then wah-lah—you are back at Saddle Tor Car Park.
All in all, the hike is around 6 miles long. Depending on the day, the conditions can be a bit windy and rainy, so prepare appropriately. I would also recommend wearing waterproof shoes, as the trail can be wet in certain spots, and there are some creek crossings.
The trail is not well marked, but it was easy to navigate. Perhaps consider downloading an offline map or having a GPS so you can easily find your way back to the car park.
As you are hiking, take time to climb up the various Tors and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the moorland. Take care if the Tors are wet, as they can be slippery.
Some of the highlights of the hike are: ponies (be careful not to get too close, or they will bite—I know this from personal experience), the views atop the Tors, the little surprises along the hike (be on the lookout for things that seem out of place), and the various adventurous water crossings.
Ok, so here is more of a breakdown of the hike. From Saddle Tor, you will be able to see Haytor. Use the landmarks as references to hike toward. Make sure to climb up Haytor, as it offers some of the most scenic views of Dartmoor. From Haytor, you will make your way to Haytor Quarry. Simply follow the path until you reach a wooden gate. Go through the gate and follow the path, and you will arrive at the quarry. Once you have satisfied your curiosity at the quarry, exit the same way you came in—through the wooden gate. Head left until you see the Haytor Granite Trailway. You will easily notice this pathway, as it is quite literally made of granite. You will eventually find yourself in a bewitching ancient woodland and then among the remnants of a medieval village.
From the medieval village, make your way to the main thoroughfare and then to Hound Tor. Once again, please take time to climb the Tors, as the views are absolutely stunning. As you near the end of the hike, you will arrive at Emsworthy Mire. From Emsworthy Mire, stay on the path, and you’ll complete your journey by arriving back where you started—Saddle Tor Car Park.
Conclusion
All in all, this hike gives you a little bit of everything—views, history, nature, and adventure. If you’re looking to experience the best of Dartmoor in one go, this is the hike for you. Just make sure you come prepared, take your time, and enjoy all the little moments along the way.
Book Your Dartmoor National Park Experience Below:
Book your Dartmoor Tour HERE
Explore the wild beauty of Dartmoor in comfort and style on this private Land Rover Discovery tour. Skip the hassle of car hire and let a local expert guide you to ancient settlements, dramatic granite tors, and sweeping moorland—plus encounters with wild ponies, highland cattle, and legendary landmarks. It's the perfect way to see more of Dartmoor in less time, with binoculars included and stories that bring the landscape to life.
FAQ:
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One of the most iconic Dartmoor trails is the hike to Haytor, offering panoramic views of the moorland. It’s a relatively easy ascent and provides a great introduction to Dartmoor’s rugged beauty.
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Dartmoor ponies roam freely across the National Park and are often spotted along popular trails like those near Princetown and Foggintor Quarry. Booking a guided tour increases your chances of seeing them safely and respectfully.
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Dartmoor ponies are a specific native breed known for their hardiness and smaller size. Dartmoor horses often refer to larger, mixed-breed animals in the area, though the true Dartmoor Pony is a protected species.
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Yes! Many Dartmoor trails cross through grazing areas where both Dartmoor ponies and horses can be seen. Always maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or approaching them.
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Generally, yes. Dartmoor ponies are used to human presence but remain wild animals. Observe them from a distance and stay calm and quiet to avoid startling them.
