Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, Devon, EX6 6PB
Teign Gorge Classic Circuit
route · Waterside walk
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
Half day
Time
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Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A moderate circuit from Castle Drogo descends to the River Teign before climbing onto Hunters Path, where the gorge opens out beneath you. The route combines high views, woodland and a riverside return.
This circuit earns its place through contrast: a wooded river gorge, a high path with expansive views and the striking setting of Castle Drogo. It offers a substantial landscape experience on a clearly described route, rather than just a viewpoint stop.
Dramatic · Wild
Find your way
Open mapCastle Drogo, Drewsteignton, Devon, EX6 6PB
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The experience
A 4.1-mile (6.56 km) moderate circuit from Castle Drogo main car park, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes. Expect mixed terrain, steep descents and moderate climbs.
Things to do
Follow Hunters Path above the River Teign
Walk the high-level section of the circuit for views down into the gorge and across towards Dartmoor.
Part of the 2 hour 30 minute circuit
Pause at Sharp Tor
The National Trust route notes Sharp Tor as a place to stop and enjoy the view.
Short stop
Notice the River Teign’s changing character
The river’s boulder-strewn, lively stretches give way to calmer water along the riverside path.
As you walk
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 2 hours 30 minutes
Quick Escape: the gorge circuit
- 01
Start at Castle Drogo main car park.
- 02
Follow the signed route down to Hunters Path and continue towards Fingle Bridge.
- 03
Take in the River Teign and pause at Sharp Tor for the gorge view.
- 04
Complete the circuit using the National Trust route guidance; check the terrain notes before choosing a river-return option.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: gorge, river and castle setting
- 01
Walk the 4.1-mile Teign Gorge Classic Circuit from Castle Drogo main car park.
- 02
Allow time to stop at Sharp Tor and enjoy the river and woodland sections.
- 03
If you want to visit Castle Drogo itself, check current opening and access arrangements separately.
Verified history
A route account describes the hydro-electric power plant and weir on the Castle Drogo estate as installed during the castle’s construction in the 1920s, later falling out of use and subsequently being renovated by the National Trust. It says the system again supplies some of the castle’s electricity needs.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · A clear morning or afternoon, when visibility is good for the high-level views.
The walk’s main appeal includes views from Hunters Path; clear conditions make these more rewarding. The route may be muddy or slippery after rain.
The National Trust warns that some areas may be muddy or slippery. Check the forecast and wear footwear suited to uneven ground and steep sections.
The route
- surface
- Mixed terrain, both flat and uneven; may be muddy or slippery, with steep descents and moderate climbs.
- distance
- 4.1 miles (6.56 km)
- duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- difficulty
- Moderate
- waymarking
- Follow the signed Teign Valley estate walks and Hunters Path route instructions.
- route shape
- Circuit
- start point
- Castle Drogo main car park, Drewsteignton; grid reference SX725902.
- parking start
- Castle Drogo main car park is the stated start point. Check current availability and parking arrangements.
- Hunters Path high above the River Teign
- Views from Sharp Tor
- Wooded gorge and riverside sections
- Fingle Bridge
Worth pairing with
Castle Drogo
The circuit starts from Castle Drogo’s main car park and is described by the National Trust as near the castle. Check separately for current opening and visitor access if planning a castle visit.
Fingle Bridge
A named point on the route and a natural pause beside the River Teign. Access details and facilities should be checked before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the changing character of the River Teign between its boulder-strewn, tumbling stretches and calmer reaches. Pause at Sharp Tor for a view into the gorge
- 02
the route also passes the Drogo hydro-electric weir.
The story
The route passes Castle Drogo and a hydro-electric weir associated with its construction.
Best time to go
Spring to autumn; check conditions after wet weather.
Choose a clear, settled day for the views from Hunters Path. After rain, expect muddy or slippery ground and allow extra time.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Dogs · Photographers
Route at a glance
Duration
Half day
Terrain
Woodland, Riverside
Parking / start
The National Trust identifies Castle Drogo main car park as the start point. Check availability and current arrangements before travelling.
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust route starts at Castle Drogo main car park. Check current access and parking arrangements before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The National Trust identifies Castle Drogo main car park as the start point. Check availability and current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The National Trust says dogs are welcome on leads throughout the countryside and informal garden areas of Castle Drogo.
Accessibility
Moderate route over mixed, sometimes uneven terrain, with steep descents and moderate climbs. Some sections may be muddy or slippery; not suitable for assuming step-free access.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Teign Gorge Classic Circuit
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
