Attractions and Places To See around Christow - Top 20

Christow is an excellent base for walks. You can explore the picturesque hiking trails around Kennick, Tottiford, and Trenchford Reservoirs, offering moderate loops. For a more challenging experience, the area around Fingle Bridge provides riverside trails and country lanes, leading into the stunning Teign Gorge. Additionally, the 'Archers' Walk' through 'Steep Fields' in Christow offers a rewilded natural habitat with diverse wildlife.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor are prominent granite outcrops on Dartmoor that offer opportunities for climbing and reward with magnificent panoramic views. The trails leading to these tors can be steep and rocky. For mountain biking, Haldon Forest Park, a short distance away, features challenging MTB trails.

Christow is on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, providing easy access to its expansive moorland. Key spots include Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor for iconic granite formations and views. You can also visit Haytor Quarry, part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which offers insights into Dartmoor's industrial past and features a pond with water lilies. Blackingstone Rock also provides massive views of the surrounding landscape.

Christow boasts several historical points of interest. The Christow Parish Church of St James the Apostle is a Grade I listed church with 12th-century Norman features and 15th-century architecture. You can also find evidence of the area's mining history, such as the site of Frank Mills silver and lead mine and the Wheal Exmouth ventilation shafts. Nearby, Haytor Quarry reveals Dartmoor's industrial past, and Fingle Bridge is a 17th-century stone bridge with historical significance.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor are popular for exploring and climbing (with care). Fingle Bridge offers pleasant riverside walks. Canonteign Falls, located nearby, is a natural attraction with waterfalls, a café, and a shop. Haldon Forest Park also features a Go Ape adventure course, which is great for kids.

Many of the outdoor areas around Christow, particularly within Dartmoor National Park, are dog-friendly. Popular spots like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor are great for walks with dogs, though always keep them under control, especially near livestock. The walking trails around Kennick, Tottiford, and Trenchford Reservoirs are also generally suitable for dogs.

The best time to visit Christow and its surrounding attractions is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, such as bluebells and orchids in areas like Archers' Walk, and milder weather for hiking. Summer offers longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities, though popular spots can be busier. Autumn (September-October) also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage.

Beyond the well-known tors, Christow offers some unique natural spots. The 'Archers' Walk' through 'Steep Fields' in Christow is a permissive path that has been rewilded, creating a diverse habitat monitored by ecologists. Dunsford Nature Reserve and Fingle Woods also offer further opportunities to explore nature, with Fingle Bridge and the Fingle Bridge Inn being notable spots leading towards Castle Drogo.

The Christow area offers various cycling opportunities. Haldon Forest Park is a short distance away and is well-known for its mountain biking trails, including blue and red routes. For gravel biking, you can find routes that incorporate Fingle Bridge and the Wray Valley Trail, offering scenic rides through the countryside.

Yes, the region holds evidence of ancient human habitation. Around Haytor Quarry and on Christow Commons, you can find Bronze Age hut circles, offering a glimpse into the lives of people from thousands of years ago. These remnants are often subtle but provide a fascinating connection to the area's deep history.

Visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from landmarks like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor, especially at sunrise or sunset. The mystical atmosphere of places like Lichen Grove Stone Bridge and the natural beauty of the Teign Valley are also highly appreciated. Many find the combination of natural landscapes, historical sites, and diverse outdoor activities to be a major draw.

Yes, two notable bridges stand out. Fingle Bridge is a picturesque 17th-century stone bridge over the River Dart, serving as a popular beauty spot and a gateway to Teign Gorge. Further along, Lichen Grove Stone Bridge offers a unique and somewhat mystical experience, nestled in a lush, green part of the valley with a calming river nearby.