This part of Dartmoor National Park is one of my favourites, it’s a little trek to get to but it never disappoints. We visited on a gloomy January day which is potentially the best weather to visit a mysterious church sat high upon a Tor.

St Michael’s Church was built circa 1130 on this unusual Tor formed by basaltic lava, this differs from most other Tor's on Dartmoor which are mostly made from granite. Parking at the church is pretty easy, there is a small car park just across the road with a small path cutting through the hedgerow leading directly to the church. From here the incline starts but the natural path arcs around the church giving it a more gentle climb to the summit. St Michael’s church is still fully operational and open 24 hours a day and we were lucky enough to time our visit with bell ringing practice which gave us an incredible backing track to our adventure. From the summit you get incredible panoramic views across the countryside, to the east lies Dartmoor, to the south sits the small market town of Tavistock and the west leads into Cornwall.

Whilst in west Dartmoor (And anytime we are in west Dartmoor) we felt obligated to tie in a trip Meldon to see both the reservoir and the stunning viaduct. Once carrying trains from the South West to London, Meldon viaduct is now part cycle path, part walkway. It stretches 165 metres across the West Okement River and sits almost 50 metres high which gives you stunning views down the valley and back towards Meldon reservoir from which the river flows. The cycle path here forms part of The Granite Way which is an 11 mile route which connects Lydford and Okehampton. Just south of the viaduct lies Meldon Reservoir, this has a small car park (with toilets) situated near the dam. The reservoir has a pathway leading most of the round as well as route leading to near by Tors including Sharp Tor and Black Tor as well as the ancient woodland of Black-a-Tor Copse which we are hoping to get back and explore soon.

If you have time whilst in the area and are looking for refreshments there also two fantastic pubs nearby. The Highwayman Inn is an allegedly haunted and eccentric 11th centaury pub which is filled with the most fascinating artefacts just slightly further along the A386 is the Bearslake Inn, this former longhouse with it’s thatched roof is cosy pub and offers fantastic locally sourced food.

First Location: St Michael’s Church, Brentor.
Car Park Postcode (Nearest): PL19 0NP / Free. The car park is situated just off the road between Tavistock and Lydford, unfortunately the roads aren’t really named in this area but the postcode will get you close and there are road signs to assist.

Journey:

1. From the car park head down a small path and cross the road.

2. From here there is a natural path which leads up and arches around the tor from left to right as you climb the hill to the Tor.

3. Just before reaching St Michael’s you’ll go through a small gate and climb a set up steep steps, from here you can head right for fantastic views of the church or on your left you can walk all the way around the church.

Second Location: Meldon Reservoir, Meldon
Car Park Postcode (Nearest): EX20 4LU / Pay to Park. From the A30 take the B3260 and follow sign posts for Meldon Reservoir, as you head under a small underpass turn left down an unnamed road to the car park which will be on your left..

Journey:

1. From the car park head uphill past the right hand side of toilet block and turn left, this then leads down hill towards the reservoir.

2. The path way cross over the dam and then follows around the reservoir or can lead further into Dartmoor.

3. Alternatively, from the car park, turn right and head up hill away from the reservoir, as you approach the turning near the small underpass head straight over the road and up some steps which lead to The Granite Way, turn right here to head towards and over Meldon Viaduct.

4. Just beyond the viaduct on the left hand side is a small set of stairs leading towards a view point of the truss bridge and the valley below