Another “Two Castles” walk.
As we gathered by the Fingle Bridge Inn, the air was cool, but the sun was shining. We set off over the bridge, then eastwards along the riverbank. The track then climbed steadily through the trees of Butterdon Ball Wood till we reached Wooston Castle, an Iron Age hill fort with wonderful views of the Teign Gorge. Here we stopped for an early coffee to enjoy the views. Suitably refreshed, we headed up hill to the car park then along the road to Willingstone Cottages. Through Butterdon Woods, past the Running Deer School (for children with special educational needs) and onto Butterdon Down. As we approached the summit, we startled a herd of about fifteen deer, including a stag with a fine set of antlers. On reaching the cairn, which is presumed to date from the Bronze Age, we paused briefly to take in the 360-degree views. The breeze was quite fresh, and we were soon on our way heading down to the standing stone. Along the path to Cranbrook and the Castle. We stopped to admire the triangulation pillar that was moved from the ramparts of the castle in 1993 when it became redundant and was adopted by Moretonhampstead Parish Council. Up to the castle and its views of Castle Drogo then down, down, down through Charles Wood to the river and a well-earned lunch at the Fingle Bridge Inn.
Phil