This was my 3rd visit to Castle Drogo, but I wanted to view an exhibition of Chris Chapman's Dartmoor photographs near Winkleigh, and this was a nice stop off in the morning being just a few miles up the road.
On arrival, I noticed a group of people assembling for a fungi walk, so I was on the alert when I walked around the estate later. I wish I knew more about identifying these specimens, but I am happy to find and photograph them for now.
I have looked around the house before, but I often see something I've not spotted on previous visits. It was built in the early 20th century and the Drewe family lived in it until it was given to the National Trust in 1974, so it has a fairly modern comfortable feel to it. The views from the upstairs rooms are amazing too.
As I left the house, I stepped down towards a pathway through the woodland. I followed the trail through the trees to get a better look at the view across Dartmoor and the River Teign in the valley below. It was then that it started to rain, and it became rather heavy so I stayed under the tree canopy to keep dry. This was where I came across several types of fungi dotted around the floor of the woodland, and some on the actual tree trunks. I'm not sure that I've seen so many different varieties before, so I was delighted to discover this area and try and photograph them. Several photos did not come out well in the low light under the trees, but once I changed to the SCN setting, then the results were much better. I tend to use the same 3 settings on the camera, and I've not used this one before, so I really must be a bit more experimental in future!
The gardens are still quite colourful for the time of year. There are roses covered in buds and flowers, and the borders are filled with asters and penstemon which are currently in full bloom. The acer leaves are beginning to change colour too, and there are clumps of pink cyclamen brightening up the areas around the trees.
If you wish to find out more about the history of Castle Drogo or information on visiting , please go to the National Trust website page for Castle Drogo.
The castle itself is not open all year round, but the rest of the estate is open as well as the National Trust shop and spacious cafe. There are also lovely scenic walks direct from the car park, parking fee payable, but no admission to the castle site necessary.
The exhibition of photographs by Chris Chapman was held at the Providence Methodist Chapel near Throwleigh. This was the last showing for this year, but I understand that there will be more dates in 2024. I presume that the Chris Chapman website will be updated when these have been agreed. Teas and cakes are provided by the ladies of the church, with donations gong towards the Church funds.
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