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River Teign

River Tein at Chudleigh Bridge. © Derek Harper - http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

The Teign rises on the vast expanse of Dartmoor and flows a winding course, criss-crossed by medieval clapper bridges, to the moor's northern edge. The Teign then turns southwards to Newton Abbot where it becomes tidal and finally meets the English Channel in a large ria at Teignmouth.

Herons, kingfishers, cormorants, bluebells, daffodils, the 30-mile stretch of the Teign is a haven for wildlife and nature-lovers, even otters are making a comeback. The only scar on the horizon is caused by the mineral mines, the last remnants of an industry which boosted the Teign Valley economy for centuries.

Dotted with tiny hamlets and winding past unique attractions such as Castle Drogo, the Teign Valley is a particularly beautiful area blessed with natural attractions such as Canonteign Falls, the highest waterfall in England. Local shell-fishermen still bring home a good catch from the mud-flats around Newton Abbot and visitors gather to watch the salmon leap at Drewe's Weir.