Devon Walk: 3.5-Mile Circular Walk Around Tuckenhay
Hike the 'Devon's Frenchman's Creek': A Secret 3.5-Mile Circular Walk Around Tuckenhay
The Dart Valley cuts a slice of countryside so deep and secluded that it feels a world away—and this short, sensational loop from the creek-side hamlet of Tuckenhay is proof. This 3.5-mile circular walk is utterly crammed with waterside views, the haunting call of wildfowl, ancient trackways, and picturesque, time-forgotten villages. It scores at least nine-out-of-ten on the 'Hesp-patent-Hikometer'.
Looking up Bow Creek towards Tuckenhay
Ready for a local classic? Let's lace up!
Starting from The Maltster's Arms
Your journey begins right outside the legendary Maltster’s Arms pub, perfectly positioned for a post-hike reward.
Looking down Bow Creek from The Maltsters
Leave the pub and proceed east to the little side creek which plays host to Tuckenhay Bridge.
Cross the stile at the end of the creek and follow the footpath along the water’s edge.
The path immediately wends and weaves along the lower contours of the Bow Wood nature reserve. This wonderful 30-acre corner of paradise—owned by the Tuppen family—is a haven of peace and quiet, delighting local wildlife thanks to the 13,000 native trees that have been planted.
Bow Creek: A Hidden Haven of Haunted Mystery
Eventually, the path opens onto the main expanse of Bow Creek. This hidden haven has an atmosphere of haunted mystery about it—it is Devon’s beautiful, secluded answer to Cornwall’s Frenchman's Creek. Keep an eye out for the resident shelduck, egrets, and piping oyster-catchers.
Bow Creek from Bow Wood Nature Reserve
(Note: The path follows the creek east, but a sign on a gate unfortunately prevents wandering all the way to Dittisham Mill Creek. It's inland for us now!)
Midway down Bow Creek
Climbing to the Mysterious Cornworthy
Leave the water’s edge for a beautiful ancient track that heads inland, leading you up to the lovely old village of Cornworthy.
Jane Fitzgerald, in her book Off The Map, describes how "The village of Cornworthy is almost lost between the hills that surround it. The dark stone buildings give it a rather serious air." With the history of the old Priory (now just a series of mounds) lying nearby, this place certainly feels deep and mysterious, carrying the genuine 'feel of ages'.
Tuckenhay from the water
The Grand Finale: Panoramic Views from Corkscrew Hill
The final leg of the hike offers the ultimate reward: the return over Corkscrew Hill.
This part of the walk offers fabulous, sweeping views—not only of Bow Creek far below, but across a whole swathe of this eastern corner of the South Hams. As the track begins its sharp descent to Tuckenhay Bridge, you can opt for the footpath that offers a shortcut across a steep field. If you do, you'll get a spectacular, helicopter view of the waterside homes—maybe one day!
Floyd Flashback: The Maltsters and the TV Chef
For those who love a dash of celebrity history with their hike, the start of this walk is famous for its former owner: the legendary, bolshie, wine-swilling TV presenter, Keith Floyd.
A West Country boy born and bred, Floyd ran The Maltster's Arms for a while. Though he is long gone, tales and legends of his time remain by the notebook load. It’s hard to imagine finding anywhere deeper and more secluded in the Devon countryside than Tuckenhay, and yet it was home to one of TV’s most irreverent stars.
Shores of Bow Creek
Raise a pint in the snug bar in honour of the region's most famous—perhaps only—TV chef.
Lower Bow Creek
Fact File
Basic Hike: Circular route from Tuckenhay along Bow Creek, up to Cornworthy, and return over Corkscrew Hill.
Recommended Map: Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 20 - South Devon.
Distance and Going: Approximately 3.5–4 miles, good going, but be prepared for a steep climb/descent (Corkscrew Hill) and a few muddy spots. The landlord wisely recommends going clockwise to descend the steepest part.
Upper Bow Creek
