Devon Coast to Coast (NCN route 27) Ilfracombe to Plymouth

Devon Coast to Coast (NCN route 27) Ilfracombe to Plymouth

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.

Heading south from Ilfracombe there's a good traffic free section to set you on your way before joining quiet roads with great views south to Braunton. Here 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. Further south to Okehampton on quiet roads the route from there to Lydford is known as the Granite Way. Its along the western fringes of Dartmoor to Tavistock and south from there by more traffic free sections along the superb Plym Valley Trail that leads to Plymouth Hoe.

Whether you are planning a few days trip across Devon, or a day's outing from Plymouth, Okehampton, Barnstaple or Ilfracombe, the Devon Coast to Coast route is the way to explore this varied and wonderful countryside.

Traffic Free Sections of the Route

• Ilfracombe to Willingcot Cross (968KB - pdf help) (NCN route 31 - soon to be re-numbered NCN 27) 3miles/5kms
  Easy family cycle path along course of former railway line path from Ilfracombe leading to on - road signed links to Woolacombe Sands and picturesque north Devon countryside.
• Barnstaple Cycle Network (270KB - pdf help)
• The Tarka Trail (NCN routes 3 and 27) 32miles/51kms
  Easy family cycling along entirely traffic free former railway with wonderful estuary views between Braunton and Meeth via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington.
• The Granite Way (1.27MB - pdf help) (NCN route 27) 11miles/18kms.
  Ideal family cycling between Okehampton and Lydford along former railway with spectacular views of Dartmoor and west Devon countryside, superb viaducts along Way. Steam train option in Summer between Okehampton and Meldon. Includes short on-road section via Bridestowe, continuing to Lydford along former railway line.
• Drake's Trail (NCN route 27) 26km walking and cycling route.
  The network has something for all age groups and fitness levels, starting with the new off-road cycling section between Tavistock and Plymouth view the routes at www.drakestrail.co.uk .
  Gem Bridge is being built at the moment and will span 200metres linking Tavistock with Horrabridge...read more