The Archangel’s Way
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims past and present on The Archangel’s Way across the north of Dartmoor, from towering St Michael’s church atop Brentor to St Michael the Archangel’s in Chagford, a bustling market town. Throughout the route there are indications of how man has connected with the unique landscape to live as an interconnected part of it, from the Neolithic stone circles and ancient wells to more recent industrial past. The Archangel’s Way invites you to breathe deep, become more conscious of your spirit and spend some time to re-connect.
There are 35 miles from Brentor around the northern slopes of the moor to Chagford, broken down into 5 stages. It’s an ancient and remote landscape that connects you to the people who have lived here via the buildings and artefacts they have left behind. You can investigate historic churches and other sacred sites dating back thousands of years. You will feel a long way away from everyday life, but accommodation and other facilities can be found along the route at the delightful village locations of Lydford and Belstone.
There is a choice of routes from Stages 2-5. If the weather is bad and the cloud cover such that the tors are not visible, then inexperienced walkers should consider staying on the Low routes. Moorland routes (denoted with an ‘A’) are available for more experienced walkers.
The interactive map below is in development, and should be used for illustrative purposes only. For detailed maps download and print the OS Maps for each stage, or download the GPX file at the bottom of this page to import the route into your favourite navigation app.
Stage 1 - Brentor to Lydford
Start off with a visit to the lofty heights of St. Michael de la Rupe atop Brent Tor and descend back across the fields and along the lanes of North Brentor village before skirting the edge of Black Down en-route to Lydford village.
Stage 2 - Lydford to Sourton (low route)
Take time to see St. Petrock’s and the Castle before following the old Saxon Lanes out of the village. The route follows the West Devon Way across Fernworthy Down and along old green lanes and tracks before dropping down to Lake where we walk under and then over the old railway viaduct to continue along the Granite Way to our destination.
Stage 2A - Lydford to Sourton (moorland route)
Take time to see St. Petrock’s and the Castle before following the old Saxon Lanes to leave the village via Silver Street. The first glimpse of the Moor and its tors comes on High Down before following the River Lyd to the river crossing where a decision has to be made whether to ascend Brat Tor and visit Widgery Cross. After continuing along the riverbank, the old peat railway track is then used around Great Nodden followed by moorland tracks past Sourton Tor and the Ice Works down to Sourton church.
Stage 3 - Sourton to Belstone (low route)
If the Red flags are flying denoting that the Okehampton Military Firing Range is active (check on the gov.uk Dartmoor Firing Programme website) you MUST take this route between Sourton and Belstone.
Leaving by the Granite Way, we cross Meldon viaduct and descend alongside it to view what is such a fine example of Victorian engineering. Through the old quarry area and alongside the Red-a-Ven brook, the path ascends steeply keeping on the northern edge of the High Moor. After the Military Camp, lanes are followed to Lower Halstock before a wooded stretch down and across the East Okement River. The path steadily ascends to Nine Maidens stone circle and across Watchet Hill into Belstone.
Stage 3A - Sourton to Belstone (moorland route)
If the Red flags are flying denoting that the Okehampton Military Firing Range is active (check on the gov.uk Dartmoor Firing Programme website) you MUST take the alternative Low Route between Sourton and Belstone (Stage 3).
A short section of the Granite Way takes us onto the Moor at Prewley where we drop down to Vellake Corner and along the West Okement valley to the delightful Black-a-Tor Copse. A steep ascent to the tor takes us across open moorland with paths and tracks leading to the bridge at Cullever Steps. Skirting Scarey Tor, Nine Maidens stone circle is reached before dropping down into Belstone village.
Stage 4 - Belstone to Throwleigh (direct route)
A wooded high level path along Belstone Cleave descends down to the riverside arriving at Sticklepath village. Lanes are taken to South Tawton and back to South Zeal before ascending Ramsley Hill. The quiet lane to Throwleigh is then followed, arriving at the church on the right.
Stage 4A - Belstone to Throwleigh (via Cosdon Stone Rows)
Taking the Stage 4 route to Ramsley Hill, we leave via old walled green lanes up and along the side of Cosdon Hill to reach the triple stone rows and cists. Moorland tracks and paths then cross Blackaton Brook and Throwleigh Common to lead to Shilstone Tor where the lane is taken the short way to Throwleigh, arriving at the church on the left.
Stage 5 - Throwleigh to Chagford
We leave Throwleigh by Deave Lane, a wooded old trackway that joins the lane outside Wonson to take us to Providence. Footpaths then lead up to Gidleigh from where lanes are taken to Murchington, with a wooded section and delightful riverside path circling around Chagford to bring us in from the north-east side. A walk through the village leads to our finish at St. Michael The Archangel church.
Stage 5A - Throwleigh to Chagford via Scorhill and Kes Tor
Following the route from Stage 5 to Gidleigh, we then take the lanes out to the eastern edge of the moor and the wonderful setting of Scorhill stone circle. This is followed by the clapper bridge crossings of the Walla Brook and North Teign rivers and the path up to Kestor from where magnificent 360 degree views should be enjoyed. A steady descent along paths, wooded tracks and lanes takes us down to the River Teign where the historic stone bridge is crossed to meet back up with the riverside path around Chagford and our finish at St. Michael The Archangel church.
Brent Tor
Begin your pilgrimage with stunning panoramic views across West Dartmoor and beyond. Standing at 1100ft, Brent Tor is formed of prehistoric basaltic lava, and on it stands the iconic church of St Michael de Rupe.
Lydford Gorge (National Trust)
This steep-sided river gorge, carved into the western edge of Dartmoor, has been drawing visitors in search of the picturesque waterfall since Victorian times. Around every corner the River Lyd plunges, tumbles, swirls and gently meanders as it travels though ancient oak woodland, abundant with wildlife.
Sourton Labyrinth
This small stone labyrinth path is set into the grass in the field behind St Thomas a Becket Church in Sourton. Follow the path round to the right of the church and go through the gate towards the Granite Way marker post. We encourage you to pause, take of your boots and spend some time slowing walking the labyrinth.
Nine Maidens Stone Circle
The legend of the Nine Maidens stone circle at Belstone is that nine maidens were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath and that at noon the church bells bring them to life and they dance. In fact, the stones were placed by Bronze Age man and form the outer wall of a long vanished burial chamber.
Belstone Ring Cross
The carved stone found inside St Mary’s Church has been dated between the 7th and 9th centuries, suggesting that there has been active worship at Belstone since before the Norman Conquest. It was discovered during the 1861 demolition of the Church meeting room and almshouses. The stone had been used, face down, as one of the outdoor steps up to the meeting room. It then became part of a wall at the Rectory, a mile away, but was returned to the Churchyard in the 1930s and was placed in its present position in 2005.
Cosdon Triple Stone Rows
This monument includes a triple stone row alignment, a cairn and short length of hollow way situated on a gently sloping natural shelf to the eastern flank of Cosdon Hill. It is known locally as The Graveyard and comprises a 138m long triple row of at least 118 stones whose height gradually increases uphill (west) to the cairn. The height increase to 1m where the blocking stones stand in front of the cairn. The rows are cut through by a hollow way that was part of peat track from the moorland down to South Zeal. It is thought that the stone rows were a great deal longer, running down the hill, but many stones have been removed for wall building over the ages but what remains is still one of the finest examples in the country.
Scorhill Stone Circle
One of the 26 examples of stone circle found on Dartmoor, Scorhill is one of the most visually impressive and (alongwith its three nearby cains) formed a significant ritual area. The circle is situated on a west facing slope overlooking the North Teign valley. It measures 27m in diameter and comprises 23 upright granite slabs standing up to 2.25m high. A further 11 stones lie recumbent and it is thought the original number was over 60. A reave leads from the circle to the cairns in a southwest direction, being of double bank construction. This area features many differing historic monuments including, to the south, the Wallabrook and Teign-a-Ver clapper bridges (both dating from the C18/C19, where the granite slabs rest on large matching stone abutments), the Tolmen Stone (a large rock in the river with a naturally formed hole through it), prehistoric field systems, hut circles, and six alignments with stone circles and standing stones.
Waterfall Tea Rooms
At the White Lady waterfall end of Lydford Gorge, the National Trust tearoom offers refreshment, parking and toilets for all visitors. The car park is free, but spaces are limited. Be aware that at busy times, the car park may be filled by visitors to the gorge.
Devil’s Cauldron Tearooms
National Trust tea room at the Devil’s Cauldron end of Lydford Gorge. Toilets are available for all visitors to use. There is free parking at this site, but there are limited spaces and so be aware that at busy times it may be filled by visitors to the Gorge.
The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn at Lydford has rooms, great food and a lovely garden. Overnight camping is available by prior arrangement with the landlord.
The Tors Inn
The Tors Inn at Belstone has rooms, locally sourced food, and an outdoor kitchen/BBQ (the Shed) where you can grab a table and enjoy fabulous burgers in the magical “infinity garden”
The Old School Tearoom
A delightful tearoom in the refurbished Sunday School tucked behind Belstone Methodist Chapel. Open Friday to Monday, serving soup and cakes as well as a welcome cuppa.
Sticklepath stores and cafe
Restock your supplies for the journey head before taking a break in the cafe, or picking up a takeaway to eat along the way.
The Kings Arms Inn
Make a stop on your way through South Zeal at the King’s Arms, a 500 year old traditional village pub. A warm welcome and good food await the weary traveller and dogs are more than welcome. Camping is also available – see the website for details.
The Oxenham Arms
As well as comfortable accommodation and delicious food, The Oxenham Arms has an amazing history. Do check out the History page on their website for lots of details. They are the oldest heritage inn in Devon and one of the most famous old coaching inns in the UK. Inside you’ll find the 27 foot Neolithic […]
Chagford
The town of Chagford has a wealth of wonderful places to eat and to stay. The Visit Chagford website will tell you all you need to know!
The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn at Lydford has rooms, great food and a lovely garden. Overnight camping is available by prior arrangement with the landlord.
The Tors Inn
The Tors Inn at Belstone has rooms, locally sourced food, and an outdoor kitchen/BBQ (the Shed) where you can grab a table and enjoy fabulous burgers in the magical “infinity garden”
Backpack (wild) Camping
Dartmoor offers awesome opportunities for wild camping if you are planning to just pack up your tent and wander along The Archangel’s Way. It is however a wild landscape and a working environment so make sure you are well prepared. Follow the Dartmoor National Park advice on wild camping at all times and stay safe.
The Cartshed
Self-contained, detached small, new, barn conversion. Sleeps 2, as singles or a double. Shower room. Kitchen. Living room with woodburner. TV, WiFi, Electric heaters. Patio. Car parking. No dogs.
The Kings Arms Inn
Make a stop on your way through South Zeal at the King’s Arms, a 500 year old traditional village pub. A warm welcome and good food await the weary traveller and dogs are more than welcome. Camping is also available – see the website for details.
The Oxenham Arms
As well as comfortable accommodation and delicious food, The Oxenham Arms has an amazing history. Do check out the History page on their website for lots of details. They are the oldest heritage inn in Devon and one of the most famous old coaching inns in the UK. Inside you’ll find the 27 foot Neolithic […]
St Michael de Rupe, Brent Tor
St Michael de Rupe is one of the iconic landmarks of West Devon. Founded in 1130 by the local landowner Robert Giffard, St Michael’s is the fourth smallest parish church in the UK (slightly over 11 metres long and 4 metres wide), and the highest working church in England.
Christ Church, North Brentor
Christ Church, situated in the village of North Brentor, was built in the 19th Century as a chapel of ease to the Parish Church of St Michael de Rupe, for the parishioners who became concerned about the difficulty and safety of walking up the Tor, especially in winter.
St Petrock’s, Lydford
Lydford Church is dedicated to St Petroc, an itinerant Welsh monk who was preaching in the West Country in the 6th Century. St Petrock’s (sometimes spelt ‘Petroc’) is a Norman church but is founded on an earlier settlement. A small timber church probably stood on the site, built about 650AD.
St Thomas à Becket, Sourton
St Thomas à Becket is a 14th Century church founded on an earlier settlement – going back before 970 when Aelfgyth was Chaplain and it was likely that there was a simple church building on the site. You will find impressive roof bosses and a small window made from fragments of 15th century glass.
St Mary’s, Belstone
There has been a parish church at Belstone since at least 1260AD, the date when the first recorded priest, William de Speccot, was appointed. However, the incised granite cross, which stands on the south wall of the Church, near the Lady Chapel, has been dated from somewhere between the 7th and the 9th centuries.
St Mary’s, Sticklepath
Originally on this site there was an old thatched chapel which dated from 1146. The only relic that remains from the old chapel is a fragment of stone with red and blue colouring, possibly a figure of Mary in a blue robe, now set in one of the recesses in the sanctuary.
St Andrew’s, South Tawton
St Andrew’s probably started life as the Manor chapel and is mentioned as early as 1199. It houses some of the finest roof carvings in Devon, with 171 roof bosses in total (including the Three Hares in the centre row of the South Aisle).
St Mary’s Chapel, South Zeal
St Mary’s South Zeal is an ancient Guild chapel, set in the heart of what was a 13th century ‘new town’. A fine 14th century cross (18 feet high) is in the garden, and is considered one of the finest in Devon.
St Mary the Virgin, Throwleigh
Situated in one of the prettiest villages on Dartmoor, St Mary the Virgin Church dates, in part, from the 13th century, with most being from the 15th and 16th. Here you will find beautiful woodwork, including a Three Hares and a Green Man roofboss, along with stunning stained glass.
Providence Chapel
On the northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, Providence Methodist Chapel is one of the oldest chapels in the Circuit (1839).
Holy Trinity, Gidleigh
The Church of the Holy Trinity at Gidleigh is a beautiful Dartmoor church of Saxon origins, completely rebuilt in the late 15th and early 16th centuries (with some later additions). The churchyard is one of a very few in the UK which includes a stream and you will even find a small castle next door.
St Michael the Archangel, Chagford
The church, dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, is Chagford’s oldest building. The first written record we have is of the dedication of a church here in 1261 by Bishop Branscombe of Exeter, but it is likely there was a sacred site here back in Saxon times.