Fingle Bridge

Fingle Bridge is a 17th-century stone arch bridge over the River Teign, deep in the wooded Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor and the gateway to Fingle Woods and the Castle Drogo estate. The National Trust and the Woodland Trust are restoring the ancient woodland of Fingle Woods, where old trees carry nationally rare lichens and red wood ants build huge nests. Dippers, wagtails, herons and kingfishers can be seen on the river, and in autumn, after heavy rain, salmon leap the weirs near the bridge. Rare fritillary butterflies fly in the gorge, and fallow deer live in the valley all year. Reviewers like to pair a riverside stroll or the climb to Castle Drogo with the Fingle Bridge Inn beside the bridge, which the Trust does not run. The small car park, reached across the narrow bridge, fills quickly at busy times, so have a plan B. Paths are steep and uneven, and the toilets are basic. Dogs are welcome under close control.