Miles Without Stiles Haytor Quarry Walk

At 2.6 km (1.6 miles), this out-and-back starts at Haytor middle car park, climbs below Haytor Rocks’ eastern flank, then goes through the disused quarry to an old granite tramway viewpoint. Return the same way. Choose it for quarry pools and industrial history, not a climb up Haytor; the tor summit is a separate walk.

From the east end of the car park, cross the road where a flat stone gives access and follow the obvious track uphill to the quarry gate. The path narrows and gets steeper through the quarry. After the north gate, continue north to the old tramway viewpoint. The quarry is sheltered and a good place to stop for a picnic; on the open moor, look for ground-nesting curlew, skylark and meadow pipit. Cuckoos are often heard in spring. The tramway opened in 1820 to carry granite to Teignmouth docks, and granite from these quarries was used for Nelson’s Column. At the quarry, include the water with the cut granite walls to show the basin’s scale.

Allow about 1–1.5 hours. The approach is gentle, but there’s a road crossing and narrow, steep footing through the quarry. This is a Miles Without Stiles route, graded “For Some” (Category 2/3); that doesn’t mean the quarry section is smooth or suits every mobility aid. A shorter visit can turn around at the quarry entrance. Keep dogs on a lead. Public and disabled toilets are at the nearby National Park Visitor Centre, not on the trail.