The Rocky Teign Gorge to Fingle Bridge

1 Walk back towards the bridge, then left through the kissing gate, following the footpath sign 'Two Moors Way' to enter the Castle Drogo Estate. Walk along the placid river through broad meadows, and through two kissing gates. Castle Drogo can be seen above left, and the steep-sided Teign Gorge ahead. Go over a stile and small footbridge into oak woodland. Follow the Fisherman's Path signs straight on along the left bank. An iron bridge over the river right marks the return route. The Two Moors Way goes left here. Walk straight on past a broad pool and weir, part of the castle's hydro-electric scheme.

2 The narrow, mossy path, at times rocky, proceeds along the gorge. It's incredibly pretty at all times of year, and particularly glorious in autumn. The path undulates gently. Down in the river there are rocky islands, fast-flowing, tumbling sections, and deep clear pools where the river takes on a lazy feel - and lots of good places for picnics and toe-dipping, or where you can sit and contemplate the scene. Soon the old pumping station comes into view on the opposite bank. A little later the path splits. If the water is low go straight ahead over a rocky section that floods easily in winter. If that is impassable, or if you feel like gaining a little height, climb the big, steep stone steps left to pass up and over a rocky outcrop.

3 A small flight of wooden steps leads you up to the preferred path, so avoiding riverbank erosion. Pass through a small hunting gate to gain a weir, with benches - a great place to picnic. Just beyond that the valley widens to form a broad grassy area opposite. Ahead you can see the steep slopes of Prestonbury Castle Iron Age hillfort above Fingle Bridge. It looks across the gorge to its twin, Cranbrook Castle, on the hilltop opposite.

4 Fingle Bridge and the Anglers Rest are reached after 2 miles (3.2km). Cross the old packhorse bridge and turn right (signs to Hannicombe Wood) to return on the track which runs parallel to the river. This is fairly level and passes through mixed deciduous then coniferous woodland; very soon you're on your own again.

5 When a small path leads right from the track take a moment to go and have a look at the pumping station and leat leading from the weir below the castle. Rejoin the main track, pass through a five-bar gate and walk past a superb 8ft (2.5m) granite wall, then right over stone steps to pass down and over the iron bridge to the other bank, to rejoin the route out. Turn left, over the stile into the meadows, and back to your car.