Haytor Walk and Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa
Haytor Walk
Our Haytor walk is a 1.7km moorland route, with a 2.3km extended option if everyone still has some energy left. It is rated 1 out of 3 for difficulty, with broad grassy paths, gentle slopes and a few rocky sections around the old quarry. Sturdy buggies can manage most of the base route, and it is a good one for confident balance bike riders too.
This is one of those routes that gives younger walkers plenty of interest without needing a huge distance. The old granite quarry feels completely different from the open moor around it, with still pools, huge blocks of stone, old workings and plenty of places for children to clamber and explore.
There is loads of history tucked into the landscape too. Granite from Haytor Quarry was used in major building projects including London Bridge, and traces of the old tramway still sit across the moor. Ponies are common here, while spring and summer can bring skylarks overhead and cuckoos calling across the open ground.
The quarry pools are beautiful but deep, so we would not recommend swimming here. They are brilliant for looking into, spotting small fish and exploring from the edges. This part of Dartmoor is exposed too, so clear days are fantastic but mist and wind can change the feel quickly.
The food and drink stop:
After the walk, head to Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa, one of our Dartmoor Partner hospitality partners and only a short drive from Haytor.
This family owned country house sits in the softer landscape of eastern Dartmoor and makes a really easy contrast to the open granite moorland around Haytor. There are comfortable family rooms, a heated indoor pool and spa facilities if you are staying, but it also works well simply as somewhere to eat and slow the day down afterwards.
Food is a big part of the appeal. The hotel has a two AA Rosette restaurant focused on seasonal local ingredients, alongside the more relaxed Blue Tiger Inn, afternoon tea and lighter daytime food. That means this pairing can work for a proper lunch, coffee and cake, an evening meal or something a little more special.
It is a lovely option when you want the walk to stay easy and family friendly, but the stop afterwards to feel like a treat. Open moorland and quarry exploring first, then somewhere calm and comfortable for food, drinks or a longer stay.
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Enjoy
Dartmoor Partner
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