Teign Gorge (National Trust), Chagford, Dartmoor National Park

Teign Gorge (National Trust), Chagford, Dartmoor National Park

[Main photo: the view from Hunter’s Path to Sharp Tor in the Teign Gorge with the countryside around Chagford and Dartmoor’s north moor beyond. Browse the photo gallery for more images of the Teign Gorge through the seasons]

 

A steep-sided, heavily wooded valley cut by the River Teign

The Teign Gorge is widely recognised as being one of the most stunning areas in Dartmoor National Park. It’s a steep-sided, heavily wooded valley cut by the River Teign. There’s a National Trust property, spectacular and much photographed views, great walks, long river pools for swimming, temperate rainforest and a great pub.

 

Location of the Teign Gorge

The Teign Gorge is located in the north eastern section of Dartmoor National Park close to the ancient stannary town Chagford and the pretty villages Drewsteignton and Dunsford. The National Trust's Castle Drogo is at the mouth of the gorge. The National Trust's Dunsford Wood and Steps Bridge are to the east.

We've positioned the Teign Gorge on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its exact location.

 

Directions to, and parking at, the Teign Gorge

The Teign Gorge’s location means that you can approach it from all directions.

If you are a National Trust member or pay to visit Castle Drogo, use that car park. Follow the A382 to Sandy Park and follow the signs up the skinny moorland lane to Castle Drogo.

There’s limited parking on the side of A382 by the Mill End Hotel at Dogmarsh Bridge. A good path runs up the north bank of the River Teign to the Teign Gorge. Clearly, you can walk from Mill End Hotel if you’re a guest. Note that you can follow the River Teign from Chagford to the Teign Gorge as well.

There’s lots of parking at Fingle Bridge. Again, follow the A382 to Sandy Park and then follow signs past Castle Drogo to Drewsteignton and then down to Fingle Bridge.

You’ll also find limited parking spaces along the moorland lanes that run south of the Teign Gorge between Cranbrook Castle and Wooston Castle.

 

The Teign Gorge

The Teign Gorge is a steep-sided, heavily wooded valley. Cut by the River Teign, the valley runs for miles towards the national park border near Dunsford. Most people refer to the section of valley between Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge as the Teign Gorge. The area east of this is usually referred to as Fingle Woods.

If you are visiting for the first time, we’d recommend exploring the Teign Gorge between Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge. It’s a big place that’s packed with points of interest and things to do.

Castle Drogo sits on a spur of land high above the mouth of the gorge. The last castle to be built in England, it’s a popular National Trust property.

Hunter’s Tor is a viewpoint above the River Teign.

Below Hunter’s Tor are Iron Bridge, Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo Weir and Drewe’s Pool. This section of the River Teign is popular with swimmers. Salmon leap from the water here as they power upriver in autumn to spawn on the edge of the high moor.

Across the valley from Castle Drogo is the superb Whiddon Deer Park. The views to Chagford and Dartmoor’s north moor are sensational.

The Hunter's Path runs along the northern lip of the gorge and is easily accessible from Castle Drogo.

Sharp Tor is a famous Dartmoor’s viewpoint. The tor juts out into the Teign Gorge. The view west to Castle Drogo and Dartmoor’s north moor is much photographed. Take care as there are very steep drops to the valley floor and the River Teign.

Fingle Bridge is at the eastern end of the Teign Gorge. The bridge and surrounding area are a Dartmoor beauty spot.

The Fisherman's Path follows the north bank of the River Teign far below.

There’s a much photographed section of the River Teign upriver of Fingle Bridge. Photographers usually capture the scene on the track that runs along the south bank of the river. Note that this track runs all the way along the river to Iron Bridge, Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo Weir and Drewe’s Pool.

Fingle Bridge Inn is located by the bridge and river.

A track climbs very steeply from Fingle Bridge to Cranbrook Castle Hillfort which offers immense views of Dartmoor National Park and large areas of Devon.

Paths have been opened up on the southern side of the gorge under the name Deer Stalkers Paths. Few people walk here so it’s great in busy summer months.

Given the high number of attractions within the Teign Gorge, plan a weekend break to Chagford to explore the area. There's a top walk along the gorge from Chagford. It's particularly stunning in spring and autumn.

In early August 2013, the National Trust and Woodland Trust announced that they had acquired, and were set to restore, a stretch of woodland in the middle of the Teign Gorge between the National Trust's Castle Drogo Estate and the National Trust's woodland around Steps Bridge. This woodland is known as Fingle Woods (National Trust/Woodland Trust). The acquisition means that the entire length of the gorge is now managed by the National Trust and Woodland Trust. A statement from the National Trust explained: 'Together we'll be able to create almost 30 miles (48km) of footpaths for visitors who will be able to see and enjoy the woodlands and get a real feel for the enormity of the place. The woodlands now belong to us jointly and we are ready to start the restoration process for the benefit of wildlife and people over the next 50 years. It also now allows us to manage a 10km long landscape of woodland in the Teign Gorge on Dartmoor'.

 

Recommended route to the Teign Gorge for the first time

The Teign Gorge between Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge can be walked in a couple of hours. We’d recommend this route when visiting for the first time. It’s a circular walk that allows you to experience the Teign Gorge from above and below.

Head for the pretty village Drewsteignton. From there, a narrow road runs down to the local beauty spot Fingle Bridge and Fingle Bridge Inn. It's a popular place so there's plenty of parking on either side of the bridge. Note that there are public toilets across Fingle Bridge on the south bank of the River Teign.

Start at Fingle Bridge and Fingle Bridge Inn near the pretty village Drewsteignton. Walk back up the narrow road running between Drewsteignton and Fingle Bridge. About a hundred metres up the road from Fingle Bridge, you'll see a sign to your left pointing to a steep hill. This takes you up the north wall of the gorge. The ascent will get your heart pumping but once you're at the top of the gorge wall, the path is flat and the views stunning along the Teign Gorge to the high moors around Hangingstone Hill.

Follow the path in the direction of Castle Drogo (National Trust). Local signs mark this path as the Hunter's Path.

You'll come to a series of rocky outcrops. The largest is called Sharp Tor (Teign Gorge/North East Dartmoor). The views of Castle Drogo, the Chagford area and the high moors from Fernworthy Forest to Hangingstone Hill and then Cosdon Hill are amazing. In winter months, you'll see the River Teign running way below.

From Sharp Tor, the path arcs below Castle Drogo. You'll come to the mouth of the gorge. The main path runs right, downhill where it connects with a road. This road leads to a path that takes you to the gorge floor and the north bank of the River Teign. The path that runs along this north bank of the river is called the Fisherman's Path.

You'll see Iron Bridge. Do not cross it. Follow the Fisherman's Path along the north bank past Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo Weir and Drewe's Pool where people swim. There's a small ascent over a rocky outcrop but steps and an iron railing are provided. From there, you walk along the bank of the river to Fingle Bridge.

 

Other routes and directions to the Teign Gorge

As is the case with all valleys on Dartmoor, you can walk in from many directions. Here are other routes.

 

Routes and directions to the Teign Gorge from the west

There’s limited parking on the side of A382 by the Mill House Hotel at Dogmarsh Bridge. A good path runs up the north bank of the River Teign to the Teign Gorge, Iron Bridge and the River Teign.

Alternatively, walk in from Chagford.

 

Routes and directions to the Teign Gorge from the east

Alternatively, from Fingle Bridge, follow the track that runs on the south side of the River Teign. Cross at Iron Bridge and return either on the Fisherman’s Path along the River Teign or on the Hunter’s Path on the northern lip of the gorge.

 

Routes and directions to the Teign Gorge from the north

Drop down from Castle Drogo to Hunter’s Path. Pick up the circular walk described above.

 

Routes and directions to the Teign Gorge from the south

You’ll also find limited parking spaces along the moorland lanes that run south of the Teign Gorge between Cranbrook Castle and Wooston Castle.

Walk from these starting points to connect with the routes described above.

 

Views of the the Teign Gorge

Castle Drogo. There’s a large viewing area in front of Castle Drogo that provides great views of the Chagford area and Dartmoor’s north moor.

Hunter’s Tor. This rocky outcrop is located above Iron Bridge, Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo Weir and Drewe’s Pool. There are great views of Whiddon Deer Park, Sharp Tor and the Teign Gorge.

Iron Bridge. Stand in the middle of the bridge for a classic Dartmoor river view.

Salmon Leaps, Castle Drogo Weir and Drewe’s Pool provide great views upriver to Iron Bridge. The river reflections in spring and autumn can be amazing.

Whiddon Deer Park. There are great views of the north moor running from Fernworthy Forest across to Watern Tor and then Cosdon. This area is also known for its bluebells in May.

The Hunter's Path. It’s difficult to pick the best viewpoint on the Hunter’s Path. It’s stunning from Castle Drogo all the way along to Fingle Bridge. That said, Sharp Tor is a famous Dartmoor viewpoint.

Fingle Bridge is at the eastern end of the Teign Gorge. The bridge and pub sit below high valley walls.

The Fisherman's Path follows the north bank of the River Teign. There are remarkable views all the way along the path.

There’s a much photographed section of the River Teign upriver of Fingle Bridge. Photographers usually capture the scene on the track that runs along the south bank of the river.

A track climbs very steeply from Fingle Bridge to Cranbrook Castle Hillfort which offers immense views of Dartmoor National Park and large areas of Devon. There’s also a viewpoint about half way up this track. You look back up the gorge to Castle Drogo. The interlocking spurs are impressive.

 

The area around the Teign Gorge

Castle Drogo. One of the most popular National Trust properties in South West England. Great for a cream tea.

Fingle Bridge/Fingle Bridge Inn. Dartmoor beauty spot with a riverside pub garden.

Stone Lane Gardens. Amazing, compact gardens that hosts an annual sculpture exhibition. Can’t recommend this place highly enough.

Spinster’s Rock. Rare prehistoric site in Dartmoor National Park. Note that you’ll find lots of these in Cornwall, especially on the West Penwith Peninsula/Land’s End Peninsula.

Chagford is a very popular destination in Dartmoor National Park.

 

Places to eat and drink near the Teign Gorge

Fingle Bridge Inn. Situated by the River Teign where the Teign Gorge meets Fingle Woods.

Castle Drogo. Cafe (and shop) at the entrance to Castle Drogo. Nice outdoor area for summer.

Drewe Arms. Nice local village pub in Drewsteignton.

Mill End Hotel. By the A382 by the Mill End Hotel at Dogmarsh Bridge if you’re coming from that direction.

Chagford. Very popular Dartmoor tourist destination which means there are lots of pubs and cafes. Have a wander when you’re there and take your pick. We like the Three Crowns near The Pepperpot in the centre of town.

 

Other gorges, cleaves and valleys in Dartmoor National Park

Lustleigh Cleave/Bovey Valley Woodlands. Lustleigh Cleave and the Bovey Woodlands are located in the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park near the village Lustleigh and the national park gateway town Bovey Tracey.

The Dart Gorge is located in the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park near the village Holne and above the national park gateway town Ashburton.

Lydford Gorge (National Trust). This area of temperate rainforest and woodland is much smaller than the Teign Gorge, Lustleigh Cleave and the Dart Gorge. There’s a super popular circular walk that takes you along the west bank of the River Lyd. Sensational experience. Our favourite time is May when the gorge bursts into life. Lydford Gorge is a National Trust property so charges apply.

Dewerstone Valley/North Wood (The Dewerstone area). This stunning valley is cut by the River Plym. It’s famous for its crags or vertical rock walls that are popular with climbers. We recommend wandering up to the Dewerstone Rock and then looping around Cadworthy Wood and North Wood via Cadover Bridge. Great circular walk that enables you to explore multiple woods.

Meldon Woods. The West Okement River flows from Dartmoor’s north moor past the famous Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve to Meldon Reservoir. From there, it flows under Meldon Viaduct to Meldon Woods. These woods are known for their bluebells which are normally at their peak in the first half of May.

West Cleave/Halstock Wood. Extraordinary place that few people explore. Moor Brook and the East Okement River meet at the bottom of West Cleave and continue to the northern border of Dartmoor National Park and Okehampton.

Belstone Cleave/Skaigh Woods. Belstone is a gateway village to Dartmoor’s north moor and some of the national park’s best tors. The village also overlooks a heavily wooded river valley. Enjoy a circular walk to Sticklepath and back.