Hound Tor
Hound Tor with its abandoned medieval thirteenth century Dartmoor style longhouses
Hound Tor is a striking granite formation in Dartmoor National Park. Known for its jagged spires, it rises dramatically from the surrounding moorland, offering a rugged and scenic landscape. The tor is steeped in local folklore, with stories of ghostly hounds and mysterious occurrences, inspiring the name “Hound Tor” and connections to The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The surrounding area is popular for hiking and exploration, with sweeping views of Dartmoor’s heathland, valleys, and other granite outcrops. The short, steep climb to the top rewards visitors with stunning panoramic vistas.
Here on the eastern edge of Dartmoor also lies the extensive, atmospheric remains of a deserted medieval village. The settlement consists of 13th-century stone longhouses, where families lived at one end and animals at the other. The land had been farmed since the Bronze Age, and Hound Tor was likely abandoned in the early 14th century. From the top of Greator Rocks, visitors can enjoy a fine view over the abandoned village and the surrounding moors.
Managed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, Hound Tor remains a significant historical site. To learn more about the village’s history – www.english-heritage.org.uk
Today, Hound Tor is a beloved landmark, drawing visitors for its natural beauty, historical significance, and sense of mystery.
A walk around Hound Tor and the Medieval Settlement. By Mrs O in da shed.