Devon Coast to Coast and the Dartmoor Way
In August 2023, 6 of us took on the Devon Coast to Coast from North to South incorporating the Dartmoor Way.
It was the fifth annual Gentleman’s Cycling week where we would cycle camp all the way.
Starting in Peter Tavy just south of Tavistock, the first day took us South to Plymouth and back again utilizing dedicated cycle paths, namely Drake’s Trail and the Plym Valley Cycleway, giving time to explore Plymouth.
Our second day followed the Dartmoor Way from Tavistock to Bovey Tracey in the recommended direction, anti-clockwise. It was a chastening experience taking over 9 hours to cycle 45 miles. Using tiny lanes the route climbed and dropped over small bridges and was one of the hardest days we had ever done.
Our third day was supposed to follow the Dartmoor Way to Okehampton, but we chose to go up the delightful Teign Valley instead and over Whiddon Down, far nicer. At Okehampton we joined the Devon Coast to Coast finishing at Yarde Acre where we dined on lasagna in the café.
A relaxing day beckoned, using the Tarka Trail through Bideford, Instow and Barnstaple before camping for two nights at Incledon Farm.
Completing the Coast to Coast we took the bridleway past Woolacombe beach after we climbed steeply then descended to Ilfracombe along the old railway line to reach the northerly point.
Retracing out steps from Incledon, took us back to Okehampton and the YHA campsite after which out final day headed along the Granite Way, through Lydford and Mary Tavy to finish the ride.
Thanks to Simon as chief chef, Dave for his first experience of this and to will for making the tea.