Interesting information
Leaving Ilfracombe, the route travels south and takes you initially on a traffic free path before joining quiet roads that provide superb views of Braunton. At Braunton 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. This section of the route is known as the Tarka Trail and is perfect for families and novice cyclists.
Further south to Okehampton on quiet roads the route from there to Lydford is known as the Granite Way. Between Tavistock and Plymouth the Devon Coast to Coast route is known as the Drakes Trail. This has recently been developed into a fully traffic-free stretch of National Cycle Route with the addition of the dizzying Gem Bridge.
On arrival in Plymouth the route travels along the seafront, past the National Marine Aquarium and Tinside Lido – a fantastic sea water pool in an Art Deco style