The Five Best Cycle Routes Around Plymouth
Plymouth and the surrounding areas in Devon and Cornwall have such a wide variety of cycle routes and what makes it so spectacular is the surrounding countryside that makes the Southwest that bit more special.
Whilst on your bike you can pass by a Dartmoor Pony or cycle alongside the beautiful Seaton beach – taking in the sea breeze and stopping for a picnic on the sandy shores.
Plymouth and Devon alike has so much heritage and still educates locals today as new discoveries and historical facts become current along the way. But if history isn’t your thing but cakes are more fun.
Don’t forget to try the local fruit scones and of course the clotted cream.
Here are the top 5 Best cycle routes waiting for you to grace them with your presence……
The Granite Way, Okehampton to Lydford, Devon
The Granite Way stretches 11 miles along the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, along the deconstructed London and Southwestern railway line.
This is the ideal route for cyclists who enjoy the scenery, with fabulous views of the granite landscape of Dartmoor and much geological interest to keep you amused, quaint and vibrant villages for miles.
The majority of the trail is off-road, which links nicely to stopping off for lunch by Okehampton and Lydford castles.
What impresses most is – as you look out over Dartmoor you see distinctive valleys created by erosion of rocks overtime, which paints a pretty picture and definitely one for the gram!
Drake’s Trail, Tavistock to Plymouth, Devon
Drake’s Trail is 21 miles long is named for Sir Francis Drake, who was born in Tavistock and quite the name around Plymouth even still today for his voyages from Plymouth Docks.
The route links Tavistock with Plymouth, crossing the River Walkham and passing close to Buckland Abbey which is a popular history trip for many schools and colleges/tourists alike.
It’s achievable to tackle this trail – linking with the Plym Valley Trail if it’s not all done at once – unless your tour de France standard.
The Tavistock to Yelverton section is equally plentiful, featuring the Grenofen Tunnel and the magnificent sight of engineering that is Gem Bridge.
Tamar Trails, Gulworthy, Devon
15 miles of off-road trails scaling through part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. You can feel the mining heritage in the air as your bike whistles along the track.
The option to stick to wide paths attracts many families and beginner riders, accustomed to more level routes. An awesome variety on bikes to hire, including tag-along units and trailers.
As for food as cycling certainly will increase the appetite, the Beech Café is the place to be, and a wide range of other activities available from archery to zip wire.
Lanhydrock, Bodmin, Cornwall
The National Trust have really delivered on this route and for students and families that are visiting this is really worth your time.
Only 6 miles of trails on the Lanhydrock estate have been graded from Green (easy) to Blue (moderate) and Red (difficult).
The red trails will certainly challenge even the fittest of cyclist…though we have heard that it is not unheard of for people to complete the red trails by electric biking up them (cheating if you ask me!).
This can take the day from a challenge to a breeze like the ski slopes – fortune favours the brave….
Seaton Valley Countryside Park, Seaton, Cornwall
The two mile ride takes cyclists on a grand tour of the park, including a stretch along the River Seaton.
It’s been known for cyclists to spot otters and kingfishers in the nature reserve, where there is also a sensory garden.
Don’t forget the ice cream or sandwich at Seaton Beach Café it’s got to be done – especially when the suns out.
This article was written by Ryan McShane – Property Manager at Plymouth Cross House.
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