The River Teign

The River Teign is a striking waterway, stretching 31 miles from its origins on Dartmoor to the sea at Teignmouth, tracing a distinctive backward ‘S’ shape through the landscape. 

As one of South Devon's principal rivers, the Teign has played a crucial role in the region's history and development. Its journey begins high on Dartmoor, fed by two sources—the North Teign and South Teign—which converge at Leigh Bridge near the village of Chagford. From there, the river flows eastward, descending Dartmoor’s rugged slopes to the Dunford Nature Reserve. It then turns south, skirting the edge of Dartmoor National Park. 

The river continues past a series of charming villages and hamlets before reaching its first major settlements, Chudleigh and Chudleigh Knighton. South of Bovey Tracey, it merges with the River Bovey and flows further south, threading between Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton. Here, the Teign joins two key tributaries—the River Lemon and the Aller Brook—before veering east toward the coast. At this point, the river becomes a tidal estuary, expanding into a broad waterway lined with mudflats at low tide. The estuary stretches for approximately five miles before meeting the English Channel between Teignmouth and the quaint village of Shaldon. 

Historically, the River Teign was vital to the region’s ball clay mining industry, serving as a key transport route for moving clay and granite from Dartmoor to Teignmouth’s docks. Two disused canals—the Hackney Canal and the Stover Canal—bear testimony to this industrial legacy. Today, the Stover Canal forms part of the Templer Way, an 18-mile walking route that follows the historic Haytor Granite Tramway from Dartmoor to Teignmouth. 

The Teign is a haven for wildlife, hosting diverse bird species along its mudflats and banks. Its tidal estuary also supports shellfish farming, renowned for mussels and oysters. This vibrant river continues to enrich the natural and cultural heritage of South Devon. 

Read our blogpost all about exploring the River Teign here.