Exploring the Teign Gorge at Castle Drogo

A small herd of fallow deer standing in a woodland full of bluebells — Fallow deer amongst bluebells | © Mick Jones

With acres to explore there's plenty of opportunity to find your perfect walk around the Teign Gorge. Follow the Hunters path down to the river Teign, or wander around the top of the gorge to take in incredible views across Dartmoor. The Teign Gorge is home to an array of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to Dartmoor ponies and Fallow deer. What will you spot?

Storm damage

Our ranger team are working hard to clear up after the storms. However, there is substantial damage across the estate. You may encounter debris on walking routes. Please take care when walking and contact the team at Castle Drogo if you find obstructions. castledrogo@nationaltrust.org.uk

Walking in the Teign Gorge

From Castle Drogo there are many winding paths leading down into the Teign Gorge. Why not explore the estate on a one-mile walk and take in a view of the deep gorge and wider Dartmoor views at Sharp Tor?

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous why not tackle the longer Teign Gorge circular walk, taking in the gorge paths and river valley down to Fingle Bridge. All walking routes can be found at the bottom of this page. Alternatively pick up a walks leaflet when you visit.

View from the side of a wooded hill across to Castle Drogo in the distance. The trees leaves are new and light green. The castle is slightly blurred in the distance. — Distant view of Castle Drogo | © James Dobson

Wildlife on the estate

Throughout the gorge you can spot and hear the songs of many woodland birds. Flyng over head you can spot buzzards and ravans. If you're exploring Piddledown Common look out for Dartmoor ponies. A small herd of them can be found on the common, carrying out important conservation work. Simply by grazing they're helping to maintain the perfect habitat for wildlife, such as the rare Pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies.

Over the river you can explore an ancient woodland abundant in wildlife and history. It is possible to see Fallow deer throughout the year in these woods, the best time of year is the Autumn when the deer are rutting.

There's an ever-changing display of wildflowers throughout the gorge, from carpets of ramsons and wood anemone, wild daffodils and bluebells and in the summer the sides of the gorge are dotted with heather. To find out more about wildlife on the Teign Gorge head to Wildlife at Fingle Bridge

Fingle Bridge seen from the Fisherman's Path at Castle Drogo, Devon | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

Dog walking

Dogs are welcome throughout the Teign Gorge. We ask that you keep your dog on a lead when in the car park and in areas where we have livestock. We also ask that dogs are kept on leads in certain areas between March - July. This is because the Teign Gorge is home to ground nesting birds and butterflies, some of which are very rare. Please always respect other visitors and the wildlife of the Teign Gorge.

Read more about what you can do with your dog here.