Devon is home to thousands of natural wells and springs - but just a few are recognised as having holy properties.
There are many different stories behind holy wells - some are thought to possess the power of healing, some to grant wishes or good fortune and some are simply a place of veneration.
With the help of local historian Terry Faulls, we've created a short introductory tour - a brief look at a little known side of Devon's history.
Where to Begin
(map ref SX754694)
Starting at Ashburton the tour begins with St. Gadula's well on the edge of the town.
St. Gudula's Well, Ashburton
It is located beside the old Totnes Rd, and is marked by an ancient cross which stands adjacent to the well.
The origin of the well is sketchy, but it is thought the waters had healing properties - especially for the eyes.
The name St Gadula is thought to be a variation on St. Gudwall - or St Wulvella - celebrated at Gulval in Cornwall.
Stidwell
(map ref SX735 729)
Take the road leading out of Ashburton towards Buckland in the Moor. Just before you enter the village - in fact just before the "Buckland in the Moor" road sign - you'll need to find a place to stop.
The climb to the well is steep and the track is narrow. From the road - just opposite a disused kissing gate - head up to the right.
It's easy to find as the track runs alongside a sturdy granite stone wall - the boundary between the parishes of Ashburton and Buckland in the Moor.
Once you have passed through a five-barred gate (and just as you're beginning to think you've made a terrible mistake - it's very steep) the wall curves abruptly to the left.
This is the site of Stidwell - just to the right of the wall. There is little to suggest that the well exists - except for some ragged rushes lurking in the undergrowth. But the views on a clear day are breathtaking.
Golden Well - Bovey Tracey
(map ref SX820786)
The Golden Well is easily reached from the centre of Bovey Tracey, following the main road up through the town to the Church of St Peter and St Paul's.
The Golden Well, Bovey Tracey
The Golden Well has a remarkable story attached to it - including an appearance by some golden frogs!
The story goes.....The humble priest of the parish church - St. Mary's as it was then - returned home at the end of the day to find a visitor.
The pious priest and his wife shared their meagre supper with the visitor, ensuring she was cared for and sheltered.
The visitor was of course St. Mary. In return for his kindness, she bestowed good fortune on the priest and his family for generations to come.
And the frogs? St Mary turned the frogs in the spring gold to ensure that her promise would always be remembered.
Leech Wells - Totnes
(map ref SX800601)
This is one of the few wells in the county that is still recognised by locals as possessing healing qualities.
Offerings are still made at Leech Well, Totnes
From the Leech Wells car park head up towards the Kingsbridge Inn. Immediately to the left of the pub, is a narrow lane that leads down to Leech Wells.
There are three springs - one for healing, one for good luck and one simply as a place of veneration. Ribbons or "clouties" are hung above the wells as a mark of respect.
Traditionally these clouties would have been strips of material torn from the clothes of the sick or injured, in the hope that the water would provide healing.
Abbotskerswell
(map ref SX856687)
The well in Abbotskerswell is one of only five wells in the county that are recorded in the Domesday book.
The well is close to the Butchers Inn. Follow the bridleway to the right of the pub which runs along side a narrow stream.
Water bubbles from the well at Abbotskerswell
The well is sheltered by a black wooden door. Have a peak inside an you'll see the spring water flowing into the stream.
Lidwell
(map ref SX923758)
Lidwell is an isolated spring, beside a derelict parish church not far north of Bishopsteignton. It's one of the few wells in the county that is said to bring bad luck.
Legend has it that the priest of Lidwell lured passers-by to the chapel before robbing and murdering them - and then dumping their bodies in the well.
Head for The Teignmouth Golf Course (National Trust parking at sx918765) which is the nearest landmark of note.
To the left there are views of the coast and to the right the golf course. Take the path to the left (you'll have to hop over a rusty iron bar) and follow the path south.
Take the right fork as the path becomes steeper and continue to a style. Lidwell Farm is nestled into the valley, but in the foreground is the derelict Lidwell Chapel.
There are dozens of other holy wells in the county - this tour is just to whet your appetite. For more information and local history visit the Devon Holy Wells website.
