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Devon
Free maps are listed at the bottom of this page.
Open Routes
National Route 2
National Route 2 of the National Cycle Network is a proposed long distance route between St. Austell and Dover which will cross Devon between Plymouth and Seaton.
In East Devon three sections are open. There is a traffic-free route between Turf Locks and Exeter along the ship canal and the western side of the Exe Estuary and a newly constructed route on the eastern side between Lympstone and Exmouth from where a longer route extends to Budleigh Salterton using a disused railway line and onwards to Sidmouth on quiet roads.
In South Devon there are two route options. The Moorlands Route is open between Totnes and the edge of Plympton via Ivybridge. The Coastal Route is open between Totnes and Salcombe. Both routes when finished will join at Plymouth.
National Route 3
National Route 3 passes through Devon on its way between Land's End and Bristol. The route enters Devon just east of Bude heading east and then north to Barnstaple on part of the Tarka Trail. The route continues across Exmoor eastwards to Taunton via Tiverton and Tiverton Parkway. Between Bude and Bristol the route is mapped and known as the West Country Way.
National Route 27
National Route 27 is mapped and known as the Devon Coast to Coast and runs between Ilfracombe on the north coast of the county and Plymouth on the south coast via Okehampton and Tavistock. The route includes three traffic free sections along the Tarka Trail, The Granite Way, and the Plym Valley Cycle Track.
Buzzard Cycle Route
The Buzzard Cycle Route (Regional Route 52) is a circular route in East Devon taking in Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster, Honiton, Woodbury and Exmouth. Some of the route follows National Route 2 along the south coast of Devon. A northern branch of the route heads from Payhembury to Pinhoe.
Route Development
Dartmoor
Derby Ranger, Peter Ford (petercford@btinternet.com), would like to hear from anyone willing to offer local insight to guide his surveying for the Dartmoor section of a new national route, Fosse2, between Plymouth and the Humber. Please contact Peter directly if you can offer him some help.
Exe Estuary Trail
Construction work scheduled to last 18 months has recently begun on the next section of the railway and riverside trail from Lympstone to Exton in East Devon. As with the opened section between Exmouth and Lympstone, the new section will feature boardwalk sections over wetland areas and excellent views over the estuary and its birdlife. On the western side, significant new sections of traffic free path are being built this summer around Starcross, but the long awaited upgrade of the public footpath between the end of the Exeter Ship Canal at Turf Lock and the on-road section at Powderham Church has unfortunately been delayed by negotiation over the form of rail crossing that is acceptable. We hope this will be resolved soon!
The section of the Exe Estuary Trail from Exmouth to Lympstone was officially opened on 29 February and immediately enjoyed by thousands the following day at a fun event organised by Devon County Council. The traffic free path has been built, at a cost of £2.2 million, alongside the railway branch line, with a long stretch of boardwalk over marshy ground and raised sections providing excellent views over the estuary.
More information is on the Devon County Council website.
Newton Abbot - Connect2
The cyclists and walkers of Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton really pulled out all the stops to campaign for the Connect2 votes which helped secure the Big Lottery Fund award. Now it's down to business with Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council to design the details of the missing links in the local cycle route network and devise a programme of works to deliver them over the next five years. Achieving a new path alongside the racecourse and railway line is only one of the hurdles to be overcome.
Ottery St Mary - Connect2
The students and staff of The King's School, Ottery St Mary, are delighted that they helped us to win Connect2 funding for a new traffic free bridge over the River Otter which separates the town from the school and hospital. The Environment Agency, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council will be working together to build this vital link and paths to it.
Exeter Cycling Demonstration Town
After more than two years the Exeter Cycling Demonstration Town project continues to create more infrastructure improvements, links to schools, cycle parking and the promotion of cycling, in conjunction with the Exeter Bike It Officer. Cycle training at schools and for adults is a key part of the programme as part of the national Bikeability scheme. Exeter should become an Instructor Training Provider later this year.
Exeter Walking Project
The Exeter Walking Project is improving access for walkers to the countryside as well as in the city. A public footpath to Topsham through reed beds along the fringes of the Exe Estuary had become almost impassable, but has now been provided with a hard surface, although it cannot be used at high tide. Further work on adjacent sections is due to follow.
Plym Valley Trail
In the last few years Devon County Council has upgraded the entire Plym Valley Path with a new sealed surface and considerable tree clearance work. The ranger group here is also active in keeping the path up to a good quality. The infamous Bickleigh Gap, which involved a very steep on road diversion, has also been completed with a new section of top quality path replacing the road route. To the north, the long awaited section over Roborough Down should be completed in the next few weeks, providing a sealed path to Yelverton and Horrabridge. Only one more piece of land is required to connect to other new sections in the Walkham Valley and on to Tavistock. Negotiations continue! (Updated July 08)
Yealmpton
Proposals have been drawn up for a new walking and cycling route along a railway path to Yealmpton. Sustrans are seeking to receive people's views on the proposals by Sunday 27th July. You can view details of the plans in pdf format:
Comments can be made to the following email address: yealmpton@sustrans.org.uk or by post to Adrian Roper, South West Regional Director, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5DD.
Free cycle maps for Devon
Barnstaple Cycle Network - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Exeter Cycle Guide and Map - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Newton Abbot Cycle Map - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Tiverton and the Culm Valley - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Tavistock Cycle Map - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Exmouth Cycle Map - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Exminster/Exwick to Exeter - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
The Granite Way - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
The Tarka Trail - Devon County Coucil, tel: 0870 608 5531
The above maps can be downloaded from the Devon County Council website.
Cycling Trails in Devon - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
North Devon Cycle Routes - Devon County Council, tel: 0870 608 5531
Plymouth Cycle Guide - Plymouth City Council, tel: 01752 304316
Buzzard Route (Regional Route 52) - East Devon District Council,
tel: 01395 516551