National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 2 passes through the area, on its way along the south coast of England between Kent and Cornwall. NCN2 also links with Devon Coast to Coast Route 27, the cross county cycling trail between Plymouth and Ilfracombe. Several other shorter routes, on or off roads, are set out in leaflets available from local Tourist Information Centres. National Cycle Network Route 2 splits into two as it makes its way through the South Hams. Long distance cyclists approaching Totnes from the east can opt to take the south coast route via Slapton and Salcombe amongst other places. An alternative northern route follows the A38 for part of its length, as it heads west towards Plymouth.
National Cycle Network Route 27 heads north from Plymouth and utilises part of the Plym Valley Cycle Way, a popular converted cycle track the crosses dramatic viaducts as it winds its way up to Clearbrook on the southern edge of Dartmoor. The route continues on to ultimately join the Tarka Trail as it heads towards the North Devon coast.
Devon County Council is developing the National Cycle Network with Sustrans. Details of the NCN in this area can be obtained by visiting www.devon.gov.uk/cycling or www.sustrans.org.uk
BBC 5 Day Weather Report
Cycle Routes in the South Hams
The South Hams of Devon is a very hilly area, and you need to plan your route with care.
South Hams District Council provide a series of guides for on and off-road cycling. There are many river crossings, and it's worth checking out ferries before you set out, as some of the crossings will help you to complete a circuitous route.
Mountain Biking around Dartmouth (7 min)
This is a scenic route for the fit off-road rider using minor roads, green lanes and bridleways. This route is for mountain-bikers and is not suitable for road bikes. It starts and ends in Dartmouth, a popular boating centre and one of the prettiest towns in Devon. Dartmouth is especially rich in buildings of historic and architectural interest, including the 17th Century Butterwalk and Dartmouth Castle.
Seabreeze Bike Hire (20 min)
At the Sea Breeze Café, Slapton we maintain a small fleet of Pashley Tube Rider bicycles available for hire. These are described as "The Ultimate Beach Cruiser", and are made for cruising! So leave your car behind and let your cares melt away by peddling out along the line to a private spot further along the beach - perhaps take a trip up to the Tower Inn at Slapton for lunch, or simply drift off into the green lanes with a seabreeze picnic! Without doubt cycling is the ideal way to see the area.
Totnes to Dartington (23 min)
Totnes, is a historic market town that's full of fascination and interest, and it offers two contrasting leisure routes - this one and the Totnes to Ashprington route. However, If you wish, you can combine them both with the Totnes Town Centre Link and create a lengthier route!
Totnes to Ashprington (23 min)
Totnes, is a historic market town that's full of fascination and interest, and it offers two contrasting leisure routes - this one and the Totnes to Dartington route. However, If you wish, you can combine them both with the Totnes Town Centre Link and create a lengthier route!
Southern Coastal Route Totnes (23 min)
The Southern Coastal route (NCN Route No.2) is being developed by the County Council and although not yet complete has some sections already built. The final route when built is expected to run,(west to east) from Plymouth to Dorset and beyond. It is planned to pass through Totnes, Newton Abbot and beside the Teign estuary, Teignmouth, Dawlish, beside the Exe estuary to Exeter, Exmouth and on eastwards to Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster before heading into Dorset.
Kingsbridge Estuary Cycle Route (26 min)
From the old market town of Kingsbridge to picturesque waterside boat orientated Salcombe, this 18 route takes you right around the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary - which is a Local Nature Reserve. The estuary's creeks provide unique habitats - offering salty but calm waters and hundreds of acres of mudflats. These may look barren but are teeming with billions of micro-organisms on which fish, shrimps, worms, crabs and anemones feed when the tide is in.
The English Riviera - Torquay to Brixham (35 min)
Enjoy some superb coastal views of the self-styled English Riviera on this cycle route between Torquay and Brixham. Break the trip into smaller chunks or tackle it all in one go - there is plenty to see on the way. The English Riviera boasts some of the best coastal views in the country, so a bike ride between the Torbay towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham sounds very appealing.
Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey Cycle Route (44 min)
This is a linear route that links the two South Devon towns of Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey. It is aimed at good cyclists above the age of 11 years old, as 80% of the route is on road with traffic. Bovey Tracey is one of the main gateway towns to Dartmoor and is home to the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. The gallery has an exhibition space with themed shows throughout the year and a popular tea room and courtyard.
New Cycleway Planned for Devon BBC Article (53 min)
A new path for cyclists and walkers is set to be created in one of the most picturesque parts of Devon. A beautiful rural area of Devon - which takes in the edge of Dartmoor - could soon be opened up to cyclists. There are plans for a £1 million pathway for cyclists and walkers between Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead. The mainly off-road path would go through picture-postcard Lustleigh - one of Devon's most picturesque villages.
Plym Valley Trail Saltram House (55 min)
Cycle through the historic grounds of Saltram House and along the tracks of a disused railway. The Plym Trail offers gentle gradients as it takes you from Plymouth to the fringes of Dartmoor. The Plym Valley trail is a superb off-road cycle route for families or beginners who don't want to exert too much energy. The trail forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route which stretches for 97 miles from Plymouth to the coastal resort of Ilfracombe in north Devon.
Take a step back in time at Plym Woods (65 min)
The Plym Bridge Woods provide a haven of peace for the people of Plymouth - but this area has an industrial past and there are tell-tale signs of the woods' history everywhere you look. The cycle track is a good surface, so is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs - however, take care, as this is a cycle route!
Devon Coast to Coast Plymouth Ho (67 min)
Largely tracing the course of former railway lines, the route takes you through tunnels and across the breathtaking viaducts and bridges bequeathed by Victorian railway engineers notably on the traffic free Granite Way section at Meldon and Lake near Okehampton.
Tavistock Cycle Route (84 min)
Tavistock is a thriving market town. The Pannier Market, first held in 1105, still takes place every Friday. A Benedictine Abbey was founded on the banks of the River Tavy in 974. Ruins of this abbey may be seen close to Bedford Square, where the cycle route begins.
Okehampton to Lydford: The Granite Way (99 min)
Take advantage of a spectacular new cycle route through rural Devon known as the Granite Way. This 12km ride offers unrivalled views of the moors from the Meldon Viaduct. Cyclists are able to stop to take in the spectacular views along a new cycle route in Devon which was opened in May, 2002. The 12km route links Okehampton to Lydford, in the west of the county, and is called The Granite Way.
Okehampton and Hatherleigh Circuit (99 min)
This is a straightforward route, which undulates with some very steep hills and uses quiet lanes and roads. It is suitable for all abilities providing that you take your time. This route starts in Okehampton and will take you through some of Devon's delightful villages and countryside. It follows the NCN27 Devon Coast to Coast route all the way to Hatherleigh, then branches off looping back through Folly Gate to re-join the NCN27 at Goldburn Cross.
West Country Way Holsworthy (134 min)
The West Country Way runs, when travelling east to west, from Bristol through Devon to Padstow in Cornwall. Cycling the route you will experience the magnificently varied landscape of the South West in a way denied to the car-borne tourist. From the commanding heights of Exmoor and the Mendips to the lush river valleys of Devon, The West Country Way encompasses some of the finest countryside in England.
Free Cycling Publications from Crediton
Foldout leaflet with maps and detailed directions of two cycle routes starting and ending in Crediton which is 10 miles south of the West Country Way Cycle Route
Free Cycling Publications from Tiverton
Foldout leaflet with maps and detailed directions of two cycle routes starting and ending in Tiverton which is also on the West Country Way Cycle Route.
The Tiverton - Culm Valley Cycle Route
Foldout leaflet with Ordnance Survey based mapping on cycling in the Tiverton area.
Cycle Route Details from Tourist Information Centres
Full details of these cycle route below can be found in the pack of 6 leaflets “Mountain Biking in the South Hams” which you can purchase from local Tourist Information Centres or Village Information Points.
Blackawton Village
A 13 mile route around the Blackawton, Moreleigh and East Allington area. You will see Blackawton a jolly village famous for it"s Worm Charming competition, Moreleigh with its small post office and The New Inn. Standborough Hill which is the highest point in the area, Gara stream and valley a secluded gem which most visitors miss. Coleshill Copse an isolated quiet wood — stop and listen for woodpeckers. Moderate difficulty. Off road sections rough and stoney but not too technical. Short hard uphill sections. Generally well drained except in winter. Take care on Pruston Barton downhill — very slippery if wet.
Cornworthy Church
A 6 mile route around the Cornworthy area. You will see Corkscrew Hill and old priory overlooking Cornworthy, pretty valleys and small woods, villages and old farm buildings. Very technical around Corkscrew Hill, suitable for experienced mountain bikers only. Climbs very steep and hard in places.
Dittisham
A 9 mile route around the Dartmouth and Dittisham area. You will see Old Mill Creek an area of pretty woodland with views of river, boat building and repairs take place in the creek. Capton Woods which is very pretty and managed by the Woodland Trust with bluebells in May. Brambletorre Mill ahs one of the largest remaining waterwheels in Devon, in Dittisham explore old streets and cottages down to the river and Bozomzeal bridleway with the best view of Dartmouth. Long hard climbs on and off road — but worth it! Mostly moderate technical sections.
Slapton
An 11 mile route around the Slapton and Strete Gate. You will see Slapton Ley Nature Reserve a natural inland lake and marshes, the beautiful 3 mile shingle beach of Slapton and Slapton Village one of the prettiest villages in the South Hams, lovely quiet valleys, woods and streams. Very Strenuous. Technically demanding, for advanced, experienced riders or you will be pushing your bike a lot.
Torcross
A 15 mile route around the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve a natural inland lake and marshes, the beautiful 3 mile shingle beach of Slapton and around the coast of Start Point and Prawle Point — breathtaking views and look out for seals. Moderate difficulty. Only one short technical downhill section. Lots of sharp effort, but well worth it. Muddy after heavy rain or in winter but still rideable. Recommend leg and arm cover for nettles and brambles. Bare rock slippery if wet.
CYCLE & MOUNTAIN BIKE HIRE
Seabreeze Bike Hire (20 min)
At the Sea Breeze Cafe we maintain a small fleet of Pashley Tube Rider bicycles available for hire. These are described as "The Ultimate Beach Cruiser", and are made for cruising! So leave your car behind and let your cares melt away by peddling out along the line to a private spot further along the beach - perhaps take a trip up to the Tower Inn at Slapton for lunch, or simply drift off into the green lanes with a seabreeze picnic! Without doubt cycling is the ideal way to see the area.
The Mountain Bike Centre
Cummings Cross, Liverton, Newton Abbot TQ12 6HJ
Tel: 01364 654080
Bikes N Tools
Unit 11, The Market, Market Street, Torquay
Tel: 01803 296604
Bikin'Motion
20 Torhill Road, Castle Circus, Torquay
Tel: 01803 214145
Web: www.bikinmotion.co.uk
Colin Lewis
5-7 Manor Road, Paignton
Tel: 01803 553095
Web: www.colin-lewis.co.uk
Cycle Hire
20 Dartmouth Road, Paignton
Tel: 01803 521068
Simply the Bike
100-102 Belgrave Road, Torquay
Tel: 01803 200024
Hot Pursuit
26, The Stables, Ford Road, Totnes Industrial Estate. Totnes
Tel. 01803 865174
B.R.Trott –Warland Garage, Totnes. (close to the start of Ashprington cycle path)
Tel. 01803 862493. Closed Thursdays.
