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Tony Beard climbing on Houndtor

Tony Beard is a farmer, broadcaster and entertainer. Each month he introduces us to another aspect of Dartmoor.

Unlock some of the secrets for yourself by turning the pages of his Dartmoor Diary.

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October 2002
Medieval Dwellings
There is an opinion that many visitors to Dartmoor do not walk further than 50 yards from their motorcars.

What a shame! When, with a little bit of careful planning, there are so many places of interest just a little bit beyond that self imposed limit.

Hound of the Baskervilles territory, Houndtor on Dartmoor

Not only do they miss the spectacular scenery that lies "just around the corner" or "just over the brow", but also the wide variety of historical remains, be it Bronze Age, Iron Age or Medieval.

It is one such site that I am considering this month; Houndtor Medieval Village or Settlement (SX 746 787).

Here is an opportunity for the visitor to let his or her imagination run wild for a moment. What was it like here all those years ago, can you imagine or should you speculate on the super-natural?

The ideal starting point is the Houndtor Carpark (SX 739 792). On leaving the carpark for a round trip of no more that 2 miles at the most, pick up the bridleway and head towards the right side of the huge granite mass, Houndtor.

With the wind whistling through the rocks, you may get that eerie feeling you are not alone

If the wind is whistling through all those rocks piled high, you may get an eerie feeling that you have company - Yes! The Wishe Hounds, this is Hounds of the Baskerville country!

Keep to the right of the Tor and as you crest the hill look due east into the valley. About half a mile away you will notice the ruins of the excavated site of Houndtor Medieval Settlement.

There are several such sites on Dartmoor but this one is truly worth a visit, due to the number of buildings in the settlement, you get a chance to consider the uses to which they were put all those years ago.