Steps Bridge & Dunsford Woods
8 miles from Exeter • 1.5 hours out and back (6.3km round trip)
Steps Bridge is an exceptionally popular area offering beautiful, gentle walks and magnificent wildlife. Dunsford Wood (National Trust) and Dunsford Nature Reserve adjoin here. Famous for wild daffodils in early spring. Walk alongside the River Teign through steep-sided oak, ash and birch woodland.
© Penny Mayes, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
Easy to Moderate
1.5 hours out and back (6.3km round trip)
Yes
Free
Overview
Steps Bridge is an exceptionally popular area offering beautiful, gentle walks and magnificent wildlife. Dunsford Wood (National Trust) and Dunsford Nature Reserve adjoin here. Famous for wild daffodils in early spring. Walk alongside the River Teign through steep-sided oak, ash and birch woodland.
What to Expect
Picturesque stone bridge over the River Teign. Walk through ancient oak woodland along the river. Watch for kingfishers, goosanders, dippers and otters on the river. Tawny owls, flycatchers and woodpeckers in the trees. Herds of fallow deer regularly pass through. Dog-friendly and there are bins at the Steps Bridge entrance.
Best For
- ✓River walks
- ✓Ancient woodland
- ✓Wildlife watching (dippers, kingfishers, deer)
- ✓Wild daffodils (spring)
- ✓Photography
- ✓Dog-friendly cafe nearby
Not Ideal For
- ⚠Off-lead exercise in reserve (on-lead required)
- ⚠Those avoiding steep routes
Things to Be Aware Of
- ⚠Dogs on leads in nature reserve
- ⚠River can be high after rain
- ⚠Paths can be muddy
- ⚠Some steep routes
- ⚠Limited parking - arrive early
Local Tips from Evie
Watch the river from the bridge for dippers - they're the stars! The Walled Garden in Dunsford is very dog-friendly and perfect for after-walk coffee and cake (impressive cream teas!). Connects to longer Teign Valley walks towards Fingle Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wildlife can you see at Steps Bridge?
Dippers are the stars - watch from the bridge. Also kingfishers, goosanders, otters, tawny owls, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and herds of fallow deer.
When are the wild daffodils at Steps Bridge?
Dunsford is famous for wild daffodils in early spring - usually March.
Is there a dog-friendly cafe near Steps Bridge?
Yes! The Walled Garden in Dunsford is very dog-friendly with excellent coffee, cake, and cream teas.
Practical Information
Steps Bridge, Dunsford
EX6 7EG
A few spaces on the road by the wall of Steps Bridge, next to reserve entrance. Free car park further up the hill on the right, opposite the YHA. Postcode EX6 7EG.
Dogs should be kept on lead in the nature reserve. Off-lead possible in woodland areas away from the reserve. Lead near road and river.
Need a Dog Walker?
I walk dogs at Steps Bridge & Dunsford Woods regularly. Get in touch if you need help.
Contact Me
