Dog walk

Fingle Bridge

Exeter

Type of walk

Hilly, Flat, Forest, Park

What's here

Free Parking, Off Lead Areas, Pathed Routes, Picnic Areas, Water On Route, Toilets, Refreshments Available, Wheelchair Friendly

About this walk

One of the enchanted spots of mid-Devon.

A (very) steep and narrow lane leading from the square at Drewsteighnton is signposted down to a 'linear' car park in a 'dead end'. The Fingle Bridge itself is passable by cars but only to the campsite on the opposite bank of the River Teign.

Parking is free; you have a large pub with a reasonable menu and outside tables overlooking a tumbling river in which both dogs and children can and do play VERY happily. This is a lead free area - but if your dog is not sociable or child-friendly please be cautious. This is all NATIONAL TRUST property.

The walk is a pair of choices. For the less energetic humans, cross the bridge, go to your right and walk up the less steep side of the valley for half the distance you think you can manage and return. Any water-loving dogs will have a great time and there are no 'off-lead' risks. The paths available vary according to the state of the river as its height can vary by four or five feet, but there will always be one that's not under water.

If you have the stamina and agility, go through the gate on the car park side and head up the north side of the valley. This side has many steep sections, twists, turns and scrambles as it goes up and down from river level. And some sections may well be blocked if the river is in flood. Eventually, you reach a footbridge. if you continue on, you will emerge into the Castle Drogo park and gardens. If you cross the bridge, turn left, go over a wall, turn left and after a short section on a sometimes muddy access track you will come to a gate where you can re-join paths on the south side that bring you back down to Fingle Bridge - the round trip is a bit over two hours at a leisurely pace, keen walkers could probably do it in 90 minutes.

If the pub is very busy there is always the Drewes Arms in the square at Drewsteignton - draught ale on racks, not pumps!

There are additional routes for this part of the Teign Valley on the NT website (Teign Valley Classic Circuit)

More info

The author provided the following links to more information

Countryfile Visit

Walk added by

megpip

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Comments (12)

slotbob
7 years ago

this lovely place for a walk and to swim the dog, and if you feel need to get wet inside try the pub by the bridge there is a terrace to sit and watch the river. another place to visit in the area is Castle Drogo National trust
Pcoleman1000
7 years ago

Beautiful, beautiful part of the world this! It took us a while to find (due to my poor navigating admittedly) but when we made it to the Bridge, it was worth every minute! The walk, which is well signposted, goes along a beautiful flowing river with plenty of room for the dog to explore and have a dip. We only walked the first half and made our way up to the castle, which is incredibly steep but boy do the views make it worth while! Never have I ever been so breathtaken as I was gazing across the National Park. Simply a must if you're in Devon
BuddySabby
4 years ago

Just did this walk today with our Collie and Cocker. Started at Castle Drogo down to Sharp Tor for a first glimpse of the sweeping North Dartmoor vista. Carried on on Hunter's path through a beautiful woodland walk. The ground falling away to reveal breathtaking woodland views. Continued on down to a very congested Fingle Bridge. Dogs had a great time in the shallow waters and there are even small sandy banks to skip along. Resumed the walk through Drewston and Rectory wood to drop down Two Moors Way and back to Castle Drogo. Took longer than two hours with our ambling pace but dogs were in no hurry. Bacon baps at the cafe highly recommended to end the Link →
Foxgirl123
4 years ago

It's such a beautiful place to walk dogs and just be in Link →
Sandra1962
4 years ago

Beautiful walk, for humans and dogs. My dog loved having access to the river.
Oscars19
3 years ago

Lovely wooded walk along the river. Bertie loves swimming and exploring. We are members of National Trust so a hilly club back up to the car park. Will be back
archibaldquentin
3 years ago

One of the best walks in Devon.
Ian1970
3 years ago

Best walk ever for my dog as he loves to swim and the river is fairly shallow and safe. No traffic. No livestock. Up to 1.5 hours if you go along river to bridge and cross over and walk back. Harvey's favourite. Pub does reasonable food too.
Ebm204
3 years ago

With several walks in the area this is an excellent starting point. The car park is full in peak times but if your local and know the area you can always find a spot!
Barneytflubble
2 years ago

Very pretty walk. Went from the pub up to castle drogo on left hand side of river, quite steep in places but the view up top was well worth the effort. Walking down the otherside was easy. Took us about 4 hours for the entire walk!
Lucyhkell
2 years ago

Great off lead walk to wear out our golden retriever. Quite hard on the path back from Castle Drogo to the Bridge. Lovely pub!
LandM
a year ago

On sunny days be early as can get really busy to park. Once parked up it's very easy to find the trails and short distance from the car. Lots of streams and delicious food served in the pub. What's not to like....we love it !!