Richard Scagell & Stephen Bearne

Started the adventure early on Friday morning at Chagford Bridge. We parked our vehicle on the road just before you enter the Square at Chagford. We preferred this as the parking was free and a bit more secure than leaving our vehicle at Chagford Bridge, which was a bit isolated and vulnerable. There were four parking spaces at the bridge early in the morning when we arrived. We then commenced our journey along the River Teign passing under the formidable structure of Castle Drogo on our way to Drewsteignton. At Drewsteignton we had a welcome cup of coffee and a snack at the Village Stores and Post Office.

Onwards to Morchard Road. The journey was perfect, going through beautiful countryside, until you arrived at a larch plantation by Horwell Woods and you descend to the single-track Okehampton to Exeter Railway where you cross the railway line. However, although there is a gate on either side of the railway line for walkers to cross, the line itself is closed to walkers with high interlocking Heras fencing on both sides of the track. There was no warning of this stretch of the trail being closed on route, so be aware. Editor: We have alerted walkers to this on the website and Facebook page: Devon County Council tell us that the route will be ‘properly’ open at the end of October.

Eventually arrived at Morchard Road but decided to continue to Morchard Bishop where there were more places to stay and of course fewer miles to walk the next day! Glad we did as we found a gem of a B&B at Watcombe Farm run by a very hospitable lady called Maggie. She even picked us up from the village square and later that evening took us to the Waie Inn, a few miles away in Zeal Monachorum, for a meal. Maggie recommended this venue and we were not disappointed as the meals were delicious and substantial and excellent value for money. Oh and yes Maggie picked us up and took us back to her B&B which was on a working beef farm. Her accommodation was first class and very clean and at a reasonable cost. In the morning her continental breakfast set us up for the day.

The next day,much refreshed, we were on our way to Witheridge passing through leafy lanes and over countless rolling hills with beautiful countryside all around. At Witheridge we had pre-booked into the Mitre Inn… A good choice, as the management and staff were very welcoming and helpful, the room was spacious and clean and the meals were excellently prepared and good value for money. We even took in a local football match in the afternoon in the village.

The next day we were off to Knowstone, again a delightful few hours walking through rambling countryside . This was quite boggy underfoot in places, despite being August. Editor: The fields alongside the Little Dart river near Witheridge, and the path under the A361 near Knowstone, can but a ‘bit damp’! Once reaching Knowstone our lift was awaiting to take us back to Chagford. However, Knowstone is a very small hamlet with half a dozen houses, a church and a pub, The Masons Arms, which has a Michelin star menu. If you were looking for a pint and a meal at the end of your walk that’s fine – unless you arrive on a Sunday or Monday, like us, in which case you will be disappointed, as the pub does not open on Sundays and Mondays.

Looking forward to planning our completion of the walk soon. Thanks to Sue Viccars who offered advice and tips when I was looking into planning our trip.