9miles/
15kms

Dart Valley Cycleway

About this route

Totnes, the historic market town that’s full of fascination and interest, is at the centre of this wonderful leisurely route which can be split into two distinct rides, forming part of the South Coast NCN No.2:

Totnes to Hood Manor via Dartington

7km / 4miles

Totnes to Ashprington via Sharpham

8 km / 5 miles

Getting Around

By car: parking available in Totnes or Dartington.

By train: Totnes station is on the main line between Exeter and Plymouth, for latest train times visit the Travel Devon website.

Facilities
Refreshments at Totnes, Ashprington and Dartington Cycle hire and shop in Totnes
Terrain
The route is mostly off-road, apart from short sections through Totnes and at the southern end from Sharpham to Ashprington
Accessibility
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Interesting information

Close to the route near Totnes Station a steel bridge over the River Dart takes you to the South Devon steam railway – well worth a visit as well as a train ride to Buckfastleigh.

North to the Dartington Cider Press Centre at Shinners Bridge, you travel through some idyllic riverside scenes, past weirs, water meadow marshland and quiet woods. At the Centre you will find some quality shops selling local crafts, kitchenware, clothes and toys plus a restaurant, a café, a fascinating lime kiln, pottery and much more.

As you head away from Dartington, there are extensive and excellent views towards Dartmoor and, in the near distance, the steam railway carriages near Staverton. At Hood Manor there is a school and the traffic-free path ends.

South of Totnes, you will see the gates of the start of Sharpham Drive.  From this former Carriage Drive you will not only see great views of the river but also pass mature trees and woodlands and unfenced pasture. Do not be surprised if you see flocks of sheep and a herd of cattle along the way. The views on this route are well worth the occasional ups and downs. The Vineyard is open to the public at Sharpham Manor and offers a fascinating insight into the Estate you have just cycled through. The Sharpham Estate produces quality wines and cheeses, available nationally.

Photo of a quiet lane alongside a stone wall to a footpath gate
Dart Valley Trail Copyright Derek Harper (geograph.org.uk)

You can explore more in this area

Photo of a trail through woodland
35miles/
56kms

John Musgrave Heritage Trail

John Musgrave was a keen walker from Torquay who left a legacy to the South Devon Group of the Ramblers
Photo looking down Totnes high street to the clock
5.5miles/
9kms

T for three…and John Musgrave

The countryside between Torquay and Totnes in South Devon is a landscape of attractive valleys with a quiet and away-from-it-all