Manaton: Church, Heritage and Walks in Dartmoor

Manaton combines church and architectural history with distinctive places in Dartmoor and walks of varying durations. This lets you connect local history with specific route options, rather than viewing the area through a single destination. Manaton is also a good starting point for exploring Dartmoor on foot.

Church, Churchyard and War Memorial

The Church of St Winifred is a Grade I listed parish church dating from the 15th century. Its distinctive features include carved and painted furnishings from the late 15th century. An avenue of ash and beech trees leads to the church. From the churchyard, views extend south to Hayne Down, where there is also an ancient yew tree, considered very old and possibly among the oldest yews on Dartmoor.

Manaton’s war memorial is a granite cross unveiled in 1920. Later additions also commemorate the Second World War. Together with the church and churchyard, it is one of the historic places that shape a visit to Manaton.

Historic Buildings and Settlement Remains

The buildings in the village also reveal different aspects of its architectural history. 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 as a farmhouse in the 16th century. Church House School retains its well-preserved Gothic style. The farm buildings at Town Barton, meanwhile, survive as a complete example of a model farm. The church, homes and farm buildings thus offer different insights into the history of the place.

The historical perspective extends beyond individual buildings. 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.

Walks by Duration and Route

The walks described can be compared by their estimated durations. The “Manaton and Water” walk is designed to take one hour. A local route description estimates 1½ to 2 hours for the walk from Manaton via Water and the River Bovey; according to the description, the return route goes via Becky Falls. The walk to Bowerman’s Nose and Jays Grave takes 2 to 2½ hours, depending on the route. This gives you a shorter walk and two longer options with different estimated durations.

The walks described follow public rights of way. Some paths are steep and may be wet in places; check the path conditions before setting out. A 0.8-kilometre path across the moor leads to the Hound Tor memorial from the nearest car park. As parking conditions can change, check them before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Burrington, Crediton, Horrabridge, Lapford, Yealmpton, Ashreigney, Lynton, Broadclyst.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.