Fingle Bridge — Place photograph

Teign Gorge, near Drewsteignton, Devon EX6 6PW

Fingle Bridge

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours for a short visit

Time

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Cost

Dramatic

Feel

RiversideValleyWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.2

A crossing over the River Teign that also makes a memorable starting point for exploring the steep-sided Teign Gorge.

Fingle Bridge has more to offer than a scenic river crossing: it sits within a dramatic gorge landscape, and the National Trust’s Teign Gorge circuit links riverside views with the high-level Hunters Path. The terrain is steep and uneven, so this is best approached as a proper walk rather than a casual, level stroll.

Dramatic · Wild

Find your way

Open map

Teign Gorge, near Drewsteignton, Devon EX6 6PW

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The experience

Come for the River Teign and stay for the gorge walk. The short visit centres on the bridge and river; for a fuller outing, the National Trust’s moderate 6.56km circuit follows the Hunters Path above the river. Expect uneven ground, steep descents and climbs.

Things to do

01

Cross Fingle Bridge

Take in the River Teign from the bridge, the defining feature of this visit.

Under 1 hour

02

Walk the Teign Gorge classic circuit

Follow the National Trust’s moderate circular walk from Castle Drogo, taking in the Hunters Path and views of the River Teign.

2 hours 30 minutes

03

Pause at Sharp Tor

The published Teign Gorge circuit passes Sharp Tor and recommends pausing for the view.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

Quick river-and-bridge visit

  1. 01

    Start at Fingle Bridge and take in the River Teign from the crossing.

  2. 02

    Keep to the accessible paths you can manage safely; paths in the area can be steep and uneven.

  3. 03

    Return to the bridge and leave via the same access point.

Half day · 2 hours 30 minutes

Teign Gorge classic circuit

  1. 01

    Start at Castle Drogo main car park, the published start point for the National Trust route.

  2. 02

    Follow the signed approach to the Hunters Path, then continue towards Fingle Bridge.

  3. 03

    Pause at the route’s viewpoint by Sharp Tor and continue around the circuit.

  4. 04

    Allow for mixed terrain, steep descents and moderate climbs; some sections may be muddy or slippery.

When to go

· Early in the day is a practical choice when parking is limited; the National Trust lists countryside access from dawn to dusk.

The supplied sources do not identify a best season.

Paths can be muddy or slippery. The route includes uneven ground, steep descents and moderate climbs; check conditions before setting out.

The route

surface
Mixed terrain: flat and uneven sections; may be muddy or slippery.
distance
6.56km (4.1 miles)
duration
2 hours 30 minutes
difficulty
Moderate
waymarking
The route description refers to signs for the Teign Valley estate walks and Hunters Path.
route shape
Circuit
start point
Castle Drogo main car park, Drewsteignton, grid reference SX725902.
parking start
Castle Drogo main car park is the published start point. Check current parking arrangements before setting out.
shorter alternative
Visit Fingle Bridge and the riverside without attempting the full circuit; the supplied sources do not give a shorter measured route.
  • Hunters Path above the River Teign
  • Views of the River Teign
  • Sharp Tor
  • Fingle Bridge

Worth pairing with

Castle Drogo

The National Trust’s Teign Gorge classic circuit starts at Castle Drogo’s main car park and follows the Hunters Path towards Fingle Bridge.

What to look for

Notice how the route changes from the riverside setting at Fingle Bridge to the higher viewpoint along the Hunters Path. The National Trust walk description highlights views of the River Teign and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Best time to go

Check current conditions before setting out; no specific seasonal peak is established by the supplied sources.

The National Trust lists countryside access from dawn to dusk. Visit early if you want to reduce the chance of finding the limited car park full; check current conditions before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for a short visit; allow 2 hours 30 minutes for the sourced Teign Gorge circuit

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers

Before you go

Address

Teign Gorge near, Exeter EX6 6PW

Listed hours

  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 89 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

National Trust countryside is listed as open from dawn to dusk. Parking is limited and accessed over a narrow bridge; check conditions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Limited parking, reached via a narrow bridge. The National Trust warns that it can fill during peak periods, particularly 10am–3pm; do not block passing places, gateways or homes.

Toilets

Basic toilets; no running water.

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs allowed under close control, according to the National Trust.

Accessibility

The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. The National Trust notes that paths are steep and uneven, with steep sides; the car park is accessed over a narrow bridge. Check suitability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Check before visiting

Water

River

Gallery

Place photographs
National Trust - Fingle Bridge
Place photograph
National Trust - Fingle Bridge
Place photograph
National Trust - Fingle Bridge
Place photograph

Keep exploring

Around Fingle Bridge

Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances