Castle Drogo and the walk to Fingle Bridge through the Teign Gorge

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
First in the selection of reports back from our time in Devon is our visit to Castle Drogo and the walk we took to Fingle bridge through the Teign gorge. Now, the name is intriguing for starters as it sounds both Games of Thrones and Bond-esque. The building itself is baffling. C had heard about the ongoing project to make the castle watertight so warned me that it might be a bit different. I'm not a history buff (far from it - I've a memory like a sieve) but I love to snoop around places and learn a little on site. The Castle is a National Trust property and they are currently halfway through an ambitious project to sort out the massive leakage problems (it looks to me like they're rebuilding the castle - but what do I know). The time we spent inside the castle was very interesting and I really enjoyed it, I didn't take photographs as it seems rude and also boring. Unlike the people who take 3000 pointless pictures for no apparent reason, of everything. Who do they plan to subject with that arduous slideshow? Anyway, I liked the interior, displays, information and the garden areas. FYI There is a large cafe/restaurant so if you have a dither about whether to bring a sandwich there's another option.

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
Although it started as a drizzly morning, the cloud soon drifted off leaving a particularly pleasant early Autumn day. I picked up a card with a walk on, which was really helpful with step by step instructions on the back.
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
 When we reached Fingle bridge we took the path on the other side of the river as it was a much better quality and took the bridge at point 6.
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
The scenery was incredible. As the castle was on top of the hill there was a long descent into the valley which at some stages was uncomfortably close to the drop off into the valley for me and then rather steep. However, we did see an elderly man with a stick very steadily ascending as we were heading down so if he'd come from the bottom I was mightily impressed!
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
 There were so many beautiful early autumn sights to be seen.
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
 I was pleased to see the most quaint old structure when we arrived at Fingle bridge. Imagine how disappointing it would be if there was a drab concrete slab. This old masterpiece was so narrow, clearly designed for carts with little triangles for people on foot to dive into to save them from being crushed to death by carts ploughing on through.
We sought refreshments at the Fingle Bridge Inn which was unmissable and we chose to sit outside to take it the soothing flow of the river. I ended up with a milky coffee somehow (guess we got crossed wires) and fortified myself with a Mars bar. Holiday perks!
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
There was an interesting collection of 10 prints around the Castle Drogo grounds, we spotted some of them and I did intend to read up further on the inspiration but it slipped my mind.
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
Our path on the far side of he river was far superior and made for easy walking with lovely views.
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk

Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
After the steep path down the valley, I did have concerns about how we were going to get back UP! Strangely, we didn't even break into a sweat. The path wound it's way uphill at quite a pace as it seemed in no time at all we surfaced.
Castle Drogo and Fingle bridge walk
A rather lovely way to spend the day.
Sophie

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Sometimes I am sent items to feature as part of a post and these will be clearly mentioned as part of each post.Everything else is bought by myself. Any sponsored or collaboration posts will be clearly marked. Each post is my own content and all opinions are honest.