| Chagford:
moors and riverside walk |
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| Chagford
view |
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BBC
Radio Devon's Michael Chequer takes you on a bracing
walk from Chagford to open moorland at the top of Nattadon Hill, and
on through woodland and farmland to the banks of the River Teign.
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I first
discovered this winter walk about three years ago - and I suppose
it's good proof of the old saying that every cloud has a silver lining.
Because of a huge delay between selling one house and buying another,
Beth and I ended up spending about six months living in a rented home
whilst nearly all of our possessions were in storage in Exeter.
Deprived of our computer, TV, music collection, books and all the
other baggage of modern life, we found ourselves out and about just
about every evening and weekend.
For most of our hikes across Dartmoor, we were guided by some of the
dozens of books written by the prolific local author - and now President
of the Devon Ramblers Association - Chips Barber.
This route takes you from meadows to open moorland at the top of Nattadon
Hill, and on through woodland, farmland and eventually the cool and
tranquil banks of the River Teign.
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| The
centre of Chagford is the starting point. |
The walk
begins in the very centre of Chagford, the beautiful old stannary
town on the fringes of Dartmoor.
Once the big climb up Nattadon Hill at the start of the walk is done,
the route is very nearly downhill all the way.
It's very steep, and hard work for those not in the peak of physical
condition (like me!) but the views from the top are stunning.
Start by taking a stroll down New Street, heading in the direction
of Meldon Hill until you come to a turning on your left called Nattadon
Road.
Take this turning and bear right, then turn left onto a signposted
green path to Nattadon Common.
Your exact route at this point doesn't matter too much - as long as
you head upwards!
Your next target is the left shoulder of Nattadon Hill. It's a steep
climb but the view from the common at the summit more than compensates
for the effort expended in reaching it.
It feels like half of Devon is laid out at your feet, with the buildings
of Chagford far below looking more like children's toys.
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| The
stream running past cottages in Chagford. |
Now keep
parallel with the hedge on your left, admiring the views across the
valley to Castle Drogo, until you reach a grassy car park.
Turn right onto the road and follow it for a short distance, ignoring
the turning to Weddicott on your right.
At the next bend take the bridlepath which heads downhill towards
Great Weeke and Yellam and follow it down the hill for some distance!
Eventually - taking the straight-on option at any junctions - you'll
reach a minor road at the bottom.
Turn left here and keep going for about 300 yards until you reach
a junction by a letterbox - turn right here into Adley Lane.
Not
far along this lane is a modern bungalow on the right and just beyond
it is a half-hidden signpost on the right which points to the left
along a short track on the left.
Follow this - heading diagonally across the fields then onto a narrow
path which will bring you out in a cul-de-sac in outer Chagford.
At the end of this you'll come to a more major road. Turn left for
a short while, looking out for a stile and path on your right signposted
to Rushford Bridge.
Cross the bridge when you reach it - then almost immediately take
the footpath across the fields which is signposted on your left.
Pass through the gap in the hedge and head for and over the small
wooden bridge which crosses a leat.
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| This
is one of Michael's favourite Devon walks. |
Soon
a choice of routes is offered as you reach the Two Moors Way. Take
the direction marked 'Chagford Bridge' and follow the river Teign
for some distance - a beautiful riverside walk.
Eventually
you will emerge onto a road. Turn left to cross the river once again
and up the hill.
Turn left at the junction - signposted Chagford - and back to the
town!
It's partly
this stunning view that tempts me to name this 4.5 mile walk as one
of my favourites in the county, but I also love the huge variety of
habitats on offer.
Even so, by the time we arrived back in Chagford, I felt more than
ready to try out one of the four pubs which Chips' book suggests!
Details of Michael and Chips’ route can be found in 'Six Short Pub
Walks on Dartmoor', written by Chips Barber and published by Obelisk,
Priced £1.95.
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BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
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