Guidance for walkers: The monuments featured in this database are archaeological treasures and need to be protected and preserved - please do not disturb any sites. Please check access and firing times before visiting sites, not all sites listed are on open access land. Firing ranges and boundaries of open access areas are marked on the OL28 OS Dartmoor Explorer map. Please stick to the country code and consider giving support to the numerous agencies that help to keep Dartmoor a fabulous natural and historic environment!
About the database listings: In all listings clicking on the photo or the site name will open a page for the site with a larger photo and further details from the database. The database now has over 6680 records covering nearly all publicly listed sites on Dartmoor including around 4800 round houses. This level of detail is of interest to archaeologists but tends to swamp listings of sites more likely to be of interest for walkers. For this reason, the listings default to around 550 core sites only. These are the stone circles, stone rows and the ring cairns listed by Turner. The default search radius is 2 km. The controls below the map can be used to start a new search by entering a 6- or 8-digit reference (without the prefix "SX"). The search radius can be specified and you can add incremental Display layers of detail on top of the core sites. If using a more detailed layer you will need to decrease the search radius to avoid getting hundreds of search results.
These listings have incorporated, matched up and merged all of the records from all of the major archaeological listings including: Worth, Grinsell, Turner, Butler, Bill Radcliffe, Sandy Gerrard, Megalithic Portal, the National Monument Records and the Historic Environment Records. The author would like to thank Bill, Sandy, the lovely people both at Megalithic Portal (especially Anne Tate who did an amazing job to link listings) and at ACE Archaeology for collaborative work over the years to synchronise and correct listings across the various websites which now interlink. A culmination of years of work the final merger of cairn records took 3 months of cross referencing in 2017 the result being a snapshot of the records at that time. This data has in turn been refined since by field work and research. The round house data was supplied by Sandy Gerrard. Grid references are in order of accuracy: from Google Earth satellite, if visible and found, from a Garmin GPS reading, if visited by the author and from the literature otherwise. Individual site pages will state the source of the grid reference and provide satellite imagery. If a site listing lacks a photo it has not yet been visited by the author in which case the grid reference is from the literature.
Currently the database only includes sites which can be represented by a grid reference. Reaves are not included as they require GIS shape technology which is beyond the current capability of this system. To see the sources for the records, look at the tables on the resources menu. The database listings can also be viewed on a Google map and downloaded as GPS datasets for Garmin devices.
Corrections, or any feedback or suggestions are very welcome, email: info@dartmoorwalks.org.uk.
NOTE: Clicking on the icons for each monument in the map will give the name of the site. You can zoom in and out and drag the map around.
OS Map: SX 55368 74602
HER: MDV3759
Megalithic Portal: 52014
The Stone Rows of GB: Merrivale 4
PMD: Merrivale Menhir
Alternate name: Merrivale 6 (near standing stone) Encircled Cairn
ShortName: EC Merivale S
Butler map: 44.8.6
Grinsell: WAL 6
Turner: F19
Notes: The cairn now turf-covered with an excavation pit in the centre, has a diameter of 2.4m. and a height of 0.1m. The excavation pit can be seen in the photo. A very irregular "circle" of stones can be seen around this cairn. Turner F19.
Nearby sites: SX 55368 74602
Distance: 0.01km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 2]
OS Map: SX 55361 74641
HER: MDV4998
Megalithic Portal: 116
PMD: Merrivale Stone Circle
ShortName: SC Merrivale
DPD page: 17
Turner: G14
Notes: "A stone circle with a diameter of 20.0m. measured from northeast to southwest and 18.0m from northwest to southeast. It is formed by eleven stones spaced between 2.7m and 6.7m. apart and from 0.3m. to 0.5m. high. Three of the stones are of post type and eight are upright slabs. An additional stone, 7.5m. from the northeast side and 0.3m high, is angled towards the circle and may be quite unassociated". See also Legendary Dartmoor: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex. Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram 16.
Nearby sites: SX 55361 74641
Distance: 0.04km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 2]
OS Map: SX 55359 74599
HER: MDV53395
Megalithic Portal: 115
PMD: Merrivale Standing Stone
ShortName: SS Merrivale
Butler map: 44.8.4
DPD page: 17
Notes: "Two Bronze Age standing stones with a disturbed cairn and a number of small earth fast stones. Located in open generally clitter-free moorland. Only one of the two stones still stands; it is 3.2 metres high and tapers from the base which is 0.7 by 0.5 metres in section. Whether the stone was once the focus or terminus of a stone rows is uncertain. The second stone is now fallen, it is 2.2 metres long, up to 0.4 metres wide and 0.3 metres thick. An adjacent 0.3 metre deep pit may be its socket hole. "
Nearby sites: SX 55359 74599
Distance: 0.00km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 2]
OS Map: SX 555 749
HER: MDV4897
Megalithic Portal: 1520
ShortName: ST Merrivale
DPD page: 18
Notes: Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement is a partially enclosed stone hut circle settlement, including at least thirty six hut circles and four separate enclosures. Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 555 749
Distance: 0.33km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 2]
OS Map: SX 5545 7479
HER: MDV14795
Megalithic Portal: 2046
PMD: Merrivale
ShortName: CX Merrivale
DPD page: 16
Notes: The Merrivale Ceremonial Complex consists of a stone circle a large menhir and two double stone rows and burial cairns. See also: Legendary Dartmoor: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex. Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 5545 7479
Distance: 0.21km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Walk: Merrivale Complex
OS Map: SX 55490 74770
HER: MDV3738
Megalithic Portal: 10465
PMD: Merrivale
Alternate name: Merrivale 7 Cist
ShortName: CT Merrivale
Butler map: 44.8.7
DPD page: 18
Grinsell: WAL 5
Notes: "A very fine Bronze Age cist which measures internally 2.2 metres long by 0.9 metres wide and up to 0.8 metres deep. The triangular-shaped slab which forms the massive cover stone is up to 2.1metres wide and averages 0.4 metres thick; a central part has been removed by stone cutters revealing the water-filled cist and a broken fragment of the coverslab." See also, Legendary Dartmoor: The Merrivale Kist. Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16. Butler Vol. 3. Map 44.8.7 (diagram of location in ceremonial complex p.24, diagram of cist p.31).
Nearby sites: SX 55490 74770
Distance: 0.22km
OS Map: SX 55360 74747
HER: MDV4997
Megalithic Portal: 10503
PMD: Merrivale SW.
Alternate name: Merrivale 8 Embanked Cairn Circle and Cist
ShortName: CT MerrivaleSW
Butler map: 44.8.8
Grinsell: WAL 1
Turner: B2
Notes: "The excavation of 1851 seems to have been thorough, completely destroying structural remains of both the cairn and the 'cist or inner circle',. There is now a circular turf covered area, 18.0m. in diameter, with random stones protruding through the surface. Off centre there is a hollow, 7.0m. by 4.0m. and 0.5m. deep." Butler Merrivale Vol. 3. Map 44.8.8 (pp.30-1).
Nearby sites: SX 55360 74747
Distance: 0.15km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 1]
OS Map: SX 55361 74592
HER: MDV53397
Megalithic Portal: 3388
The Stone Rows of GB: Merrivale 4
PMD: Merrivale Menhir I Stone Row
Alternate name: Merrivale 4 Stone Row
ShortName: SR Mer Menhir
Butler map: 44.8.4
DPD page: 17
Notes: Butler Row 4. Prehistoric Monuments of Dartmoor website Menhir 1. "Stone row 4 is now a trivial affair [Butler] of 3 small slabs aligned towards a squarish block near the base of the standing stone. This area has suffered some damage over the past century. There were 5 stones in 1895, the missing one presumably accounted for by the pit which has appeared between the upper stones. This may well be the site of the cairn, C4, at the head of the rows recorded by Rowe but not included in the plans of Lukis or Worth. Nor is there much surviving from the circle of slabs around the menhir depicted in Bray's plan and recorded by Spence Bate in 1871, or the nearby cist which he excavated, C5. The Exploration Committee excavated at both ends of the row but no more socket holes were found and they concluded that this short alignment was complete." Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 55361 74592
Distance: 0.01km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 1]
OS Map: SX 55541 74809
HER: MDV14797
Megalithic Portal: 2044
The Stone Rows of GB: Merrivale 1
PMD: Merrivale A Stone Row
Alternate name: Merrivale 1 Stone Row
ShortName: SR MerrivaleA
Butler map: 44.8.1
DPD page: 16
Notes: Worth Merrivale A. Butler Merrivale 1. "Two Bronze Age double stone rows and associated cairns are located on open moorland. The rows are oriented roughly east to west and are almost parallel, being 25 metres between centres at their eastern ends increasing to 32 metres at the west. A leat still used to convey water to Hillside Stables separates the two monuments and flows to within 2 metres of the northern row. A single row (see SX 57 SE 115) runs roughly south-west from a small cairn at SX 55397476, some 4.75 metres south of the south row." Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 55541 74809
Distance: 0.28km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 1]
OS Map: SX 55567 74788
HER: MDV14795
Megalithic Portal: 117
The Stone Rows of GB: Merrivale 2
PMD: Merrivale B Stone Row
Alternate name: Merrivale 2 Stone Row
ShortName: SR MerrivaleB
Butler map: 44.8.2
DPD page: 16
Notes: Butler Merrivale 2. Worth Merrivale B. For description see Merrivale A. Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 55567 74788
Distance: 0.28km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 1]
OS Map: SX 55394 74761
HER: MDV5001
Megalithic Portal: 3391
The Stone Rows of GB: Merrivale 3
PMD: Merrivale C Stone Row
Alternate name: Merrivale 3 Stone Row
ShortName: SR MerrivaleC
Butler map: 44.8.3
DPD page: 17
Notes: Butler Merrivale 3. Worth Merrivale C. "A stone row and a small cairn lie to the south of the double stone rows in close-cropped moorland turf. The cairn located at the northern end and slightly off-centre to the row, measures 3.2m across and up to 0.5m high. An 0.3m deep central pit opens out on the southern side. There is no obvious kerb or cist but a transverse slab, the terminal slab of the row, is set within the south side of the mound. The existence of this slab suggest that the row pre-dates the mound. The stone row extends for 41.7m in a southerly direction to an upright stone (SX553774720). However, during the English Heritage 1999 survey a further stone was located on the same alignment beyond this stone indicating an overall length for the row of at least 60m. The new partially buried stone at SX55337484 is visible as a rounded stone 0.15m across; it is similar to others in the row. A total of six upright stones, six stones protruding through the turf and about ten slight depressions, now indicate this 60m long alignment. The transverse stone within the cairn is 0.5m by 0.4 and 0.15m thick. The two adjacent in line slabs are 0.6m 0.3m by 0.15m and 0.3 by 0.2 and 0.2m thick respectively. The other large stone (SX55377472) is 0.5 by 0.4 and up to 0.4m thick. The other stones are up to 0.15m high." Lethbridge pp.16-18 Row C, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 55394 74761
Distance: 0.17km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Walk: Merrivale Complex
OS Map: SX 55442 74779
HER: MDV14796
Megalithic Portal: 3389
PMD: Merrivale S row
Alternate name: Merrivale double row 2 centre Encircled Cairn and Cist
ShortName: CT MerrivaleB
Butler map: 44.8.2
DPD page: 17
Grinsell: WAL 4
Turner: F20
Notes: Butler Merrivale double row 2, (centre) - Vol. 3. Map 44.8.1 (diagram p.27). Lethbridge pp.16-18, diagram p.16.
Nearby sites: SX 55442 74779
Distance: 0.20km
Prehistoric Dartmoor Walks: Dartmoor Site: Merrivale Ceremonial Complex [Photo Set 1]
OS Map: SX 55548 74817
HER: MDV14797
Megalithic Portal: 3390
The Stone Rows of GB: Merrivale 1
PMD: Merrivale A Stone Row
Alternate name: Merrivale double row 1 (east end) Cairn Circle
ShortName: CC MerrivaleNE
Butler map: 44.8.1
Notes: At the eastern end of the northern double stone row is the remains of a cairn and its surrounding stone circle.
Nearby sites: SX 55548 74817
Distance: 0.29km
OS Map: SX 55340 74845
HER: MDV3757
Megalithic Portal: 10502
Alternate name: Merrivale 10 Embanked Cairn Circle
ShortName: CC Merrivale10
Butler map: 44.8.10
Turner: B8
Notes: "Turner describes this site as an embanked stone circle; an annular bank of earth and/or stones with an inner edge of orthostats. Internal diameter is 8.0 meters with a bank 0.8 meters wide and 0.3 meters high. Much disturbed." Turner B8.
Nearby sites: SX 55340 74845
Distance: 0.25km
OS Map: SX 54240 74391
HER: MDV3596
Megalithic Portal: 29932
PMD: Vixen Tor
Alternate name: Vixen Tor 1 Cist
ShortName: CT Vixen Tor
Butler map: 44.10.1
DPD page: 15
Grinsell: WHI 2
Barrow Report: 39
Notes: "Cist and possible remains of a barrow. The east and south sides of the cist lean inwards and the north end is slightly defective. The cover stone seems to have been in two parts and it leans against the south corner of the cist. There appears to be traces of a retaining circle of barrows, three stones only, in radius of 3.0m from the centre of the cist. The condition is good. The original dimensions would, however, appear to have been 1.219m x 533mm. One side stone is 1.524m in length, and the other is over 1.372m in length. The present depth below the top of the side stones is 330mm, but excavation would probably prove this to be at least twice this." Vixen Tor has been fenced off by the current landowner. Butler Vol. 3. Map 44.10.1 (diagram p.34). See also: Legendary Dartmooor: Vixen Tor and Vixen Tor Forbidden
Nearby sites: SX 54240 74391
Distance: 1.14km
OS Map: SX 56350 74465
HER: MDV5002
Megalithic Portal: 45778
PMD: Yellowmeade Farm NW.
Alternate name: Yellowmeade 1 Cist
ShortName: CT Yellowm Fm1
Butler map: 44.1.1
DPD page: 18
Grinsell: WAL 7
Barrow Report: 67
Notes: Butler Yellowmeade 1 - Vol. 3. Map 44.1 (diagram p.17).
Nearby sites: SX 56350 74465
Distance: 1.00km
Page last updated 18/02/24