Early in 1961, the family took a weeks holiday at Haytor in Devon. They stayed in "Moorcroft Bungalow" in Haytor Vale, just southeast of the rocks. The bungalow was approached along a gravel driveway which dipped down to ford a stream before rising up again.

Malcolm and his brother Stewart spent much time out exploring around the moors. They climbed the rocks then afterwards followed the granite tramway up to the old quarry from where stone had been taken such places as London for building work. One day they walked round through the tall bracken behind the bungalow to an area they believed was the location of the "Hounds of the Baskervilles". They came across an isolated cottage which was looked as if it should be occupied, with lights on and food on the table, but no-one seemed to be around. It was getting towards dusk and the boys then started to think about the hounds and ghosts and the like. They lost their nerve and ran away, only to round a corner straight in front of a large shaggy cow standing facing them and breathing steam. That was the last straw and they belted for home.

Another day they decided to go into Bovey Tracy so set out walking towards Ilsington. As they walked, a charabanc came from behind and stopped alongside. The driver called out if they wanted to go to Bovey Tracy, so in they got. It was probably the local bus that picked up all round the villages. Coming home, they got a bus as far as Ilsington then walked the rest of the way.