view across fields with hills in the background. Mist is hanging low in the valley — Mist in Teign Valley at Castle Drogo | © Mick Jones

Devon

Piddledown Common walk

This short but memorable walk on Piddledown Common overlooks the dramatic Teign Gorge. Take in some impressive views over Dartmoor whilst walking amongst gorse, oak trees and wildflowers.

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Total steps: 6

Start point

Castle Drogo car park, grid ref: SX721900

Step 1

From Castle Drogo's main car park, follow the signs, heading out of the car park, for Teign Valley walks.

Castle Drogo architecture

Stark and imposing, the granite walls of Castle Drogo seem to grow out of Dartmoor. Commissioned by Julius Drewe, the castle was designed by Edwin Lutyens, one of the foremost architects of the early 20th century. He was so successful as an entrepreneur that he retired at 33. Drewe was very interested in his family history. Discovering a possible link with Drewesteignton, he engaged Lutyens to create a building of suitable grandeur to become the ancestral home he lacked.

Step 2

At the noticeboard turn right and keep following signs for Teign Valley walks. Walk down through the trees and through the gate, then turn left over the open common. Follow the tramper waymarks.

Whiddon Deer Park

Across the deep gorge carved out by the River Teign lies Whiddon Deer Park. Parks were traditionally a symbol of social status. They were used for sport as well as rearing deer and rabbit for the table and providing valued leather and fur. This park, formed of massive enclosing granite walls, was probably built by Sir John Whiddon who died in 1575. The woodlands of the gorge also hide many charcoal-burning sites which provided fuel for tin and iron smelting. In the valley bottom, a corn mill and the hydroelectric turbines supplying Castle Drogo were once powered by the fast flowing river.

Step 3

Continue over the common following the top path, then pass through a gate and along a path with tall gorse either side, known as Gorse Blossom Walk.

Nature in the valley

There's a fascinating range of wildlife in this valley. On the heath you can find birds like the stonechat and meadow pipit year round. While in the woods all three UK woodpecker species can be found. In the spring and summer look out for Buterflies. Twenty-three species of butterfly have been recorded, including rarities like the high brown and pearl-bordered fritillaries. Yellow flowers and narrow leaves of flax-leaved St Johns Wort can be found on the rocky outcrops. This very rare species is almost confined in Britain to Devon where it grows mainly on south-facing hill slopes on Dartmoor and the south coast in areas free of competition from other plants. In Autumn it's easier to spot Dartmoor ponies grazing on the sides of the gorge, keep an eye out across the gorge for Fallow deer. As we approach October you may even hear them call.

Light brown pony munching bracken — Dartmoor pony on the trail from Castle Drogo to Fingle Bridge | © Annapurna Mellor

Step 4

At Dolly's Seat turn right and go down a short, steep slope. Continue down some steps onto Hunter's Path and then turn right, following the path back towards Castle Drogo.

Step 5

Stop and admire the view from the crags of Sharp Tor, looking out over Chagford towards Dartmoor. Continue around the hill following Hunter's Path and take the flight of steps signposted Castle Drogo (don't take the steps directly opposite you at Sharp Tor). Please note that there are no handrails on the steps.

Step 6

At the top of the steps, go through a small gate and bear left up another flight of steps (no handrail). There is a bench at the top for a quick rest if needed. Continue ahead until you arrive at the castle drive. Turn left and walk up the drive back to the car park.

End point

Castle Drogo car park, grid ref: SX721900

Trail map

Map of Piddletown Common walk, Devon — Map of Piddletown Common walk | © National Trust

A view of the outside of Castle Drogo through the nearby fir trees, in Devon

Place

Castle Drogo

Where dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th century castle overlooking the Teign Gorge.

Old stone bridge over a shallow rocky river. The sun is rising behind the bridge, the sky looks misty

Trail

Teign Gorge classic circuit

Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.

Trail

A walk to the Hydro Turbine at Castle Drogo

Take a gentle walk down to Castle Drogo's Hydro Turbine, built over 100 years ago to supply electricity to the castle, and find out more about how it works.

Drewsteignton, near Exeter, Devon, EX6 6PB

01647433306

castledrogo@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Piddledown Common walk

Total steps: 6