I found a 3,000 year old Dartmoor settlement
It’s certainly not undiscovered, but Grimspound usually manages to be quieter than many ther popular spots on Dartmoor.
Sitting high on Dartmoor’s granite plateau – between the tors of Hookney and Hameldown – you’ll find the ancient settlement of Grimspound.
This Bronze Age enclosure dates back to around 1300 BC and contains the remains of 24 roundhouses – their stone walls are still clearly visible against the moorland!
Here’s all you need to know about visiting Grimspound.
About Grimspound
I find it fascinating that this site was home to ancient people 3,000 years ago.
The site spans around 150 metres across and is surrounded by a circular boundary wall made of granite rubble.
Against the moor, you’ll be able to spot where the 24 roundhouses once stood.
From the outer wall, narrow paths wind through thick heather and grazing land. A visit here gives you a direct view of how people once lived on this exposed upland.
How to get there
The direct path to Grimspound is quite difficult to find – but the good news is that you can access it via Hookney Tor!
I’d recommend popping “Grimspound” or “Hookney Tor” into your sat nav. It will take you to “Woden’s Way”.
Once you’re close, there are a few laybys for parking. Park in any of them.
This is the Google Maps link to the direct path to Grimspound. There’s a tiny sign with “Grimspound” written on it – just follow this up the hill, veer right where you need to, and you’ll come to the settlement.
If you climb up Hookney Tor first, Grimspound sits in the dip below and is clearly signposted.
What to look for at the site
Inside the boundary wall, you’ll find low circles of stones that once supported turf and timber roofs – although most of these are in ruins now.
If you look really closely, you might spot where doorways were.
A small stream cuts across the western edge of the site, likely providing fresh water for its original inhabitants.
Things to keep in mind
- There are no facilities or shelter, and phone signal is limited.
- Weather can change quickly—layers and a waterproof jacket are advisable.
- The area is grazed by livestock, so keep dogs on leads.
- The site is open year-round, with free access.
- It’s English Heritage managed, but is unstaffed with no office.
The surrounding moorland is sweeping and vast – so if you have the time and conditions are good, I’d definitely recommend extending by heading up to Hookney Tor or seeing other sites in the area.
Nearby (although you will need to drive) you’ll find Bowerman’s Nose and Becky Falls – more information about this woodland park here.
It’s not too far from Haytor as well, which is Dartmoor’s most popular tor!
