A Dartmoor Outlier Above the Teign Valley

In early springtime many people travel out to Steps Bridge (built in 1816) to stroll along the River Teign, enjoying the sight of thousands of tiny wild daffodils crowding the riverbanks. But there's a better way to explore this valley, which includes a close look at an example of that most characteristic Dartmoor feature, a tor, and a pint at one of the Teign Valley's best pubs as an added bonus!

Much of the ancient semi-natural woodland and valley meadows around Steps Bridge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and many acres are owned by the National Trust. Dunsford Wood (on the opposite bank of the Teign from the car park) is managed as a nature reserve by the Devon Wildlife Trust. These woodlands are glorious all year round: there are snowdrops in February, daffodils in early spring, wood anenomes and ramsoms; then foxgloves, woodrush and cow-wheat in summer. Look out for the nest of the wood ant by the side of the path, which can be as much as a metre high. If you place your cheek or hand near to a nest you'll get a shock - the ants squirt formic acid from their abdomens in a defensive move, and it stings!

Blackingstone Rock is another outlying tor, 1 mile (1.6km) south west of Heltor Rock. Turn right rather than left at Point 4 and you will soon be aware of its huge, granite mass rising above the lane on the left. You can get to the top by climbing up an almost vertical flight of steps which were added in the 19th century for that purpose. The views of the surrounding countryside are worth the effort.

While you're in Bridford, part way round the walk, it's well worthwhile going inside the church. The original chapel on this site was dedicated by Bishop Bronescombe in 1259, to the murdered Archibishop Thomas à Becket, who died at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. This was still a common practice in many West Country churches during the century following his death. The present building dates from the 15th century, and its most famous feature is the superb eight-bay rood screen, thought to date from 1508. The faces of the richly carved and coloured figures were mutilated by Puritan soldiers during the Civil War, but what survives is still impressive. The doors are also unusual in that they are made in one piece rather than being divided in the middle. These details are often overlooked by the Steps Bridge hordes.

While you're there

Go and have a look at the three reservoirs near Hennock, on the ridge between the Teign and Wray valleys - Tottiford, Kennick and Trenchford. Constructed over the period from 1860 to 1907 to service the increasing demand for water from Newton Abbot and Torquay, today these beautiful expanses of fresh water, surrounded by coniferous woodland and rhododendron-covered slopes, provide plentiful opportunities for easy walks and peaceful picnics.

Where to eat and drink

The Bridford Inn - appropriately advertised as being 'the middle of nowhere, the centre of the universe' - can be found at the end of the village. It offers great food, holds all sorts of speciality evenings and welcomes families. Another good pub just down the road is the Royal Oak at Dunsford. The Steps Bridge Café is open from 10am-6pm, and offers accommodation.