Tour: Devon Coast to Coast (E)(EP)

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See https://www.bikexplore.co.uk/Articles-of-Interest/Devon-Coast-to-Coast

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/devon-coast-to-coast

The Devon Coast to Coast route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of the Torridge, the Tavy, the Walkham and other West Country rivers.

The route also skirts around the western flank of Dartmoor, offering superb views of Cornwall and the surrounding area.

On top of that there are many local links and spurs to explore.

Largely tracing the course of former railway lines, the route takes you through tunnels and across the breathtaking viaducts and bridges given to us by Victorian railway engineers.

Leaving Ilfracombe, the route travels south and takes you on a traffic-free path before joining quiet roads that provide superb views of Braunton.

At Braunton, the route starts a 30-mile traffic-free section on almost entirely level former railway lines beside the beautiful Taw and Torridge estuaries via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington to the villages of Petrockstowe and Meeth.

This section of the route is known as the Tarka Trail and is perfect for families and less experienced cyclists.

Next you’ll head further south to Okehampton on quiet roads. The route from there to Lydford is known as the Granite Way.

Between Tavistock and Plymouth the Devon Coast to Coast route is known as the Drake's Trail.

This has recently been developed into a fully traffic-free stretch of National Cycle Route with the addition of the dizzying Gem Bridge. Young cyclists (and the young at heart) will find this crossing this bridge thrilling.

On arrival in Plymouth the route travels along the seafront, past the National Marine Aquarium and Tinside Lido - a fantastic seawater pool in an Art Deco style.

The Devon Coast to Coast is an amazing route through Devon’s wonderfully green and verdant countryside. You can tackle all 99 miles in one go or enjoy smaller sections of the route.

There are several stretches that are traffic-free and flat, making them ideal for families or less experienced cyclists.

The Devon Coast to Coast route also makes up part of the Velodyssey, an Anglo-French cycle route which continues down the West Coast of France to the Spanish border. This route uses the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry connection.

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The Rides

1: Devon Coast to Coast - Part 1 - Ilfacombe to Barnstaple (E)

Part 1 of the Devon Coast to Coast The start is at Ilfracombe and what better place to start than the enormous statue designed by Damian Hurst. Not only is it striking but it's also easy to see as she points to the sky. The first part is convoluted, as the folks designing these routes will do anything to keep you off a main road however it does make life interesting. Past the harbour and all it's attractions before heading through the side streets. One part that you may find tricky if you are fu more ...

2: Devon Coast to Coast - Part 2 - Barnstaple to Petrockstowe Station (E)

The track on the other side is much smoother; where the other side was full of raised tarmac due to tree roots this side is as smooth as glass. Fremington quay is extremely popular. The site of former industry there is a playpark, large picnic area and a bustling cafe with about 20 picnic tables. If you prefer somewhere a little less frenetic the excellent Sandbanks Cafe is a few km further on and there is always Instow. The estuary has a lot of birdlife especially in winter and the marshes to t more ...

3: Devon Coast to Coast - Part 3 - Petrockstowe Station to Okehampton (E)

4: Devon Coast to Coast - Part 4 - Okehampton to Tavistock (E)

Dartmoor tors loom above you and it is towards these that you climb from the centre of Okehampton. Pass behind the church not missing the mural/statue on the left before climbing Station Road to Okehampton Station, which has just been reconnected with a passenger service to Exeter. The route now runs along the Granite Way along the former Tavistock to Okehampton railway. The initial part still has track but as you pass Meldon Quarry on the left the tracks disappear leaving a wide tarmacced path more ...

5: Devon Coast to Coast - Part 5 - Tavistock to Plymouth (E)

There were 2 railways from Tavistock and the viaduct that dominates the north part of town has now been opened as a cyclepath giving lovely views over the town hall and centre. Unfortunately much of the railway path has been lost so to get out of the town the route twists and turns towards Plymouth Road, skirting the main school and crossing the canal. The infrastructure avoids the busy road to Plymouth as it passes through another set of housing before you arrive at Drake's Trail. Named after S more ...

Places of Interest

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