On the edge of Dartmoor, Cornwood brings together a striking church setting, art at the Delamore Estate and two circular walks with clearly different distances. Visitors planning a stay can get to know the village through these different perspectives: the church’s position in relation to the original village, the Delamore Arts and Sculpture Exhibition held every May, or routes that differ in length and gradient. This brings church history, art and landscape together in one destination, without requiring every visit to have the same focus.
Church on the ridge
St Michael and All Angels stands on a low ridge and overlooks the original village. This setting gives a visit to the church a distinct connection to the place: the view over the original village and the elevated position go hand in hand. The church is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; check opening hours before your trip.
A strong tradition of bell ringing is also part of the local church culture. This tradition adds a specific cultural practice to the church’s setting. The church, ridge and original village therefore offer different ways to get to know Cornwood.
Delamore Arts and architectural history
Delamore Arts brings another cultural attraction to Cornwood. The Delamore Arts and Sculpture Exhibition is held every year in May, including the bank holidays, at the Delamore Estate in Cornwood. This seasonal timing provides a specific point of reference for planning your trip: check the dates and practical details for the year you plan to travel.
The imposing house on the Delamore Estate was built in 1859. The exhibition and the history of the house provide two distinct points of interest connected to the same estate: one is tied to an annual event, the other to a fixed date in the 19th century. The exhibition dates and the house’s history can therefore be considered separate reasons to include Delamore in your travel plans.
The edge of Dartmoor and circular walks
Cornwood lies on the edge of Dartmoor; most of the parish consists of archaeologically rich moorland. Together, these details paint a picture that extends beyond the village centre: the setting on the edge of Dartmoor and the moorland define the parish’s wider geographical context.
Two circular walks differ in both length and described gradient. From the Cornwood Inn to Vicarage Hill, a 1½-mile circular route follows paths and quiet roads, with gentle gradients. The circular walk from the Cornwood Inn to Slade Viaduct is 3¼ miles long and follows footpaths and country roads, with moderate gradients. The Vicarage Hill walk is therefore the shorter option, with gentler gradients, while the viaduct walk covers more distance and has a different gradient profile. Path conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Slade Viaduct
Slade Viaduct is a granite structure that carries the main railway line to Ivybridge. Sir Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed it in the mid-19th century. Its material, function and construction date give the viaduct a clear identity as a structure from railway history. It is also the named destination on the circular walk from the Cornwood Inn, bringing a specific route choice together with a distinct historical theme.
Discover more destinations: Lamerton, Instow, Rockbeare, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot, Tavistock, Stoke Canon, Sidmouth
For the broader travel guide: Devon.
