The best walks and hikes around Cheriton Bishop

Yes, the area is excellent for circular hikes. You can find routes that loop through the steep-sided Teign Gorge, follow the river, or explore ancient woodlands. For a moderately challenging walk, the Fingle Bridge – Fingle Bridge Inn loop from Clifford Farm offers a beautiful 8.3 km circuit with minimal climbing, keeping you close to the river.

Most trails in the countryside and on Dartmoor are suitable for dogs. However, it's important to keep them under control, especially near livestock which is common in the fields. On open moorland, dogs should be kept on a lead between March and July to protect ground-nesting birds. Many local pubs in villages like Drewsteignton are dog-friendly, making for a perfect post-walk stop.

There are numerous easy walks perfect for families. The paths along the River Teign are often flat and scenic, providing a great option for a gentle stroll. The Fingle Bridge – Riverside path along the River Teign loop from Sweet Meadows Natural Camping is a longer but mostly flat riverside walk that can be shortened to suit your family's needs.

There are several car parks that provide good access to the Teign Gorge. The main ones are the National Trust car park at Castle Drogo (the starting point for many walks), and the car park at Fingle Bridge. Both can get very busy, especially on weekends and during holidays, so arriving early is recommended.

Absolutely. Many routes are designed around the area's traditional pubs. The Fingle Bridge Inn is a popular spot located directly on several walking routes within the Teign Gorge, making it an ideal place for a mid-hike rest. Villages like Drewsteignton and Crockernwell also have pubs that are great starting or finishing points for a walk.

The landscape offers a fantastic mix. You'll find gentle, rolling hills and tranquil riverside paths through the Teign Valley. As you get closer to Dartmoor National Park, the terrain becomes more rugged with steep climbs, open moorland, and rocky granite tors. The trails themselves are a mix of woodland footpaths, farm tracks, and open moorland trails.

Yes, the Two Moors Way, a 117-mile coast-to-coast route connecting Dartmoor and Exmoor, passes near the area. You can hike sections of this trail for a more challenging day out, experiencing the wilder, more remote parts of Dartmoor National Park.

The hiking routes around Cheriton Bishop are very highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views from the Hunter's Path in the Teign Gorge and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodlands.

Reaching the trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging as the area is quite rural. Bus services connect to larger towns, but you may need to walk a fair distance from the bus stop to the start of a route. For the most flexibility, accessing the area by car is generally easier.

While the area is known for its beautiful rivers and streams, particularly the River Teign, there are no major or famous waterfalls directly on the main hiking trails. The beauty of the walks here comes from the dramatic river gorge, ancient woodlands, and expansive moorland views rather than large waterfalls.

The region is rich in history. Many walks start from or offer views of Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England. Within Fingle Woods, you can hike to the site of Wooston Castle, an Iron Age hillfort with commanding views. The 13th-century Fingle Bridge is another historic landmark that features on many popular circular routes.

There's a vast network of trails to explore, with over 250 routes mapped on komoot. These range from easy, short strolls of under an hour to challenging full-day hikes across the moors, ensuring there's a walk for every fitness level and interest.