Looking due north from the long stone at merrivale standing about ten feet tall, the menhir is located approximately one hundred and thirty seven feet from the centre of the stone circle (visible on the horizon.)
A fine place to contemplate the mystic ambience of such places, which I was before having to make a hasty exit in the direction of the car thanks to the spectacular rain show that Dartmoor had laid on for me.
Standing in cold, dark and wet grassed conditions of the small hours literally equates to some form of madness. Dotted around the perimeter of the field, unseen livestock munched and shuffled their protests to the occasional flash of light from the ancient monument. After some considerable time, hot chocolate and bed seemed more of an attractive proposition so it was time to let the livestock go back to sleep.
Having heard of Dartmoor ponies entering circles one at a time and standing motionless in some oddball trance before exiting the stones only to be replaced by another pony, for me the jury was out on that one....however. One fine morning I witnessed that exact thing except this time with three cows. Each took turns inside Nine Maidens for several minutes, apparently aligned perfectly with the St.Michael/Mary line.