11miles/
18kms

The Granite Way

About this route

The Granite Way is an 11 mile multi-use trail running between Okehampton and Lydford along the north western edge of Dartmoor. It is mostly traffic free, largely following the route of the former Southern Region railway line. A journey along the Granite Way offers fantastic views of the granite landscape of Dartmoor, as well as a number of specific sites of geological interest.

Getting Around

By bike: Travel Devon cycling pages

By car: Okehampton Station has a car park at the station under the railway bridge by the Youth Hostel. Lydford car park is opposite the Castle Inn.

Facilities
Refreshments and parking available in Okehampton, Meldon and Lydford.
Terrain
The Trail is easy cycling, traffic free and surfaced throughout, along estuary sides and through wooded valleys.
Accessibility
Explore more, click to download pdf
Download

OS Maps

Landranger (1:50,000): No. 191 Okehampton and North Dartmoor

Explorer (1:25,000): No. 113 Okehampton and No. OL28 Dartmoor

For More Information

The Granite Way leaflet

 

Interesting information

On leaving Okehampton, you will see Okehampton Castle and breathtaking views over Dartmoor and the local countryside.  The Castle is one of the most extensive castle ruins in Devon with a Norman motte, added to in the 11th and 14th centuries.  Owned by the Earl of Devon, it was destroyed in 1539 by Henry VIII who executed the Earl for treason.

From Meldon Viaduct, there are wonderful views of Meldon Dam and Dartmoor.  Below the viaduct you will see remains of fascinating man-made workings that remind you of how much Dartmoor has been shaped by man’s activities over the centuries.

Further west heading towards Lydford you will cross the great stone viaduct of Lake with even more stunning views of Dartmoor.

At Lydford, the Castle is well worth a visit.  It has an imposing keep which was a formal gaol and the scene of many hangings.

Photo of cyclists on a trail under a viaduct on the Granite Way
Granite Way

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