75miles/
120kms

National Cycle Network - Route 2 South Coast NCN 2

About this route

This route stretches from St Austell in Cornwall to Dover in Kent and covers 359 miles  / 574 kms in total.  75 miles / 120 kms are in Devon where the route runs between Plymouth and Dorset via Exeter and the south coast.  It is currently still under development, although a number of shorter traffic-free sections are in place, such as the Exe Estuary Trail.  Other sections of the route are fully open and signed.

The only major gaps in this route are between Dawlish and Totnes, and Plymouth and St Austell. Between Exeter and Poole the route is also signed as part of the Tour de Manche circular cycle route.

Getting Around

Plymouth to Lyme Regis in Dorset

Facilities
All facilities found in towns along route including Seaton, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Exeter, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Ivybridge and Plymouth
Terrain
Some on road and some off-road traffic-free sections.
Accessibility

Interesting information

From Lyme Regis on the Dorset border, Route 2 continues through Seaton, Sidmouth and Exmouth.  It then circumnavigates the Exe Estuary via Exeter to Dawlish on the traffic free Exe Estuary Trail.

The proposed Route 2 via Newton Abbot is under development so Route 2 restarts at Totnes and continues via a moorland route through Ivybridge to Plymouth. A coastal alternative route from Totnes to Plymouth is fully open as far as Malborough near Salcombe. Both these alternatives take in the north or south section of the Dart Valley Trail which runs through Totnes.

Photo of cyclists crossing a wooden bridge on the Exe Estuary Trail
Exe Estuary Trail by Roger North

You can explore more in this area

Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary near Instow
16.4miles/
26kms

Exe Estuary Trail

This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast
Photo of a quiet lane alongside a stone wall to a footpath gate
9miles/
15kms

Dart Valley Cycleway

Totnes, the historic market town that’s full of fascination and interest, is at the centre of this wonderful leisurely route
Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary near Instow
16.4miles/
26kms

Exe Estuary Trail

This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast
Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary near Instow
16.4miles/
26kms

Exe Estuary Trail

This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast