Teign Gorge and Castle Drogo loop from Fingle Bridge – Dartmoor National Park

Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in England – dominates the skyline above the Teign Gorge on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor. Its imposing, mixed-revivalist exterior, built from local granite, was claimed by renowned architect Edwin Lutchyens to be his finest work. Despite its looks, the castle was never intended as a fortress, but as a country home for self-made millionaire, Julius Drewe. Started in 1911, construction wasn’t completed until 1930, only a year before Drewe’s death. Today, it’s looked after by the National Trust and open to visitors year-round.

Beneath Drogo’s stern gaze, the River Teign flows down a steep-sided, wooded valley and under the 17th-century Fingle Bridge. A network of inviting trails explores the area, tracing the course of the fast-flowing river and zigzagging between the trees above.

This Tour loops the valley, crossing the bridge and following the enjoyably runnable Forester’s Track along the southern bank of the Teign. Crossing an old stone stile and Iron Bridge, you’ll head up the hill to join the Hunter’s Path. Cut into the steep hillside and truly exhilarating to run, this stretch of trail boasts dramatic views down into the valley to your right and glimpses of the castle through the trees to your left.

The home stretch crosses Piddledown Common and descends steeply through Drewston Wood, finishing fortuitously at the excellent Fingle Bridge Inn.

Taking in a fun-packed 4.4 miles (7.1 km) with 623 feet (190 m) of ascent, this Tour is best tackled in trail shoes with decent cushioning. Snacks and supplies are in abundance along the route, starting and finishing at the Fingle Bridge Inn, and passing the National Trust cafe at Castle Drogo at just over half-way. For other options, try the award-winning Ring O’Bells in Chagford, where you’ll also find shops and accommodation.

If you’re driving, there’s some parking at the start. There’s also parking at the Castle Drogo, which is a little easier to access, but you’ll need to pay to park if you’re not a National Trust member. To reach the Tour by public transport, take the Stagecoach 173 bus from Exeter to Chagford, alight at the bottom of the Castle Drogo driveway and join the Tour there.