Exploring the Teign Valley
Dog Walk - Teign Gorge on Dartmoor.
Looking for the perfect dog walk on Dartmoor ?
Amazing views across the valley, beautiful woodlands, a castle and the chance to wild swim.
This walk is one of our favourites with lots see and explore all year round.
Teign Valley
The Teign Valley
The Teign Valley, set on the fringes of Dartmoor, is rich in wildlife, history and has some really stunning views . Lots to explore from rugged moorland, open countryside, a spectacular gorge and one of the most scenic woodlands in the Dartmoor National Park . The River Teign runs for about 50km from Dartmoor along to the coast of Teignmouth through towns villages and beautiful countryside. When it comes to getting out with the dog for a walk you are really spoilt for choice.
We spend a lot of time walking and running with the dogs in this beautiful part of Devon and this is one of our all-time favourites. Great all year round but extra special in the Autumn to enjoy the vibrant colours.
Walk Info
You can start this walk at various points- from Castle Drogo or from Fingle Bridge.
Walking from Castle Drogo
Park at Castle Drogo , Drewsteignton, EX6 6PB which is free for National Trust members and then pick up Hunters Path that will take you pass Sharps Tor and the chance to make the most of the spectacular views across the valley before you descend down to Fingle Bridge.
The Fingle Bridge Inn is perfect for drinks/ lunch spot before you cross the bridge and turn right to and pick up the Foresters track .
Follow this track alongside the River Teign, passing a hydroelectric plant and across the gorge you should catch glimpses of the castle. Pass through a gate along the lower wall of Whiddon Deer Park and walk on until you reach the stone stile. Climb over the stile and cross the wonderful suspension bridge with beautiful views down the river to Drogo Weir.
The picturesque Drogo Weir where the River Teign flows into Victorian stone plunge pools is an ideal wild swimming and picnic spot.
From here the path is well sign-posted back up to Castle Drogo.
Distance : 4.1 miles ( 6.6 km)
Route Map : Follow the signposts from the car park at Castle Drogo to the start of the walking trails, where you’ll find a map or the routes you can follow. Countryfile have detailed easy to follow walking instructions for this Teigh Gorge walk.
Fingle Bridge Circular
Park at Fingle Bridge ( EX6 6PW ) where there is lots of free parking .This is a circular walk that starts and finishes at The Fingle Bridge Inn. You can start the walk from each side of the bridge either Fishermans Path or cross the bridge and pick up the Foresters Track. Follow the river all the way along to Drogo Weir where you cross over the river on the suspension bridge and then make your way back on the other side towards Fingle Bridge.
If you follow Fishermans Path you will need to ascend and descend the base of Sharp Tor – there are metal hand rails but you still need to take care on this part. The Foresters track is generally flatter so choose this sideof the river for an easier walk.
Distance : 3.5 miles ( 5.6 km )
Need to know :
Both of these routes are popular so we head off early to make the most of the peace and quiet.
Dog Friendly
A perfect dog walk all year round with plenty of places dogs can access the river. In some areas of the estate there may be livestock grazing so dogs need to be kept on leads in these areas. Also worth noting we have seen, on rare occasions, Dartmoor Ponies that come down to drink at the River.
What to expect:
The walk from Castle Drogo involves a hill down to Fingle Bridge and then back up again.
The Fingle Bridge Circular walk is a flat (ish) walk – the path does twist and turn as it goes up and down with the river level. If you follow Fishermans Path you will need to ascend and descend the base of Sharp Tor – there are metal hand rails but you still need to take care on this part. The Foresters track is generally flatter so choose this sideof the river for an easier walk.
If you are looking for a shorter walk then have a look at this circular from Castle Drogo car park. You will still experience stunning views over Teign Gorge. You can find the walking details and a route map at The National Trust Castle Drogo site.
Wild Swimming
If you are feeling brave pack your swimming stuff and take a dip in the river and victorian stone plunge pools by the bridge crossing where you access the path back up to Castle Drogo. If you are feeling inspired there are lots of other wild swimming spots on Dartmoor you can access – check out this guide by Maverick which gives you lots of info on all the best spots.
Places to eat :
After all that walking here are our recommendations for some dog friendly places to eat and drink.
Riverside pub with lots of outside seating and very dog friendly. Great for pub food and Sunday Lunches.
Great for lunches and tea and cake. Although four legged friends are not able to go in the cafe, there is a covered seating area outside.
Treat yourself to Cream Tea at Mill End Hotel which is situated outside the pretty Dartmoor village of Chagford. The River Teign runs alongside their gardens, and Castle Drogo is just across the valley. Dogs very welcome.
Dog Friendly Millend Hotel & Restaurant at Chagford
If it’s a good breakfast you are after then head to dog friendly Woodleigh Café , situated just outside Cheriton Bishop , just off the A30.
Over to you
Have you explored the Teign Valley ? Let us know any of your favourite dog walking routes. We’re always looking for new places to explore!
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