The Eden Way
Welcome to the beautiful Teign Valley, an Eden in Devon, combining the rugged hills of Dartmoor with rich farmland and the wooded banks of the river Teign.
Come and experience the contrasts: wild and cultivated, bleak and densely foliaged, craggy quarries and gentle fields grazed by sheep and cattle, in an environment very conscious of the climate emergency – altogether an ideal place for a pilgrimage to explore and celebrate the abundance of God’s creation in the context of the ambiguities and challenges of the 21st century.
The Eden Way – over 18 miles (29km) in total – may be walked in stages with the six villages of the Teign Valley & Haldon Mission Community offering way-stops: churches for meditation and hostelries for refreshment. Pause awhile in each place; look and see; listen and hear. Breathe in the beauty, natural and hand-made. Each of the Grade 1-listed churches offers an Eden Way meditation to help focus thoughts and prayers.
Stage 1: Dunsford to Bridford
This route initially passes through Bridford Woods, with a steep climb after Steps Bridge, but levelling out beyond into open countryside. The path travels along some beautiful country lanes and footpaths with spectacular views across the undulating farmland. The route finishes in Bridford Country Park where you can sit and rest in tranquil surroundings with spectacular views before entering Bridford Church for your next opportunity to meditate and pray if you so wish.
Stage 2: Bridford to Christow
This is a lovely walk along wooded footpaths and beside tumbling brooks. It passes through working farmyards and across crop-filled fields. It is a gentle walk with no steep inclines or descents, giving the pilgrim plenty of time to admire the views and explore the flower strewn hedgerows and listen to the prolific bird song.
Stage 3: Christow to Ashton
This is a beautifully short walk; what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for with beautiful views in every direction. It is a relatively easy walk along country lanes with gradual ascents and descents across the rolling hillsides. There is plenty of interest en route passing old cottages, manor houses and a wonderful pub which is renowned for its food and welcome.
Stage 4: Ashton to Doddiscombsleigh
This is the shortest route on our pilgrimage and it is a mixture of country lanes and footpaths. Once again we are treated with wonderful views, gently flowing streams and open farmland.
Stage 5: Doddiscombsleigh to Dunchideock
This is an interesting route with plenty of far-reaching views as well as wooded country lanes, making it ideal walking on hot sunny days. It passes the Belvedere Tower, where you can make a short detour to walk around this impressive triangular castle built in 1788 by Sir Robert Palk. Its location on the ridge of the Haldon Hills gives it panoramic views over the Exe Valley and Devonshire countryside.
Stage 6: Dunchideock to Dunsford
At the start, the route is primarily on country lanes and the pilgrim needs to be aware of light traffic. Once these lanes have been negotiated however, there is a wonderful section of footpaths across fields and by brooks, which treat the walker to spectacular views of the Teign Valley with its rolling hillsides and verdant pastures!
You can download two different OS Maps for Stage 6: the main route following a short stretch of busy road,
which the detour avoids while adding ½ mile (and stunning views) to your journey.
Bridford Country Woodland Park
The park has been established as an amenity for the community, offering a natural environment for all to enjoy. There are many benches for you to sit, rest and ponder, with spectacular views across the valley.
Haldon Belvedere Tower
The Haldon Belvedere was built in 1788, at the height of the Romantic Period of the Georgian age and is a much loved iconic landmark sitting high in the hills of Haldon Forest, above Exeter with breathtaking panoramic views over the Devon countryside.
Haldon Grange Gardens
Just before reaching the Haldon Hotel there is the peaceful, well established 12 acre garden dating back to 1770s which is open at certain times of the year as part of the open gardens scheme. This hidden gem boasts one of the largest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and camellias. Interspersed with mature and rare trees and complemented by a lake and cascading ponds. 5 acre arboretum, large lilac circle, wisteria pergola with views over Exeter and Woodbury complete this family run treasure.
The River Teign
The River Teign is an impressive 31 miles long and winds its way down from Dartmoor to the sea at Teignmouth. In the spring its banks are a carpet of yellow where the wild daffodils (Lenten Lilies) spring up in their thousands. Otters have been spotted playing along the river banks near Dunsford and kingfishers can make a fleeting appearance if you are very still.
The Royal Oak
Situated in Dunsford, The Royal Oak Inn has a restaurant, a bar and a garden. Free private parking is available at the hotel. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and are all en-suite. A Full English breakfast is available. You can play table tennis, pool and darts at The Royal Oak Inn.
The Walled Garden Tearooms
Lovely tearooms with outdoor seating.
The Bridford Inn
“High above the valley floor, there are panoramic views of the surrounding hills from the pubs’ gardens. With its stone walls, beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplace, this is a gem of a pub…” (whatpub.com)
The Artichoke Inn
Pub, Restaurant & Takeaway Home of the Speciality Burger & Pizzas
The Manor Inn
Mick & Jan offer you a warm welcome to the Manor Inn restaurant & pub a family owned and run business in Lower Ashton close to the river Teign near Exeter in Devon and considered to be one of the best kept secret eating and watering holes in the area.
NoBody Inn
A venerable village inn, mainly 17th-century with some later additions, full of old beams and antique furniture. Lunch and dinner are available seven days a week. There is a pub garden in the summer and a log fire in the winter.
Lord Haldon Hotel
Set in large private grounds with views over the surrounding countryside, the hotel offers its guests peace and quiet and a high level of service.
Teign House Inn
On the edge of Dartmoor in the scenic Teign Valley lies this very welcoming, atmospheric country pub with exposed beams and warming log fire in winter. The pub’s supported strongly by the locals with a large garden attracting families and locals alike, the adjoining field has space for caravans, camper-vans and campers.
The Royal Oak
Situated in Dunsford, The Royal Oak Inn has a restaurant, a bar and a garden. Free private parking is available at the hotel. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and are all en-suite. A Full English breakfast is available. You can play table tennis, pool and darts at The Royal Oak Inn.
Blytheswood Hostel
Stay in ancient woodland on the eastern edge of the Dartmoor National Park. Treebathe. Stargaze. River dip. Stomp up a hill. Sit with a cuppa. Rest in the wild. Find your own pace of cabin life.
NoBody Inn
A venerable village inn, mainly 17th-century with some later additions, full of old beams and antique furniture. Lunch and dinner are available seven days a week. There is a pub garden in the summer and a log fire in the winter.
Lord Haldon Hotel
Set in large private grounds with views over the surrounding countryside, the hotel offers its guests peace and quiet and a high level of service.
Teign House Inn
On the edge of Dartmoor in the scenic Teign Valley lies this very welcoming, atmospheric country pub with exposed beams and warming log fire in winter. The pub’s supported strongly by the locals with a large garden attracting families and locals alike, the adjoining field has space for caravans, camper-vans and campers.
St Mary’s Church, Dunsford
Open 9am – 6pm daily: St Mary’s is noted for the Fulford Tomb in the north aisle, some unique roof bosses representing the roots of Christianity, and Medieval glass on the north side depicting four female saints (Helena, Barbara, Catherine, fourth unknown). On the south side four men are represented (a priest, layman, bishop, king).
St Thomas Becket Church, Bridford
Open 8am to 5pm daily: There are many aspects worthy of interest in St Thomas Becket Church, but undoubtedly its most remarkable feature is the magnificent, richly decorated rood screen. It displays spectacular carvings of holy foliage and figures, depicting grapes, gourds, pomegranates, saints and prophets, amongst others.
St James’ Church, Christow
Open 9am to 5pm daily: The origins of St James’ go back to the 13th century, with the present building dating largely from the 15th century. Its oldest surviving artefact is the large, square Norman font and the beautiful rood screen retains its medieval colouring. St James’ is proud to host the Teign Valley Larder.
St John the Baptist Church, Ashton
Open 8am to 7pm daily: The church of St John the Baptist stands prominently above the village cottages and the surrounding farmland. The 13th century building boasts a particularly fine set of medieval paintings on a very fine screen. This small church is prized for its intimate atmosphere and is a favourite for weddings.
St Michael’s Church, Doddiscombsleigh
Open 8am to 9pm daily: St Michael’s church rejoices in a number of the stained glass windows (dated between 1450-1500) which are the earliest to be found in situ in Devon outside of Exeter Cathedral.
St Michael & All Angels Church, Dunchideock
Open 8am to 6pm daily: St Michael & All Angels church, dating back to the 13th century contains some outstanding woodwork, including the intact medieval rood loft stair and rood screen which is deeply carved with vines and other foliage.