The most significant and well known early settlement on Dartmoor is the Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound. The settlement can be seen in its entirety from the adjacent Hookney Tor. The site itself consists essentially of a walled enclosure of a little over four acres in area containing the remains of many dwellings which take the form of circles of granite boulders known as hut circles or round houses. It nestles between the high points of Hookney Tor and Hameldown Tor, given the open nature of the landscape it is likely that a farming community once thrived here.
It is generally regarded as having been built in the middle bronze age, about 3,000 years ago based on pottery found at the site. However, the site may well have been in use in much earlier times and the inhabitants normally credited with its construction may simply have moved in to an existing site. There are remains of early tin mining activity still to be seen in the valley below Grimspound, and the miners may also have used the site- around 1000 years ago. Grimspound is a tangible link between the moor, and the people who once lived and worked in its harsh conditions- an interesting site.
All year, but not recommended in poor visibility weather
Facilities include Visitor Centre and walks.
Cycleway and walkway not available. Bus route available but requires short walk.
The settlement can be seen in its entirety from the adjacent Hookney Tor and the hilltop gives the visitor the best views of the whole area.
What's Nearby
-
Miniature Pony Centre
Set in 20 acres of beautiful dartmoor parkland. Over 150 animals, including our delightful...
2.6 miles away -
Ashburton Cookery School
Ashburton Cookery School offers a fresh approach to cookery with exciting cookery courses that...
8.05 miles away -
The Devon Guild of Craftsmen
The largest contemporary craft centre in the South West - a Grade II Listed building, with shop,...
8.76 miles away
-
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of...
9.44 miles away -
South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway is a seven mile steam railway running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes...
9.67 miles away -
Canonteign Falls
Highest waterfall in England, situated in private parkland and ancient woodland in the Teign Valley...
10.3 miles away -
Stover Country Park
This 4 hectare lake supports a wealth of water birds and an excellent assemblage of dragonflies and...
10.75 miles away -
Haldon Forest Park - Forestry Commission
Come and burn off some calories in the biggest gym in Devon. Just imagine 3,500 acres of clean,...
13.66 miles away -
Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World
CCANW is an innovative arts and ecology centre which uses the arts to show ways of living more...
13.94 miles away -
Decoy Country Park
Decoy Country Park provides an opportunity to enjoy exciting wildlife and beautiful countryside....
14.04 miles away -
Go Ape! Haldon
Go Ape! The UK’s No.1 Tree Top Adventure!
High wire forest adventure course of rope bridges,...
14.17 miles away -
Crediton Parish Church
The parish of Crediton centres around the Church of the Holy Cross, a church with a history of at...
15.67 miles away

.gif)






