Whilst a tranquil holiday in a luxury lodge is appealing to many, not everyone is looking to just sit back and relax when they’re away. Many of our lodge owners and visitors like to explore beyond our park and facilities here at Fingle Glen Lodges. So, we would like to share the most scenic spots near our holiday park that are perfect for those who love hiking and the great outdoors.
With breath-taking routes located all over the county, hiking in Devon is not an opportunity to be missed. Rural Devon offers the best of nature, with many locations by Fingle Glen upholding its exceptional reputation. Holidaying at Fingle Glen couldn’t be a more perfect haven for keen hikers. Some of our favourite locations include:
Dunsford
Just 5 miles away, you’ll find the beautiful Dunsford Wildlife Trust. Located in Dartmoor National Park, it is well worth the 15 minute drive to experience great hiking trails and fascinating wildlife in its natural habitat. The trails take you along the river Teign and through the wooded forest and valley, offering spectacular views of the moorland. These routes can be taken all year round, becoming particularly special during the spring months when the famous wild daffodils and bluebells bloom! Multiple routes can be taken, catering to all ages and families, making it the perfect location for a day out.
For those serious hikers, the Dunsford Wild Walk has 7.5 miles of beautiful scenery. The walk takes approximately 3.5 hours and takes you over woodland, farmland and moorland paths with some steep climbs that offer stunning panoramic views of Teign Valley. Alternatively, for those wanting a more relaxing journey, the walking trail around the reserve with level paths and just as equally stunning views will take you around an hour and a half. You can still enjoy spotting animals and birds in their natural habitats and can even take your dogs.
Castle Drogo
Our next favourite spot is Castle Drogo. Located just 18 minutes away off the A30, the castle grounds are easily accessible from Fingle Glen. They are open all year round, so you can experience its beauty in every season! The castle is a beautiful 20th century property overlooking the Teign Gorge, teeming with history and activities for everyone. The estate hosts over 1000 acres with various dog-friendly walks, winding through the gardens and gorge where you can explore the riverbanks and local forestry.
The walking trails are easy to find upon arrival and are signposted from the carpark. There are also accessible paths and trails in and surrounding the estate, so everyone can enjoy the castle facilities stress-free. You can explore the area with the light Piddledown common walk that is only a mile long, and you can see the local wildlife such as the Dartmoor ponies who live on the common or the butterflies that take to the skies.
The Teign Gorge Circular is one of the most popular trails to explore at this location. It takes you through the forest and by the river to the Fingle Bridge Inn, a quaint little inn where you can take a break and grab a drink before heading back towards the castle through Fingle Woods. The paths take you through a variety of terrain such as shady overgrown forests past the river or dirt paths on the hillside, giving you the best that Devon has to offer.
If walking long trails is not your thing, the castle also hosts many activities. There’s a café and shop where patrons can enjoy afternoon tea, lunch or take part in some retail therapy.
So, whether it’s short walks so the children can see their favourite farmland animals or a longer trail for those hardcore hikers wanting to push themselves to the limit, there’s something for everyone to explore around Fingle Glen Lodges all year round.
If you love the sound of visiting these idyllic hiking spots around Devon whenever you please, check out our luxury lodges that are available to purchase here.