Cycling in Devon

The Tarka Trail | Walks | Dartmoor Walks | Dartmoor
Cycling in Devon | The Granite Way | The Devon Coast to Coast

Devon Cycling The Coast to Coast 102 miles
From Plymouth on the South Coast, skirting Dartmoor, following wooded river valleys, using The Tarka Trail, on to North Devon the Devon Coast to Coast NCN route 27 offers a opportunity to explore Devon using mainly country roads, or off road trails some of which are along the track bed of disused rail lines. Part of the National Cycle Network

Devon Cycling The Granite Way 11 miles
From Okehampton to Lydford, part of the Devon Coast to Coast. NCN Route 27. For the first six miles off road, from Okehampton Station, across Meldon Viaduct, supported on steel trestles over 40m high. Stop off at the Visitors Centre adjacent to the Quarry, a former buffet car does delicious afternoon teas, with superb views up the Meldon Valley towards the Dam. Hence along the track bed of the former Southern Railway to Lake Viaduct. Made of local granite, with superb views back onto the Moor, on a clear day across to Brentor and the Cornish Hills in the far distance. In late September the bracken a golden glow in the late afternoon sun.

From Lake, the route leaves the track bed, down a gravelly footpath towards the thatched Bearslake Inn. Take great care crossing the A386 main road. From here the route is largely on road until Bridestowe Station is reached, so care needed at all times. From the Station the Route rejoins the old track bed for the last mile to the outskirts of Lydford. Lydford itself is a delighful village, best known for its gorge, but also a Castle on a Motte. The Lydford Castle Inn is renown for good food. Currently only 1 mile of this 4 and half mile stretch is traffic free, so take great care.

The Tarka Trail
Tarka Trail over 180 miles in length taking a looping route through North and Mid Devon, The Trail from Braunton, to Barnstaple, Bideford up to Torrington takes the route of a disused railway line along the Taw and Torridge Rivers , Hence that stretch is particularly suited for both cyclists and walkers.

Exeter and The Exeter Canal 3 miles
Exeter is a city well blessed both with green open spaces and with cycle routes, most of which are off road. Follow the Exeter Canal down river to Turf Locks where the canal meets the Exe. Or why not ride just along banks of the River Exe itself, past the Quay?

The Exe Estuary Trail. When complete in several years time, the cycle trail will offer stunning views across the Estuary. Apart from in the villages and towns most of the 26 miles route will be off road. Already traffic free stretches link Exeter City Centre with Topsham and as far Turf Locks on the eastern shore. Another mainly traffic free stretch opens early in 2008 joining Exmouth with Lympstone. At present a footpath follows the railway line from Topsham to Exmouth, the path itself offers a very pleasant if somewhat muddy and slippery walk in winter.

The Grand Western Canal 3 miles

Click on thumbnail for larger view © Cornishlight

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