Castle Drogo




High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge, on the northern edge of Dartmoor in Devon, stands Castle Drogo.
National Trust’s Castle Drogo is a unique early 20th century country house and you either like it or you don’t.
On the outside the granite almost look identical to concrete. Some people describe it as Stalinist architecture.
Drogo was created by self-made millionaire Julius Drew who bought the Drogo estate in 1910.
He employed the famous Edwin Lutyens to built Castle Drogo from scratch.
And guess what? It is the last castle ever built in England!
Do visit this place and stroll around the formal gardens. These were also designed by Edwin Lutyens.


Walking
We visited Castle Drogo because of its magnificent location.
With views over craggy Dartmoor and the Teign Valley, it is a perfect base to explore this region on foot.
One of the most popular walks on Dartmoor, the Teign Gorge walk, starts at Castle Drogo.
This 4-mile circular walk follows the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the River Teign. It is filled with chances to spot wildlife and stunning views.
At Fingle Bridge we returned via the Fisherman’s Path which hugs the north side of the River Teign.


This path can be difficult to navigate because you will be walking through rocks and dense woodland.
If you only have an hour to spare, then head for Piddledown Common that overlooks the dramatic Teign Gorge.
This 40-minute walk takes in some incredible views over Dartmoor whilst walking amongst gorse, oak trees and wild flowers.
If you want to walk a bit longer then you can start in the village of Chagford and follow Dartmoor’s most iconic river northwards towards Castle Drogo.
This 7,5-mile trail in its upper valley takes in wonderous views and the Drogo estate.


Two Moors Way
At Chagford you can also join the Two Moors Way.
Running for just over 100 miles/160km between Ivybridge in the south and Lynmouth in the north, this famous path links the two National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Section 6 starts at Chagford and follows the River Teign on its way to the spectacular Teign Gorge below Castle Drogo.
The route then climbs along the top of the gorge before ending at Drewsteignton.