Chains Valley Stone Alignment

A cluster of standing stones arranged in long lines across moorland near Lynton - this Bronze Age site still puzzles archaeologists about its original purpose. You're looking at rocks deliberately placed thousands of years ago, weathered and moss-covered now, but unmistakably intentional. The alignment stretches across open ground where the wind picks up properly, giving the place a genuine sense of age.

It's a proper walk to reach it, nothing signposted or tidy, and that's rather the point. You'll need decent boots and a bit of navigation skill - it's not a car park and a ten-minute stroll situation. History types and archaeology enthusiasts will find it genuinely interesting, though casual visitors might find themselves wondering what they're looking at after about twenty minutes. The moorland itself rewards the effort though; views stretch toward Exmoor and the Welsh hills.

If you're based at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat just down the way, this makes a solid half-day outing to break up a park holiday. Combine it with a proper walk across the moor rather than treating it as a quick stop. The site is free, obviously - there's nothing there to charge for - and you can visit any time. Best in clearer weather when you can actually see where you're going and the views open up. Bring the OS map and go prepared.