Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gorge. Head towards Fisherman's Path, past thatched
Gib House
, ponds and bluebell woods. It's a steep des-
cent around
Hunter's Tor
to the Fisherman's Path (don't cross the bridge); next scramble over tree roots be-
side the River Teign and head towards Fingle Bridge, looking out for dipper, kingfisher, salmon and trout. Soon
Drogo Weir
appears. Designed by Castle Drogo's architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, it powered the castle's own
hydroelectric power station; the weir's
Turbine House
is further on, hidden in the trees on the opposite bank.
Scramble up steep steps around
Sharp Tor
. At three-arched
Fingle Bridge
, refuel at the namesake inn
which offers warm fires, riverside terraces and food all day. Head away from the bridge, then switchback left up
Hunter's Path to climb sharply up the gorge. Crest a rise and see the steep tree-covered valley, the River Teign far
below (listen for its tumblings) and the Dartmoor's hills.
Now head sharp right, following signs for Drewsteignton, and onto the Drewston/Rectory Woods walk. It leads
through conifers to
Drewsteignton
village; a cluster of thatches, traditional stores and a 15th-century church.
If the Drewe Arms has re-opened perhaps pause for a drink. Next head towards Hunter's Path, turning right once
you reach it (signed Road Near Drogo). Drink in more spectacular views, before skirting the top of Sharp Tor
then cutting up through
Piddledown Common
, and back to your car.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Chagford
POP 1479
With its wonky thatches and cream-and white-fronted buildings, Chagford gathers round a
busy square, apparently every inch a timeless moorland town. But the purveyors of waxed
jackets and hip flasks have also been joined by health-food shops, contemporary pottery
galleries, and some supremely stylish places to eat and sleep.
Sights
Castle Drogo
MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
(NT; 01647-433306;
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
; near Drewsteignton; adult/child £8.70/4.30; 11am-5pm mid-
Feb to Oct; )
This gorgeous, stately home is the last castle to be built in England. The im-
posing grey edifice was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for self-made food-millionaire
Julius Drewe, and was constructed between 1911 and 1931. The brief was to combine the
medieval grandeur of a castle and the comforts of a 20th-century country house. The res-
ult is a delightful blend of crenellated battlements, cosy carpeted interiors and (how prac-
tical) a good central-heating system. The gardens are influenced by Gertrude Jekyll and
