So our previous walk had been to see the lovely Holwell Bluebells and a nice sunset, with warm sunshine up until it went dark. This walk still had the warm weather and the sun breaking through later in the walk, but it was mainly in the trees, so no suntans on this walk. The area around Steps Bridge has undergone some changes in recent years, with path closures making planning a route difficult. There used to be a path from the Steps Bridge car park down to the river, following that to the bottom of St Thomas’ Cleave. That was closed a few years ago and I’m not certain why. Now Cod Wood is being messed with, apparently paths are closed for birds nesting on and off through the months, which considering they nest in trees is a very odd decision. The final part of the excellent path to Clifford Bridge has also been closed, permanently. The alternative is a horrid steep climb up through the woodland, on paths not properly laid out to the road. Its a mess. A walk that used to follow one bank of the river Teign from Steps to Clifford bridges and back the other side, it now feels like an attempt to keep people away from the southern side. I believe the northern side is still good however, which is at least something. However we’d decided to head into the superb village of Dunsford, so we walked back via the lane to the village, before returning to Steps Bridge via the Dunsford Mill steps. We had planned to cross the stepping stones, however one stone looks to have been toppled a bit and moved, making the leap a bit too precarious. with the water around 18 inches deep passing it. So we walked the road back, passing the old mill wheel to Steps Bridge. Not our best walk this year but still a good spot, but if I visit again I will likely stick to the northern bank.
So far this year we’ve seen quite a lot of Painted Lady’s in the garden and on walks. Another here on the thyme
Linda starts off through Bridford Wood, with the path closure out of Steps Bridge car park, you now need to climb up through the woods on the opposite side of the road. Its a long pull of around a mile steadily uphill!Crossing the road at the top and dropping down to the river again to St Thomas’ CleaveSt Thomas’ Cleave, a bit more overgrown than I remember but it is a Dartmoor 365 squareA little further along the path was this open space which was lovely, the river is just to the right behind those trees. More like what this walk should beBrown Silver Line mothRiver Teign, lovely and calm. We had a coffee here to sit and enjoy watching the water drift past.Think this is a Beautiful Demoiselle, either way its keeping an eye on meBrimstone butterflyAfter a strangled route we finally arrived at Clifford Bridge, we both love this building near the bridgeClifford Bridge, you’re also not allowed to stand or get to here as its fenced off. But we’d had enough of stuff being closed to us so we had our lunch hereCommons Crags, not on my list but can be seen from the road.Now walking the Boyland Road and looking back towards the woods south of the Teign around Hitchcombe WoodNot the clearest of photos as this moth went and hid in some ivy, it was orangy brown in colour and looks a bit like a Barred Hook-tip maybeThe blue skies are coming out now and the views are opening as well. We sat here for another coffee enjoying the view as we neared ButtsLooking the other way towards Dunsford, the church can just be seen in the centre of this photoDunsford, a lovely villageInside Dunsford Church, St Mary’s. Its Grade 1 and built around 1420. There’s a lovely chancel screen over there on the rightThe tombs of Sir Thomas Fulford (1553 – 1610) and his wife, their seven children depicted kneeling behind, Sir Thomas was the sheriff of Devon. Fuleford and the family manor of that name was in the Doomsday Book in 1086.Down at Dunsford Mill Steps, as you can see the fifth stone in view here looks to have been knocked over and requires nimble footing to cross, either that or a wade. We chose the road.Back at Steps Bridge, and being in full leaf its tricky to get a photo of this one, but down there is the start of the leat which powered the Mill wheel
A Herald moth, sat on my recycling bag. Good times for the moths on this entry!
It is John, the closed paths irked me a bit as its cut off access to the southern side of the Teign or at least made it very difficult to get to the short bit you can walk along
treksandtors 
Lovely round there.
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It is John, the closed paths irked me a bit as its cut off access to the southern side of the Teign or at least made it very difficult to get to the short bit you can walk along
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