Cycling in Devon

It is hardly surprising that cycling in Devon is so very popular. It is an incredible county with a myriad of different vistas from the wild moorland of Dartmoor and Exmoor to gentle wooded landscapes. Small towns and villages dot the landscape, linked together with highways, byways, footpaths and cycle trails to delight both visitors and residents alike.

Misty views of DartmoorPhotograph © Copyright L Temple 2008

Devon could be described as an area of outstanding natural beauty just by itself as well as an area of serious scientific interest. From the Exe Estuary and the English Riviera on the balmy south coast to the hilly tortuous routes of rugged North Devon via moorland with its ancient standing stones and Ruby red country between the moors.

The two major cities of Exeter the county town and Plymouth the county’s cultural capital, are both contemporary and steeped in history, a compelling combination. Both make excellent setting off points for whatever kind of cycling break appeals, a day out, a weekend break or a longer holiday.

A cycle map for Exeter itself can be obtained here and details of cycling in
Plymouth can be found here
Barnstaple too has a cycle map for the town.
A cycle map of Exmouth can be found at this site.
There is one for Newton Abbott here.
Tavistock's can be found here. and
Tiverton which also has other local cycling information is at this website.

Routes throughout Devon can bring endless delight whether they are the longer key routes, the shorter regional ones or the one day out for all the family. Do not take the longer ones all in one bite, they are too special for that. Slow down, enjoy the countryside, the towns and the villages and all that Devon has to offer. Take that well earned break and pack the camera handy!

Major Routes

Two key cycle routes run through Devon. The 240 mile West Country Way, NCN route 3 from Bristol or Bath to Padstow in Cornwall. Then there is the shorter 100 mile Devon Coast to Coast NCN route 27 from Ilfracombe in the stunning north coast of Devon to historic Plymouth on the south coast.

The Southern Devon Route NCN 2 will be another major route. It is still partly in the planning stages but sections are open.

Regional routes

Okehampton makes a good start and finish point, easy to get at and has plenty of accommodation. The route passes through several interesting places including Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh – stop off and visit the intriguing Otters and Butterflies Sanctuary

Dartmoor Prison Heritage CentrePhotograph © Copyright L Temple 2008

There is public transport to enable shorter walks or rides. Sadly though the useful Dartmoor Freewheeler Sunday Bus transport is not running at the moment. Hopefully it might be reinstated for 2010.

The 82 mile Buzzard Route which is Regional Route 52, runs from Sidmouth on the south coast to Seaton and then on to Axminster and Honiton and south again to Woodbury and Exmouth. As a change there is the northern section from Payhembury to the west of Honiton to Pinhoe on the edge of Exeter instead of going back to the coast again.

Beautiful green countryside near HonitonPhotograph © Copyright L Temple 2008

Shorter Routes

Sticklepath Route. 30 miles of moderate pedalling. Remember however that Stickle is Saxon for steep! The route is circular and begins and ends at the National Trust Property of Finch’s Foundry in Sticklepath The foundry is worth a visit while you are there. Tea Room for an ice cream afterwards! Trail runs along nice quiet country lanes. Dartmoor views and interesting small places that include South Zeal, Sampford Courtney, Honeychurch, Monkokehampton and Belstone .

Tavistock route, 26 miles, moderate to hard and not suitable for children as part of the route has fast traffic. The trail passes through Lydford and a visit to the Gorge would be an excellent side trip. Stop for a cuppa or ice cream at the National Trust cafe. A shortcut is available to cut the ride down to 11 miles.

Crediton to Crediton via Bow. 25 miles of somewhat strenuous riding. Bow is reputed to be the very centre of Devon. Rolling Devon countryside with fabulous views.

Lowman Valley, Tiverton to Tiverton, circular 23 mile moderate and pleasant ride through charming villages and hamlets. Care needs to be taken on parts of the route. Camera a bit of a must for some of the places.

Moorlands Cycle Route (Part of NCN Route 2) Totnes to Plympton near Plymouth, passing through Ivybridge 20 miles. There is a steep hill at Bittaford after more or less reasonable cycling from Totnes. From Ivybridge to Plympton is fairly level. Country lanes mostly, but some traffic free lengths.

Totnes to Ashprington (part of NCN route 2) 2 miles of moderate cycling with the odd steeper hill. Views of the river are delightful, but prepared to meet livestock as the road is unfenced! Passes through the Sharpham Estate famous for its wines and cheeses. Why not couple the ride on the way back with a tour of the estate. Why not indeed! ‘Drunk in charge of a bike? Not me, Officer!’

Ashprington to East Portlemouth (part of NCN route 2) Start either at Ashprington or two miles back in Totnes Some pretty demanding hill sections along the way. The trail goes to Tuckenhay, Blackawton, Slapton, Chillington to East Porlemouth. Mostly the route follows the lovely Devon country lanes with views from the hill tops. There is a ferry to Salcombe that will take cycles. Eventually it will be possible to continue to Plymouth, the proposed route can be found at Sustrans

Okehampton is an excellent centre for cycling. There are several approximately 20 mile routes that can be taken from the town. A pack giving details available from the town’s tourist centre. Plenty of accommodation available locally.

Crediton to Crediton via Woolfardisworthy. Another circular, demanding ride this time over 18 miles. Bit steep in parts but with all the rewards of beautiful countryside to compensate.

Grand Western Canal Route. 8 miles and part of the West Country Way. An easy ride along mainly canal paths from Tiverton to the Somerset border. Delightful on a nice day, but watch when going under bridges for those pedestrians and cyclists coming the other way!

Tiverton Parkway to Willand. A three mile link to the NCN 3. Tiverton Parkway is a station on the London Penzance Line close to Sampford Peverell. Good pedalling off point for The West Country Way, the link passes through the station.

Bere Peninsula Route a strenuous 9 miles, suitable for mountain biking as well as any cyclist who likes a challenge. Runs through part of the Tamar Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, good excuse to stop now and again! For those who couple their cycling hobby with a fascination for wildlife the estuary is wonderful for bird watching. Many camera opportunities for the shutterbugs.

Lopwell Dam Link. A short, moderate ride of 5 miles linking the Bere Peninsula Routeand the Plym Valley Trail. Only open between 2 February and 30 September. The river at the dam is tidal, so check the high tide in the tables before you leave. It is dangerous to cross the river within two hours either side of high tide and, if it has been raining, allow a longer time.

Exe Valley, a somewhat arduous at times, at all times beautiful waymarked, circular 16 mile ride. Tiverton to Tiverton. The route follows the Exe Valley with the centre point at Bampton. Steep climbs and spectacular scenery.

Shorter routes – great family days out

The Granite Way, Okehampton to Lydford 11 miles. Family day out along old railway tracks with inspiring viaducts along the way. Wonderful vistas of west Devon and Dartmoor. For the young members of the party of whatever age there is the steam train 'The Dartmoor Pony' that runs during the summer from Okehampton and Meldon. Carries cycles.

Plym Valley Track, seven miles long and part of NCN 27. Another delightful family ride along a railway line with incredible viaducts. Runs from Plymouth to Clearbrook.

Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth part of NCN route 2. Five miles of easy riding for the family. From seaside town to seaside town along an old railway track through lovely south Devon countryside.

Exe Cycle Route (Part of NCN Route 2) 4 miles of waymarked, binocular needing, family cycling day out. Not to be confused with the Exe Valley route. The trail runs from central Exeter to the Exe Estuary. Runs through Nature Reserves, make time for some bird spotting with the kids.

Burrator Reservoir a four mile circular mostly level route round the reservoir. Stunning after periods of wet weather. Open moorland views as well as the reservoir. Also a walking and horse riding trail. Pretty route with granite bridges.

Ilfracombe to Willingcot Cross. 3 miles. Going to be renumbered to part of NCN 27 but at the moment it is still part of NCN 31. A short family ride, this one is along an old railway.

Totnes to Dartington Riverside Trail. (part of NCN route 2) Only two and half miles of easy family riverside cycling following the Dart River. Runs from Totnes Bridge to the Cider Press Centre. If you decide to walk for a change, there is a bus back. Check timetables!

Mountain biking in Devon

The Dartmoor National Park Authority has published a useful map of mountain bike routes ‘Cycling on Dartmoor’

Blackdown Hills

The local authority, Mid Devon District Council, have several routes available.