Dunsford Nature Reserve
A beautiful dog walk near to Exeter.
Perfect at any time of year but particlulary stunning in the Spring with a spectacular show of Wild daffodils and Bluebells.
Dunsford Nature Reserve
Walk Info
Dunsford is one of our best-loved and most beautiful nature reserves and a firm favourite for a good dog walk that is easily accessible from Exeter. A stunning riverside walk through a wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor.
The walking trails are wide and really easy to navigate so good for family walks too. Just don’t forget your wellies as it can get pretty muddy in places.
You can access Dunsford Nature Reserve from Steps Bridge , built at the beginning of the 19th century , which spans the River Teign near the North Eastern border of Dartmoor National Park.
Steps Bridge.
Follow the River Teign as it winds through a steep-sided woodland valley with lots of wildlife to look out for. We regularly spot Kingfishers, Herons and Goosanders on the river and it’s not unusual to see herds of Fallow deer pass through the wooded valley and lots and lots of squirrels !
There are circular walks that follow the river bank so it’s easy to navigate and plenty of spots for the dogs to access the water. From the Clifford Bridge entrance climb to the top of Dunsford for some spectular views.
If you want a longer walk, the nature reserve joins lanes and footpaths leading along the Teign Valley to Clifford Bridge, Fingle Bridge and Castle Drogo. You can read my blog on the Teign Gorge walk here.
Dunsford nature reserve is a great place to walk and enjoy whatever the season. The colours of the leaves are spectacular in the Autumn, an early walk on a frosty winter morning is magical and the Springtime show of Bluebells and Wild Daffodils that line the woodland floor is not one to miss!
Devon Wildlife Trust - Dunsford Reserve
How to get here
Dunsford Nature Reserve is easy to find and about ten miles outside of Exeter on the Exeter to Moretonhampstead road. There are a few spaces to park on the road by the wall of Steps Bridge which are next to the entrance to the Reserve. There is a car park further up the hill on the right hand side , opposite the YHA.
Postcode : If you use EX6 7EG this will get you near enough.
Bus Service : The Country Bus Exeter to Moretonhampsead bus ( 359 ) runs past Steps Bridge.
You can also access the Nature Reserve from the Clifford Bridge end . There is some parking here on the road just outside the entrance.
Allow 1.5 hours to walk through the reserve to one end and back.
You can find out more information on Dunsford Reserve at Devon Wildlife Trust website.
Dunsford Nature Reserve
Eats and Treats
We highly recommend the very dog friendly Walled Garden in Dunford. A perfect spot for after walk’s coffee and cake. They also do a most impressive cream tea. Very friendly staff, always worth a visit.
Walled Garden in Dunsford
Over to you
Where’s your favourite place to explore during autumn? Have you visited Dunsford Nature Reserve before? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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