Monday 16th February 2026
This was my first walk on a trip to Devon back in November. Staying just outside of Horrabridge, I was definitely looking to do some walks on Dartmoor. But to start off my week, I could access this riverside circular walk from the rear gate of my chosen accommodation.
It’s a route that was recommended to me by Emily, one of my followers on Instagram who, it seems, has done a number of good looking walks in this part of Devon. Within a minute or two, I arrived on foot at the car park close to Bedford Bridge.
(I’ll include a link to the route at the bottom of this post.)
Across a grassy area and I met the River Walkham, which I would follow for the first half of this walk.
A typical winter’s day; cool and fresh, with a suggestion of rain to fall later in the morning. I wasn’t at my best, bunged up with a cold that I’d believed hard departed me, seven days earlier. I’d decided to stay off the greater moor for now.
I did take a couple of wrong turns on this outing; following the river’s edge too closely, to a point where the “path” petered out and I’d have to backtrack to rediscover my way.
I was soon passing beneath this great viaduct – one of several in Devon that surround the valleys and combes of Dartmoor. A cycle route known as Drake’s Way runs along the top – the car park that I started from is signed as a car park for this particular trail.
At Grenofen Bridge lies a second parking area for a small number of cars. I’d have to cross this bridge and walk the narrow road, briefly, to continue my walk.
Around the bend and at a junction, was an option to head uphill from Lower Grenofen and cross over West Down. Had I not been feeling under the weather, I might’ve taken this route.
Back beside the river and the valley really started to open up. Not only was it the length and breadth of the river but the sound of water, passing rocks, lower branches and bends in its path. This section, for me, was the highlight of the walk.
I could soon see what I’m sure was once a limekiln.
I’d cross another bridge and after another bend, I’d leave the water’s edge and begin climbing uphill. Quite a steep going and certainly a shock to my system.
Eventually, I was on to the higher ground beyond Bucktor and following the West Devon Way.
A rainbow cannot form without one of its several ingredients. I already have my waterproofs on in anticipation of the inevitible.
I found myself following the quiet lanes above Buckland Monachorum. I should’ve been on the green still but this deviation wouldn’t take me too far from my intended course.
I returned to the open land close to another parking area and as the rain came in. From here, I essentially had to walk downhill, in to the valley and I would soon find the rear entrance to my accomodation.
But for while it looks dead simple on a map, on the ground, I found it more of a challenge to find my intended way. Waymark arrows were few and far in between, for the paths a-plenty.
My anxieties were growing as the rain continued. Although not heavy, I wasn’t well enough to be out in it for too long; wandering back and forth along unmarked paths, searching for the one that would lead me home.
Eventually, I found my way, muddy under foot, down in to the valley.
Passing beneath that viaduct again and I was closer to being able to switch the kettle on. I recall feeling quite tired this point. This hadn’t been the walk of several tors that it could’ve been but I’d enjoyed the sounds, the scenery and the general absence of other people, bar a small handful of dog walkers.
Returning in the direction of that first car park at Bedford Bridge, I could soon follow another muddy path back to where I’d started.
For me, feeling the way I was, it would’ve been easy to have spent the day indoors. I’d arrived the previous evening and now had several days of Devonshire walking ahead of me.
Length of walk: 5-6 miles
Thank you for reading.
Link to a slightly shorter walk and inspiration for this walk
My walk was very similar to this route
Walks With Olly 