Walks with . . . Winnie
A lovely walk with castle views
This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking with her dog, Winnie.
www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk
Dartmoor Nordic Walking and Walks with Winnie are on Facebook
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Distance: Around 5k (3 miles)
Approximately 7500 steps
A flat and scenic walk along the River Teign on part of the Tarka Trail, with views of Castle Drogo allowing you many options to extend your walk. Start and finish at Chagford Pool.
There are some great places for you and your dog to swim along the route, or come back to swim at the pool, Devon’s largest outdoor freshwater heated pool. This was one of Diesel my chocolate labrador’s favourite walks.
We start our walk from Chagford Pool Car Park which can be busy during the opening period, donations to parking can be made here. Turn right out of the car park, following the first signpost on your right through Rushford Mill Farm, go straight across the yard to the field entrance. Keeping the river close to your right, head for the next gate, nearest to the river, across the field in front of you. These two fields are great for Nordic walking! In the distance you will see the woods - pass through the gate and take a few steps to your right towards the river. On the small island in front of you, you will see a carved stone that looks like it has been split in two. This is the ‘Granite Song’, a sculpture by Peter Randall-Page.
Continue though the woods, over a small bridge, bringing you out on the main A382 Whiddon Down to Moretonhampstead Road, at Dog Marsh Bridge. You will see the Mill End Hotel on your right hand side. Cross over the road and go through the gate, continuing to walk beside the river.
The field you are now entering is the location for the famous Chagford Show - a great show with lots to see and do for all of the family, dogs are most welcome too, especially to take part in the terrier racing! This year the show is on Thursday, August 16th.
As you walk over a small stream, past another bridge on your right (we will be coming back this way), go through the next gate, take a look up to your left and you will see Castle Drogo.
At the next gate, there are three sign posts giving you directions for other walks. At this point you could take a left to walk up to Castle Drogo, but that is for next time - today we will take a right over the suspension bridge. This is a great spot to swim, you can even do lengths! While standing on the bridge and looking downriver, you will see the newly refurbished pump that helps to generate power for Castle Drogo, the pump house is further down the river on the right.
Climb through the gap in the wall, turn right and follow the path to the stone bridge, crossing this towards Whiddon Park House. Looking back in the direction you have just come is Chagford Deer Park, another very scenic walk with sculptures by Peter Randall-Page at its entrance in the woods.
Follow the road past the entrance to the house, the next footpath sign is on your right running alongside the wall. Continue along this path to the end, turning right, down the steps, through the gate and left in to the field. The bridge in front of you takes you back across the river - turn left and then make your way back to the main road, crossing it once again and walking back on the same route we came.
If you would like to join us on this walk, we will be meeting on Wednesday, March 14th, 10am at Chagford Pool Car Park. Please book your place on www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk or phone Denise 07944 630677 for more details.