CHAGFORD TO NORTH BOVEY
Chagford is an ancient stannary town, where miners brought their tin in to be assessed and weighed, and where offenders against the miners' laws were tried. This past status reflects itself in its architecture which sets it apart from other settlements in the area. Refreshed after a good nights rest and a wholesome breakfast it was back to the pretty Square in Chagford and after purchase of provisions in a convenience store it was downhill to the River Teign.
At the bottom was this delightful and unusual swimming pool fed by water from the river. Alas it was not open as the hour was yet early. Well worth seeking out if you are in the area. http://www.chagfordpool.co.uk/
Next to the swimming pool is Rushford Mill Farm and the walk goes through the farmyard and then follows the banks of the River Teign flanked by lush green meadows. This section of the path is also part of the Two Moors Way.
The path goes into some woods and then reaches Dogmarsh Bridge carrying the A382. The route is straight across the road.
The field ahead was dotted with cows , the riverside path is on the right in the above picture
At one point a small wood comes close to the river and after another field the Two Moors Way goes left up a valley to Castle Drago while the Dartmoor Way continues to follow the river and enters a beautiful wooded section.
There is the odd climb over rocky outcrops preventing passage adjacent to the river.
Immediately next to the bridge is this attractive watering hole, it was too early to investigate it however. See http://www.finglebridgeinn.co.uk/
The climb out the valley was going to take me an hour and a half. This was the first stop for water and a rest.
This was the second stop looking back along the wooded valley of the River Teign that I had followed.
This was the third stop as the view east towards the ridge of Broadmoor Common opened up.
It was here that I succumbed to the desire to consume some of my provisions and enjoy the panoramic views.
Broadmoor Common again - see the difference in height from the earlier photo.
After returning to the path the route then skirts Butterdon Down (above) and then descends through woods and fields to Moretonhampstead. http://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/
The Bell Inn was the first pub I got to and now short of water was glad to have a couple of pints in it. It is one of those places that has struggled commercially over recent years but has a long history. http://www.moretonhampstead.org.uk/texts/places/inns/bellinn.ghtml
The town was on a slight hill and the Dartmoor Way descends to cross Wadley Brook and then climbs up the other side and this is the view looking back.
As the route continues slowly up to cross a ridge passing through a number of fields the town is still visible in the distance. Finally after crossing a minor road it disappears and there is a gradual descent to North Bovey.
I made a good choice for overnight lodgings at the Ring of Bells. A huge double bed and gigantic bathroom. Good bar food and ale what more could one want! http://ringofbells.net/
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