Rock Climbing & Bouldering on Dartmoor

Rock Climbing & Bouldering

With over 160 Tors and granite outcrops, the rugged landscape of Dartmoor is a haven for rock climbing and bouldering, with an array of routes and challenges for climbers of all levels.  Being central on the moor, Duchy House is ideally located with a multitude of choices just a short drive away.

 One of the best climbing places for Rock climbing is The Dewerstone, an awesome low to middle grade venue which is climbable all year round. Set in ancient woodland the area consists of a number of contrasting crags which vary from multi-pitch classics to single pitch micro routes and everything in between. Another popular spot is Haytor – the highest on the moor rising over 250 ft – offering various climbing routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. The ultimate route here and one of the best at the grade in the country is the stunning Interrogation. It’s not easy with a stunning, technical 50m pitch culminating in an exposed mantelshelf just when you’re beginning to feel the pain! you’ll be rewarded with incredible breathtaking views (you can see the coast at Teignmouth) and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. And then there is Hound Tor, with the sensational but stunted Suspension Flake, which was once voted the best VS in the country. The tor is home to over 100 superlative routes and problems from easy to downright impossible. It’s set in a beautiful location, sitting high above a wooded valley and overlooking the ruins of a mediaeval village. In addition, these sites also offer the opportunity for some amazing abseiling experiences.

For those who prefer a more dynamic and ground-level experience, bouldering on Dartmoor is second to none. At every turn there is an abundance of granite outcrops and low level tors. Bonehill Rocks (aka the Stanage Plantation of the South West) near Widecombe-in-the-Moor, is an awesome destination known for its diverse routes and technicality with over 150 problems. There are over 20 crags and bouldering venues within this small area with most of them deserted and less than a 15 minute walk from easy parking.