102miles/
163kms

National Cycle Network - Route 27 Devon Coast to Coast NCN27

About this route

The route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of the Torridge, the Tavy, the Walkham and other evocative West Country rivers.  It also skirts round the western flank of Dartmoor, offering superb views of Devon and the surrounding area. There are also many local links and spurs to explore.  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.

Getting Around

The Devon Coast to Coast runs from Ilfracombe to Plymouth

Facilities
All facilities found in towns along route including Ilfracombe, Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Great Torrington, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth
Terrain
Largely traffic free and flat for 71 miles of the route.
Accessibility

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

Photo of two cyclists on the Tarka Trail near Braunton
Tarka Braunton Credit: Guy Richardson

You can explore more in this area

Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary at Instow
32miles/
52kms

The Tarka Trail (Braunton – Meeth)

Stretching for over 52km / 32 miles from Braunton to Barnstaple, then to Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and on to
Photo of cyclists on a trail under a viaduct on the Granite Way
11miles/
18kms

The Granite Way

The Granite Way is an 11 mile multi-use trail running between Okehampton and Lydford along the north western edge of
Photo of Gem Bridge across a valley and river on the Drakes Trail
21miles/
34kms

Drake’s Trail

Drake’s Trail in West Devon is a 21-mile, multi-use route linking Tavistock with Plymouth. This important part of Devon’s recreational
Photo of Cann Viaduct from below
10miles/
16.1kms

Drakes Trail – Plymbridge Woods

Drake’s Trail in West Devon is a 21-mile, multi-use route linking Tavistock with Plymouth. This important part of Devon’s recreational