Devon’s Favourite Cycle Trails

The UK is firmly in the grips of a cycling renaissance. Up and down our green and pleasant land people have been renewing their passion for pedal power.

A self-catering cottage holiday in Devon could provide you with the perfect base from which to saddle up and explore the county’s many tracks and trails.

We’ve picked out a handful of the region’s favourite routes, from the rugged uplands of Dartmoor to the leaf-dappled banks of the River Plym, what better way to get fit and see the sights than a Devon cycling holiday.

Plym Valley Trail

This popular trail passes through ancient woodland and abandoned quarries, following the route of the old Great Western Railway. Begin your ride at the National Trust Car Park on the edge of Cann Wood, following the wends of the River Plym upstream towards its source on the southern reaches of Dartmoor. Cann Quarry is a breeding ground for Peregrine Falcons which nest on the towering ledges and can be seen diving at terrific speed as they hunt for their prey.

Cycle along the sun dappled tracks of Bickleigh Vale, crossing impressive viaducts and admiring far-reaching views of the valley. Four miles into your ride you’ll reach another reminder of the Plym Valley’s Victorian industrial past, the dimly lit Leighbeer Tunnel which was carved through solid rock by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Explore the ancient oaks of Dewerstone Woods which lie below the legendary Dewerstone Rock, seen rising above the canopy. When you reach the historic moorland village of Shaugh Prior, stop off at the White Thorn Inn, a great place to grab some lunch ahead of your return leg. This family trail will make a great addition to your Devon cycling holiday.

Devon Coast to Coast

If you’re seeking a Devon cycling adventure of epic proportions, then this is the one for you. This ninety-nine-mile trail links the North Devon seaside town of Ilfracombe with the maritime city of Plymouth on the county’s sparkling south west coast. Follow the river valleys of Torridge and Tavy, the setting for Henry Williamson’s classic tale ‘Tarka the Otter’, rounding the western fringes of Dartmoor to enjoy stunning views of rolling hills and the ancient county of Cornwall. Much of the route remains traffic-free and follows the disused railway lines through arched tunnels and across soaring Victorian viaducts.

Explore the Granite Way and marvel at its breath-taking moorland panoramas, crossing the iconic Meldon railway bridge towering 150 feet above the West Okement river and recognised by its impressive wrought and cast-iron lattice work. Discover the ancient stannary and market towns found nestled into the countryside, from the bustling flagstone streets of Tavistock to the medieval parish of Okehampton set beneath the ruins of a motte and bailey castle. The beautiful Lydford Gorge signals the start of Drake’s Trail, a sweep of open moorland descending through more river valleys towards the banks of the River Plym. Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, with its historic Barbican and Hoe, and the National Marine Aquarium among its many outstanding attractions, provides an exciting chapter of this spectacular tour.

Drake’s Trail

Named after Elizabethan sea captain Sir Frances Drake, this  22-mile route connects the ancient stannary town of Tavistock to Plymouth’s picturesque waterfront. The Drake’s Trail embraces several iconic features, including Gem Bridge, which spans Walkham Valley, and the Grenofen tunnel. The trail was officially opened in 2012, part of Cycle West’s network of routes covering 750 miles which includes links to Brittany, France. The terrain is shared by walkers and cyclists and incorporates numerous connections to Drake – the ingenious vice-admiral most famous for helping to mastermind a victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 – including his statue on Plymouth Hoe and the lawns where he famously played bowls while the Spanish fleet mustered in the channel.

The National Trust’s Saltram Estate makes for a magnificent interlude before a peddle through Plymbridge Woods, following the old railway line towards the southern reaches of Dartmoor and bound for the pretty village of Yelverton which marks the beginning of your descent. Cross the Magpie Viaduct, one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s many architecture legacies, before reaching Tavistock’.

Exe Estuary Trail

The beautiful Exe Estuary provides the setting for one of east Devon’s most loved cycle trails. The route hugs both sides of the estuary linking the coastal resort of Dawlish Warren to the port town of Exmouth, passing picturesque waterside villages and precious wetlands. The estuary’s mudflats and grasslands form part of two RSPB nature reserves and provide breeding grounds for an array of protected wildfowl and wading birds, including lapwings, redshanks, black-tailed godwits, curlews, avocets, brent geese, shovelers, teals and widgeon. You might even catch a glimpse of the rare hairy dragonfly and the elusive otter.

The route covers more than 20 miles of scenic cycleway, the majority of which is traffic-free, with captivating views at every twist and turn. Enjoy a pub lunch or delicious Devonshire cream tea at one of the cosy country pubs that flank the towpaths. You can even make use of the Exmouth to Starcross passenger ferry to save you a return journey. This wonderful circuit is a relatively new addition to the region’s cycle path network and is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers.

The Granite Way

A fantastic way for cycling enthusiasts to discover one of north Dartmoor’s most majestic sweeps, The Granite Way is an 11 mile multi-use route running between the historic moorland town of Okehampton and the charming rural village of Lydford. Cycle hire is available at YHA Okehampton and Devon Cycle Hire, Sourton Down. The majority of the trail is traffic-free and takes in some spectacular sights, including the dramatic ruins of Lydford’s Norman castle and the rushing falls of Lydford Gorge, the deepest gorge in the South West. The Granite Way is widely considered one of the most memorable cycle rides in Devon.

The Tarka Trail

Inspired by Henry Williamson’s classic tale ‘Tarka the Otter’, this magnificent route combines footpaths, bridleways and old rail and tram lines between the pretty villages of Braunton and Meeth. The trail is very flat and leisurely, so it’s ideal for family bike rides. You’ll be able to enjoy unrivalled views of the Taw Estuary before following the banks of the river upstream to the historic borough of Barnstable.

From the estuary mudflats and salt marshes to the woodlands and meadows, you can expect to see all sorts of wildlife along the way. There are several bespoke benches and hand-carved sculptures along the trail too. As you peddle onwards past the waterside village of Instow and the characterful market town of Bideford, keep an eye out for the Puffing Billy pub and restaurant, a popular stopping place for cyclists and ramblers housed in a former Torrington railway station. The Tarka Trail is sure to be one of the highlights of your Devon cycling holiday.

Exercise your right to roam when you book a stay with Toad Hall Cottages.