Dunsford

Stunning riverside walks through a wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor. Beautiful at any time of year, Dunsford is famous for its wild daffodils in early spring.

Location

East Dartmoor, near Dunsford village

Nr Exeter

EX6 7EG

OS Map Reference

SX 805 883

Know before you go

Size

57 hectares

Entry fee

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

Dunsford has level paths which lead you through the reserve (allow 1.5 hours to walk out and back). A circular walk is possible using an access trail on the opposite bank of the river (not DWT land).

Access

Wide level paths, muddy in parts. Allow 1.5 hours to walk to one end and back. The climb to top of the nature reserve is steep.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Dunsford is one of our best-loved and most beautiful nature reserves. It is an ideal place to begin to explore Devon's wild side.

Contact us

Devon Wildlife Trust

Contact number: 01392 279244

Contact email: contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map

How to get to Dunsford

Click here to find out how to get to Dunsford

Autumn leaves in the river Teign at Dunsford nature reserve — Dunsford nature reserve. Photo, Dave Chamberlain

An ideal place to explore Devon's wild side

Walk alongside the river Teign as it winds through a steep-sided valley of oak, ash and birch. Look out for kingfishers, goosanders, dippers and otters on the river. Tawny owls, flycatchers and woodpeckers live among the trees. Herds of fallow deer also regularly pass through its wooded valley.

From the Clifford Bridge entrance climb to the top of Dunsford for great views and a chance to see fritillary butterflies skimming across the tops of bracken-covered slopes.

Recently we've also cut a new path which climbs through Dunsford's woodland to a bench with wonderful views along the Teign Valley - well worth the effort!

Daffodils growing at Dunsford nature reserve — Daffodils at Dunsford

Dunsford means daffodils

Spring brings lots of visitors to the nature reserve. It's then that Dunsford's woodland floor turns yellow with a spectacular show of wild daffodils - one of Devon's natural wonders.

This is a nature reserve with beautiful scenery and a lots of wildlife. No surprise that Dunsford remains a firm favourite with many people.

Take your next step...

Dunsford is an excellent place to start to explore Devon's beautiful Teign Valley.

If you want a longer walk, the nature reserve joins lanes and footpaths leading along the Teign Valley to Fingle Bridge and Castle Drogo. Use Ordnance Survey Map OL28-Dartmoor to plan your trip.

Dunsford nature reserve has been been supported by Viridor Credits Environmental Company.