This is one of Dartmoor’s great Autumn walks… We were just a couple of weeks too late but this stunning circular walk which connects Castle Drogo and the riverside Fingle Bridge Inn takes 2 - 3 hours and covers just over 4 miles.

The natural place to start this walk is at the last castle to be built in the UK, Castle Drogo. This is a National Trust car park with plenty of parking space as well as a cafe and toilets. Today was a little chilly so we grabbed a coffee from here which was delightful. From the Castle car park we headed east back along the road entering the car park before heading right, off road and down hill following signs for Hunters Path. The first part of the work is pleasantly easy as the path slopes gradually downhill following the gorge with the river on our right hand side.

We soon reached the impressive viewpoint of Sharp Tor from here you have fantastic 180 degree views, to the right we had Castle Drogo rising out of the trees, well we had scaffolding rising out of the trees around a castle. We are still waiting to see Castle Drogo in all of it’s glory, we’ve been 2/3 times and we’ve still only see scaffolding. In front of us was a steep drop heading down the gorge to the river and on the other side of gorge is a wall of stunning trees hanging on to their autumn colours, as we casted our gaze further to the left we could see a proud group of pines holding on to there bold green colour which against a wall of autumn colours always looks amazing.

We continued along the open pathway sloping down hill, headed through a small gate. The path continues to descend winding through woodland until you finally reach a road. Here you take a right and follow the road towards Fingle Bridge and the accompanying Inn. As lockdown restrictions were just easing the pub was serving takeaway mulled wine and ale so naturally, as we wanted to support the local business we ordered refreshments to continue our walk with. From the pub we crossed the bridge and turned right headed along Foresters Track, back down the gorge in the direction we came from but on the opposite side of the river. The track runs through a delightful meadow on the banks of the river and continues to follow the river upstream between the trees and the river which reflects the beautiful autumn colours. Pass through a gate and follow the wall of the Deer Park until you reach the Iron Bridge on your right hand side and climb the stile over the wall and cross the suspension bridge which has delightful views downstream of Drogo Weir.

After crossing the bridge, you’ll turn left and then right up hill following signs for Castle Drogo, continue following this path until you reach some houses on your left and a tarmac drive, continue along the drive until you reach a wooden gate on your right hand side which has a sign for Hunters Path. Pass through the gate and follow this path which leads up hill and then loops around the bottom of the castle with more amazing views over the gorge. Continue until you meet a path on your left heading back up to your starting location.

Location: Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton
Car Park Postcode: EX6 6PB / Pay to Park. From the A382 turn right just before The Sandy Park Inn following a National Trust sign for Castle Drogo. Continue until the road widens and turn right opposite a bus stop. Follow Castle Drogo’s drive until you reach the car park.

Journey:

1. Leave the car park the way you drove in. After 200 yards turn right.

2. Follow the path downhill before turning left following signs for Fingle Bridge.

3. Continue along path through a small gate and then downhill until you reach a road.

4. Turn right at the road and over Fingle Bridge before turning right again.

5. Follow path until you reach the Iron Bridge and cross the river here.

6. Head uphill, until you reach a tarmac drive and a wooden gate on the right hand side sign posted for ‘Hunters Path’.

7. Follow the path around the base of the castle and turn left heading back uphill to the car park.