The Diocese of Exeter has launched a walking route taking people from one church to another in the picturesque south west. 

The Archangel's Way is one of a series of routes developed for the new Devon Pilgrim project, which launched earlier this month.

It starts at the 13th Century St Michael de Rupe church on Brentor and runs for 35 miles to St Michael the Archangel, Chagford.

Paul Brooks, who helped devise the route, said, "Vast open landscapes, rocky tors, intimate wooded valleys and rushing streams all contribute to the spiritual feel of Dartmoor.

"Add in the historic churches and villages, prehistoric remains and the man-made effect on nature and you have a unique walking adventure."

Christopher Pancheri is a key member of the Archangel's Way team and lives near its start at Brentor.

He said "It is a thin place where heaven seems close at hand and is now a small pilgrim place where I provide hospitality, charged with making sure that there is a welcome and refreshment for all who come.

"The Archangel's Way is not challenging and offers plenty of time to drink in the beauty of God's creation. 

"I look forward to welcoming pilgrims setting out along it."

On Saturday, walkers gathered for a launch event halfway along the route for music, morris dancing and an outdoor church service.

Bells rang in eleven historic places of worship along the route starting with St Michael's at Chagford at 9am and finishing with St Michael's at Brentor.