Holwell Tor, Haytor Vale, Dartmoor National Park

Holwell Tor, Haytor Vale, Dartmoor National Park

Visit the South Devon coast around Teignmouth and you'll see the distinctive granite outcrops of Haytor Rocks on the horizon to the west. Granite was quarried at Haytor Rocks and the surrounding tors and then transported down to the coast on a tramway and canal. Holwell Tor is at the western end of this tramway.

Named after the nearby settlement and farm Holwell, in addition to its historic interest, the tor provides cracking views of Dartmoor National Park.

We've positioned Holwell Tor on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

To visit, start from any of the car parking areas on the B3387 Haytor Vale to Hemsworthy Gate road. Numerous paths run from these car parking areas to all the rocky outcrops and quarries on Haytor Down. That said, the easiest route is to follow Haytor Granite Tramway from near Haytor Vale to Holwell Tor. This is marked Templer Way on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map. The tramway is also clearly visible on Google's 'Satellite' imagery.

Note that a new granite footbridge spans Becka Brook below Holwell Tor. This now provides easy access to Holwell Lawn and Hound Tor. Holwell Lawn is known for its extraordinary bluebell showing.

When visiting Holwell Tor, look out for Holwell Tor Quarries Hut!