A granite cross dating from 1920, a 15th-century parish church and walks of varying lengths shape the view of Manaton. The village brings together local and architectural history with routes across Dartmoor. This gives you two main perspectives for planning your day: historical traces in the village and walks of varying lengths through the landscape.
Church and Village History
The Church of St Winifred is a Grade I listed parish church dating from the 15th century. Its outstanding features include a carved and painted rood screen from the late 15th century. An avenue of ash and beech trees leads to the church; from the churchyard, the view extends south to Hayne Down. An old yew tree also stands there, considered very old and possibly one of the oldest on Dartmoor.
Manaton’s war memorial adds another historical highlight: the granite cross, unveiled in 1920, commemorates the First World War; later additions also include the Second World War. Church Cottage is a Grade II listed building with origins in the 16th century. Half Moon House is also Grade II listed and was built in the 16th century as a farmhouse. Church House School retains its well-preserved Gothic style. The farm buildings at Town Barton survive as a complete example of a model farm.
The timeline spans from the 15th century, through two buildings with origins in the 16th century, to the war memorial unveiled in 1920.
Landscape and Walks
Bowerman's Nose is a much-photographed rock formation in the Manaton Rocks and a landmark on Dartmoor. The Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound lies in the north of the parish of Manaton. Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village was inhabited by farmers in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Manaton is considered a centre for walking and cycling in this part of Dartmoor. The “Manaton and Water” walk is designed to take one hour. Another walk leads from Manaton via Water and the River Bovey, takes 1½ to 2 hours and returns via Becky Falls. Allow 2 to 2½ hours for the route to Bowerman's Nose and Jays Grave, depending on the route. These times provide a clear range of options for planning your day: one hour for the walk, 1½ to 2 hours for the route via Water and the River Bovey, and 2 to 2½ hours for Bowerman's Nose and Jays Grave. The walks described follow public rights of way. Some paths are steep and may be wet in places; check route conditions before setting out.
A 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometre) path across the moor leads to the Hound Tor monument from the nearest car park. Check the car park arrangements before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Lapford, Liverton, Bigbury-on-Sea, Tiverton, Colyton, Barnstaple, Georgeham, Meavy
For the main travel overview: Devon.
