Brent Tor – a Tor to aspire to!

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finlay brentor

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Brentor church

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Nestled betwixt Lydford and Tavistock on the western edge of Dartmoor, it attracts keen interest from walkers, as it stands alone in the distance, widely visible on high even from the more remote heights of Dartmoor. Typically, as with most legends, there are variations, but my favourite account attributes the elevated location of Brentor church as the result of a lucky escape from a violent storm at sea by a wealthy merchant. As the storm raged he vowed to the Lord, that upon his survival, he would build a church (dedicated to the patron saint, St.Michael de la Rupe) that could be seen for miles around to mark his grateful thanks for reaching the safety of land.

Subsequently, this ancient church stands at 1,110 ft above sea level and although still in use to this day, it is often locked out of hours for its own protection. However, the view from the church is simply spectacular; a 360◦ landscape view across Dartmoor and Devon, with Dartmoor to the east, Plymouth Sound and Whitsand Bay to the south, the Tamar Valley and Bodmin Moor to the west, and the hills of Exmoor to the north. There is also a pleasant short walk around its base, which is contained by the boundary of an iron age hill fort, so, no need for instructions or navigational skills on this one, but if you wish to significantly up the heart rate after your visit, Gibbet Hill/Black Down(East) and Lydford Gorge(North) are on the doorstep, just a short drive away,  to extend your  walk.

Brentor Car Park is signposted on the western side of the church....a cautionary note...ensure you lock your car and remove valuables for safety and please watch children and dogs when crossing the road to the church.

Ref and more info on Brentor church: www.brentorvillage.org