Walks, Wild Swimming, History, Nature & Tales Along One of Devon’s Great Rivers
From tiny streams tumbling from the high moors to the broad tidal waters of the Teign Estuary, Rivers of the Teign is an invitation to follow the water and discover the landscapes, stories and hidden places that lie along its banks.
This is far more than a walking guide.
Inside you’ll find 25 carefully explored walks following the River Teign and its many tributaries, taking you across open Dartmoor, through ancient woodland and deep valleys, beside quiet streams and through the villages and landscapes that have grown up around these waters.
There are also 31 wild swimming spots, from secluded moorland pools and tumbling waterfalls to deep woodland swims and gentler stretches of river — places I have discovered, visited and, in many cases, swum in over a lifetime of exploring Devon’s rivers.
But a river is about much more than the water flowing through it.
Along the way, I delve into the history and archaeology of the Teign and its valleys, from prehistoric settlements, stone circles and hillforts to medieval communities, mills, mines, quarries, railways and industries that once depended upon the river.
You’ll discover the wildlife and ecology of the Teign, the plants and creatures that make their homes beside and within its waters, and some of the challenges our rivers face today.
There are legends, local tales, poems and personal stories, too — because for me these rivers have never simply been lines on a map.
I grew up close to the Teign and Lemon, explored Dartmoor as a boy, learnt to swim in its rivers and returned to them again and again throughout my life. Some of my happiest moments have been spent sitting quietly beside moving water or floating beneath the trees with sunlight flickering through the leaves above.
Rivers of the Teign brings all of those things together.
Follow the Rivers
The book explores not only the River Teign itself, but the wonderful network of rivers, brooks and streams that feed it, including the North and South Teign, Bovey, Lemon, Wray, Becka and many smaller tributaries.
The 25 walks range from shorter explorations to longer adventures, taking you from the high moor towards the estuary and introducing you to waterfalls, stepping stones, ancient tracks, hidden ruins, prehistoric remains, woodland paths, swimming places and some magnificent viewpoints along the way.
Each walk contains plenty to look out for, with snippets of local history, wildlife, folklore and other points of interest woven into the directions.
Walk It. Swim It. Discover Its Story.
Whether you’re a keen Dartmoor walker, a wild swimmer, a lover of local history, a visitor wanting to discover a different side of Devon, or simply someone fascinated by the rivers and landscapes around us, Rivers of the Teign has been written to encourage you to get out there and explore.
Follow a stream across the moor.
Cross the river by an old clapper bridge or stepping stones.
Discover the remains of those who lived here thousands of years ago.
Stop beside a woodland pool for a swim.
Or simply sit on the bank for a while and listen to the water passing by.
There is always something new to discover along the rivers of the Teign.
Original price was: £24.99.£15.00Current price is: £15.00.
