A wonderful circular walk from Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge on a gentle path along the River Teign before heading steeply onto Butterdon Down and descending back to Clifford Bridge. Beautiful woodland views.
(D/A) Head down to the path that runs alongside the southern banks of the River Teign (we had to take a short diversion as the path was closed due to forestry operations). Follow the gentle wide path along the river until you reach Fingle Bridge
(1) The Angler's Rest pub on the opposite bank is a real favourite for lunch or just a drink by the river. Head uphill through Charles Wood. The path is steep and winds its way up to a small road. Head east to Cranbrook from where you take the footpath onto Butterdon Down.
(2) Follow the path around the southern side of Butterdon Down. Look out for views of Haytor in the far distance. Take the path off the down, follow the track past a house on the left and barn on the right. Where it meets the road, take the footpath that seems to head back onto the down but instead climb the stile on your right about halfway up the footpath.
(3) The path winds itself through woodland, crosses the road near the magnificent Willingstone Rock. Follow the path to Willingstone Cottages then take the road and head eastwards. Follow the road until you find a track through Willingstone Plantations and into Houndsmoor Wood. This path winds itself through plantations until it reaches Wooston Castle. The view from the hill fort along the Teign Valley is quite spectacular.
(4) Continue eastwards through the plantations. Eventually you will reach the path you originally started on.(D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 87m - Start
1 : km 4.52 - alt. 127m - Fingle Bridge
2 : km 6.25 - alt. 289m - Butterdon Down
3 : km 8.48 - alt. 290m - Willingstone Cottages
4 : km 10.61 - alt. 205m - Wooston Castle
D/A : km 12.39 - alt. 88m - Finish
Look out for signs in Fingle Woods to indicate where paths are closed owing to forestry operations.
Sturdy walking boots and poles may be useful on the steep ups and downs but the path between Clifford Bridge and Fingle Bridge is wide and gentle and very accessible.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
The Angler's Rest pub at Fingle Bridge is in a wonderful setting - the perfect place for lunch or a mid-walk snack.
Stage 6 is a tricky navigational test as we leave the Dartmoor National Park and head into Mid Devon. The route crosses the A 30, the main Exeter to Barnstaple rail line and the busy A 377. There's plenty to keep you occupied and some pretty hamlets to go through (avoiding some interesting villages, so you might be tempted to go off-route at some point).
A beautiful walk past granite Devon longhouses and open moorland on the edge of Dartmoor. It's recommended to do this walk clockwise as the last footpath is difficult to find going in the other direction.
A circular walk combining moorland, streams and woods on Dartmoor, passing the dramatic Hound Tor and iconic Bowerman's Nose, with places for refreshments at the half waypoint. It is a good length with some steep hills for hearty exercise and is mainly off-road, taking advantage of footpaths and tracks. You could start at Lustleigh or Manaton if you prefer, and there are short-cuts available if you wish to shorten the walk.
NOTE: this description has been amended to correct a route error.
A circular walk in the east of Dartmoor following roads and paths, including sections of the Two Moors Way. The walk includes a mix of open moorland, footpaths and quiet roads where the farming hinterlands meet the moor. Except for the section north of the road near the Warren House Inn, all the paths are well-trodden and waymarked. There are some steep sections. Apart from the high moors, this walk is fairly sheltered from the prevailing SW winds.
A Dartmoor walk that includes the most north-easterly summit in the National Park which offers some fine views especially to the north. The route needs careful navigation at the start and in poor weather you need a good sense of direction and compass skills.
A demanding Dartmoor walk that requires careful navigation and preferably good weather. The route uses a section of the Tarka Trail, visits some ancient monuments and visits the summits of a number of granite tors.
This is an unmarked hike (but mainly obvious paths during clear days) located on the easter side of Dartmoor National Park. During this trip, you will enjoy peaceful moors, great views from tops and stone circles historic site.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.