The Castle Drogo Walk (aka the Teign Gorge Circular) is one of the prettiest trails in Dartmoor. There’s a lot of variety, starting high up on the hillside with fabulous views, before heading down to the river where you can stop for a drink at the pub right on the water’s edge. The walk then follows the river through the ancient Fingle Woods before heading up to a picturesque tor.
It’s a relaxing track with good paths, so you can just enjoy soaking up the sights and sounds of nature, rather than looking down at your feet. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon in Dartmoor.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Castle Drogo Walk (Teign Gorge Circular).
The Castle Drogo Walk
The stats
Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6km) circuit
Elevation gain: 227m
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat
The Castle Drogo Walk is all on well maintained paths. There is one notable descent and ascent, but it’s pretty gradual and never feels difficult. Half the trail is exposed to the elements and the other half is through shady woodland. It is partially signposted, but we have you covered on all the directions below.
In terms of trail conditions, as you are not out on the moorland you don’t have to worry about the infamous Dartmoor bogs. Although after a lot of rain you might encounter some mud along the track, it won’t be the boot sucking kind!
There are two famous wild swimming spots along the track, which we had been planning to make use of. Unfortunately these spots are now off limits, with no swimming signs. You can check out our Dartmoor wild swimming guide for some wonderful options in the area which are open.
Starting the trail at Castle Drogo
From the Castle Drogo car park the walk heads back out onto the road and follows the footpath left for a couple of hundred metres, before you’ll see a signpost on the right. You’ll head right and then come to a signpost for Sharp Tor a few minutes later.
You can either follow the sign for Sharp Tor to the left or head along the main path, both trails meet up a little further along (550m) so it makes no difference.
We wanted to see the tor so headed left, although strangely we never actually saw it, so it must be a very discreet viewpoint! You’ll need to keep a close lookout if you’re keen!
Nevertheless the route was very pretty so it didn’t really matter. The path is defined and easy, curving around the hillside with great views out over the dense forest below. We were walking in July and there was a good sprinkling of heather amidst the bracken which made the views extra special.
Descending towards Fingle Bridge
The majority of the trail for the first 1.5km is flat and you’ll pass through a gate part way which mentions ponies - although this was actually one of the few trails in Dartmoor where we didn’t spot any ponies!
After you’ve been walking for 1.5km you’ll head right, following the signpost for Fingle Bridge. From here you’ll enter a pretty patch of woodland and begin the descent towards the river. There’s a short uneven patch of track and then it smooths out into a good dirt path. It’s never overly steep and there is some flat trail to break up the downhill.
After 600m you’ll emerge from the woods and head right, alongside the car park and towards Fingle Bridge, which is just 200m further on. It’s a very picturesque 17th century stone arch bridge and sits beside the Fingle Bridge Inn.
The inn has a lovely terrace right over the river, which makes for a great drink stop one third of the way through the walk. Although you’ll still see people swimming by the bridge in summer, there are no swimming signs, so it’s best to head to one of Dartmoor’s many beautiful spots that are still open.
If you don’t mind carrying your food for these first couple of kilometres, there is plenty of green space along the left side of the river which makes for a wonderful picnic spot. There are also toilets here and of course the pub if you want to supplement your supplies.
Into Fingle Woods
From Fingle Bridge there are two possible routes back to Castle Drogo. One follows the right side of the river and one, the left. We opted for the left side of the river, along the Foresters Track, but you could take the right side (before the inn) and follow the Fishermans Path, which ascends and descends Sharp Tor.
Funnily enough we picked the Foresters Track because I wanted to see the deer in the deer park, but it turns out the wall is so high you can’t actually see them! Despite this, as we were visiting on a hot day I am still glad we took the Foresters Track because we avoided the extra climbing involved in taking the route via Sharp Tor. If it were a cooler day I’d probably opt for the Fishermans Path.
Following the Foresters Track you’ll walk along a well maintained path beside the river. The river is gorgeous and the surrounding ancient woodland is a delight. The majority of the route is flat, so you can really relax and enjoy the beautiful forest.
The tall trees keep this path really shady and we’ve heard it’s especially magical in autumn when the leaves turn - one for next time!
After just under 2km in the woods, you’ll come to a junction and keep straight on, following signs for the Iron Bridge. A couple of hundred metres beyond the junction, on the right, you’ll reach the hydroelectric plant. There’s not a lot to see, but it’s just a minute off the main track so we went to take a peek.
You’re now just 250m from a gate that follows the tall stone wall, which we now realise was beside the deer park!
Onto Hunter's Tor
After 250m following the tall stone wall you’ll climb over the stile at the signpost for Castle Drogo, which is now just one mile away. You’ll cross the cute little suspension bridge and from here it’s worth making the 100m detour alongside the river to reach Salmon Leaps.
This is where salmon leap up the weir as they make their way to their spawning grounds. Sadly we weren’t here at the right time of year (autumn), but there’s a big log to sit on and relax beside the cascades, so it’s a nice spot at any time of year. It’s also a popular place to go wild swimming, but it’s sadly now closed.
After visiting Salmon Leaps you retrace your steps to the bridge and follow the main trail again. After 400m following the footpath gently uphill, you’ll come out to the road. Continue along the quiet country lane for 350m and you’ll see a turning on your right on to the Castle Drogo estate.
You’ll head along a well maintained path and come to a junction 400m later. This is where you can make the short detour to Hunter’s Tor, which is just 100m away. It’s well worth it as the view from the tiny tor is fantastic, one of the best on the whole trail.
It’s a narrow uneven path to get there, but still easy. The tor overlooks densely forested hills and rolling green farmland (well more like yellow for us, but it would normally be a lush green!).
Completing the circuit
After visiting Hunter’s Tor you head back to the junction and follow the path right (left if you’re not visiting the tor). The path is now very similar to the one at the very beginning of the walk, along the hillside, high above the river. At one point you can even see Castle Drogo above you!
Roughly 500m after leaving Hunter’s Tor you’ll come to a signpost and head left towards the castle. There is a short sharp climb of 200m before the path flattens again. You’ll then be back at the road and follow it for 300m back to the car park again.
All in all this is a beautiful and easy walk, showcasing a different side of Dartmoor, away from the wild moors and instead offering a look at the serene woodland and crystal clear river.
Parking for the Castle Drogo Walk (Teign Gorge Circular)
The walk begins at the Castle Drogo car park, postcode: EX6 6PB. The car park is run by the National Trust and is free for members. Non members will pay £2 for up to 2 hours, or £6 all day. You would need all day because 2 hours would be too tight for the whole walk unless you were rushing.
There are toilets available in the visitor centre for the castle, as well as a tearoom and gift shop. Entry to the castle is in addition to the parking fee.
Castle Drogo is located just over 20 minutes from Okehampton, 40 minutes from Tavistock and 35 minutes from Widecombe in the Moor.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thanks for your support.
