Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor & Black Hill loop — Dartmoor National Park

Embark on the Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor & Black Hill loop for a challenging jogging adventure through Dartmoor National Park. This difficult 6.2-mile (9.9 km) route, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 18 minutes, features varied terrain from open moorland to wide grass tracks and old mining tramways. You will encounter steep ascents and descents, especially around Becka Brook, and need sure-footedness on some less defined paths. As you jog, you will pass the impressive granite outcrops of Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor, offering panoramic views across Dartmoor and even to the coast on clear days.

Planning your visit, be aware that this is considered a hard run, demanding good to very good fitness due to its significant 997 feet (304 metres) of elevation gain and varied surfaces. While some paths are well-worn, others require careful navigation. If you visit in springtime, particularly May or early June, you can enjoy fields carpeted with bluebells between Hound Tor and Emsworthy Mire. Always be prepared for changing conditions on the open moorland.

What makes this loop truly unique is its blend of dramatic natural landscapes and rich history. You can explore Haytor Rocks, a prominent landmark with climbable sections, and the striking Hound Tor, steeped in legends of hunting dogs turned to stone. The trail also incorporates the historic Haytor Tramway and passes Haytor Quarry, where granite was once mined for projects like the reconstruction of London Bridge, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past alongside its ancient sites.