Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge and Butterdon Down circular walk
A wonderful circular walk from Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge on a gentle path along the River Teign before heading steeply onto Butterdon Down and descending back to Clifford Bridge. Beautiful woodland views.
Description
(S/E) Head down to the path that runs alongside the southern banks of the River Teign (we had to take a short diversion as the path was closed due to forestry operations). Follow the gentle wide path along the river until you reach Fingle Bridge
(1) The Angler's Rest pub on the opposite bank is a real favourite for lunch or just a drink by the river. Head uphill through Charles Wood. The path is steep and winds its way up to a small road. Head east to Cranbrook from where you take the footpath onto Butterdon Down.
(2) Follow the path around the southern side of Butterdon Down. Look out for views of Haytor in the far distance. Take the path off the down, follow the track past a house on the left and barn on the right. Where it meets the road, take the footpath that seems to head back onto the down but instead climb the stile on your right about halfway up the footpath.
(3) The path winds itself through woodland, crosses the road near the magnificent Willingstone Rock. Follow the path to Willingstone Cottages then take the road and head eastwards. Follow the road until you find a track through Willingstone Plantations and into Houndsmoor Wood. This path winds itself through plantations until it reaches Wooston Castle. The view from the hill fort along the Teign Valley is quite spectacular.
(4) Continue eastwards through the plantations. Eventually you will reach the path you originally started on.(S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 87 m - Start
- 1 : km 4.52 - alt. 127 m - Fingle Bridge
- 2 : km 6.25 - alt. 289 m - Butterdon Down
- 3 : km 8.48 - alt. 290 m - Willingstone Cottages
- 4 : km 10.61 - alt. 205 m - Wooston Castle
- S/E : km 12.39 - alt. 88 m - Finish
Useful Information
Look out for signs in Fingle Woods to indicate where paths are closed owing to forestry operations.
Sturdy walking boots and poles may be useful on the steep ups and downs but the path between Clifford Bridge and Fingle Bridge is wide and gentle and very accessible.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
The Angler's Rest pub at Fingle Bridge is in a wonderful setting - the perfect place for lunch or a mid-walk snack.
Reviews and comments
Clarity of route description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Walk interest
5 / 5
Date of walk : 24/05/22
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Excellent walk - good advice re Forest Closures, although didnt affect us this time.
6 Squares bagged!!!
