Chagford to Fingle Bridge circular

Dartmoor is full of characterful towns and quaint countryside footpaths. If you’re near the wonderfully charming market town of Chagford then this walk is not to be missed! Our route has everything for a postcard-perfect stroll through the Dartmoor countryside, and it’s especially great for dog walkies. You’ll follow the pretty River Teign before emerging through the woodlands for fantastic views of the gorge below and Castle Drogo protruding proudly from the hillside. There are plenty of spots for dogs to have a swim in the shallow, slow rivers and a picturesque pub halfway round to rest your feet and admire Fingle Bridge.

There’s a large pay and display car park in the centre of Chagford, where this route begins. The town itself is quiet, though it has all the facilities you’ll need to prepare for a long walk. There are public toilets, a SPAR supermarket for picking up snacks and a handful of cafes and pubs serving a variety of meals to fuel up before you set off, or to reward yourself at the end of your walk! We recommend checking out The Birdcage Cafe for homemade cakes and a cosy atmosphere, or The Three Crowns for classic pub favourites served to a restaurant standard – both are dog-friendly. The only dog waste bins along this route are in Chagford town, so be sure to pick up after your dogs and carry bags with you until you reach a bin.

Once you’ve explored the town, our route heads out along the main road, over the River Teign towards the Chagford outdoor pool. If you’re taking this route in Spring or early Summer, the fields will be full of bright yellow flowers. Once through these fields you’ll need to cross the busy A382 at Dogmarsh bridge. There are often cars parked along the side of the road here, and this is an alternative start/end point for the walk, however it’s worth noting that there are limited spaces so you can’t guarantee you’ll get a space.

Once you’ve crossed Dogmarsh bridge you are now in the National Trust Castle Drogo Estate, and after following the river for another kilometre you’ll enter the dense woodland of the Teign gorge. The riverside paths through the woodland are well-trodden, and it’s here you’ll find some wonderful spots to take a rest or enjoy some wild swimming to cool off! There are a few cascading waterfalls where, if you’re visiting around September/October, you might spot salmon leaping up the river!

The furthest point out on this route is at Fingle Bridge, a 17th-century stone arch bridge over the River Teign maintained by the National Trust. Here you’ll find the welcoming sight of Fingle Bridge Inn – a riverside pub, perfect for a refreshing drink or ice cream with a gorgeous view over the bridge and flowing river.

The path after the Fingle Bridge Inn takes you up the hillside – the incline is short but steep. Be sure to take breaks as you walk, especially as you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views back towards Chagford and down into the gorge below. Look out for the National Trust’s Castle Drogo on the right – it is the last castle to have been built in England and we highly recommend a visit to the house and gardens if you have time! There’s one last viewpoint at Hunter’s Tor, a small rocky outcrop, with beautiful views over to Chagford and Meldon Hill before you start the ascent through the trees back towards Chagford.