Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge: Teign Gorge woodland circuit

A woodland circuit from Castle Drogo above the Teign, with a lower return beside the river on the Foresters track. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the hills, uneven ground and a few pauses.

Start in the National Trust visitor car park at Castle Drogo, EX6 6PB. Follow the estate-walk signs along the drive, then descend the steps to Hunters Path. Turn left towards Fingle Bridge and stay on the signed path past Sharp Tor and through Hunters Gate. Take the downhill branch for Fingle Bridge. At the lane turn right and watch for vehicles on the short approach to the inn and stone bridge.

Cross Fingle Bridge and turn right through the riverside meadow. Use the small wooden footbridge to join the Foresters track on the south bank. Follow it upstream through the woods, past the hydroelectric plant and along the old deer-park wall. This side of the river avoids the steep flights of steps on the Fishermans Path. At the signed crossing, climb the stone stile and cross the Iron Bridge.

Follow the Castle Drogo and Two Moors Way signs to the drive near Coombe and Gibb House. Climb the drive, turn right through the signed wooden gate and follow Hunters Path below the castle. Climb the original steps and retrace the short drive approach to the car park.

Expect muddy patches, roots, rocky ground, steps and a sustained climb back. Keep to the paths above the gorge, take care beside water and keep dogs on leads in the estate. The circuit does not visit the tor summits or include a swimming stop. Toilets and a cafe are at the visitor hub during opening hours; the Fingle Bridge Inn has separate opening times. Parking is paid for non-members: check the machine and allow enough time. Castle and garden entry is separate from this countryside walk.