United Kingdom Devon – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 3
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 35 Miles/day average
Dates: Jun 20, Aug 1, 2015
Tour price: £1320
Start city: Ashprington, United Kingdom End city:Ashprington, United Kingdom
Tour Description
The Devon cycling tour explores spectacular and beautiful coastline and open moorland. We cycle through ancient villages and towns and the historic naval city of Plymouth, from where the Pilgrim Fathers set off for America in 1620.
In the South Hams we cycle on backroads through a hilly but beautiful rural landscape with some of the most beautiful coastline in Britain. When we leave Plymouth we spend two days on a special bike path that contours round the West and the North of Dartmoor.
We’ll meet wild ponies, visit the bronze-age village of Grimspound, visit a 19th century forge in Sticklepath and the world’s oldest steam engine in Dartmouth.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Arrival in Devon Day 2: Ashprington – Goveton (27 miles/43 km) Leaving Dartmouth you cycle into the South Hams, and your ride through East Portlemouth, Salcombe and Kingsbridge features some of the most beautiful scenery of the week. You’ll also visit the poignant memorial at Slapton Ley, where 749 American soldiers were killed in 1944 when German torpedo boats interrupted rehearsals for the D-Day landings at ‘Utah’ beach. Forty years later a US tank was recovered and now stands as a memorial to a shocking night. Tonight you stay at Buckland-Tout-Saints, a beautiful stately home in its own gardens. Day 3: Goveton – Hope Cove (25 miles/40 km) You reach the Kingsbridge estuary via a beautiful downhill stretch and take a ferry across the estuary to Salcombe. There’s something a bit unworldly about Salcombe – it’s beautiful, completely devoted to sailing, and very well-to-do. But as somebody once asked me “Don’t they have any proper shops? What do the locals do if they want a haircut or a pint of milk?” We’re visiting, not house-hunting, so enjoy one of the most stunning panoramas of the week. Tonight you stay at Hope Cove, a delightful, hidden cove with spectacular views across Bigbury Bay to Burgh Island. Day 4: Hope Cove – Shaugh Prior (38 miles/61 km) Day 5: Shaugh Prior – Lydford (23 miles/37 km) You’ll cycle along the edge of Dartmoor, through the delightful villages of Mary Tavy and Peter Tavy, along a beautiful National Cycle Route to Lydford House close to the famous gorge and waterfall. Day 6: Lydford – Chagford (19 miles/31 km) You’ll stay at The Globe Hotel, and you’ll wonder once again how you’ve never heard how good the food is in Devon. Day 7: Chagford – Ashprington (32 miles/51 km) Then you’ll follow a special cycle route along the Dart valley, through Totnes to the Waterman’s Arms at Bow Creek. Another traditional pub developed into a hotel. I’ve been to thousands of pubs(!), but if there is a pub in a more beautiful location than the Waterman’s, I haven’t seen it. Day 8: Departure Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided Bikes come equipped with: Pedals: Helmets:
You start from the delightful Waterman’s Arms next to Bow Creek, Ashprington. This tidal creek flows into the Dart estuary between Totnes and Dartmouth.
Overnight in Ashprington.
Although you follow an estuary, your first morning is a hilly ride as you go through Cornwood and Dittisham to Dartmouth. This delightful sailing town boasts the oldest working steam engine in the world, as well as a beautiful old harbour, Dartmouth Castle and a vibrant sailing community.
Overnight in Goveton.
Still in the South Hams today you visit Start Point with its famous light house, and aim for lunch at a famous pub in East Prawle, The Pig’s Nose.
Overnight at Hope Cove.
A memorable day. You’ll follow a little-known route that brings you into the heart of Plymouth, Devon’s largest city, by ferry. You land at the Barbican, from where the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, and where the names of all the Pilgrims are listed. Before you leave Plymouth you can visit the famous gin distillery, then you’ll follow probably our favourite cycle path up the Tamar Valley, past Saltram House, and up onto the (lower!) slopes of Dartmoor.
Overnight in Shaugh Prior.
Back to my favourite cycle path, and through the traditional ‘Stannary Town’ of Tavistock – granted the right to assay local tin, these towns were given peculiar rights including law-making, which in theory still exist.
Overnight at Lydford.
A lovely day today, starting with a 10-mile stretch along a converted railway to Okehampton. You’ll visit a memorable 18th century blacksmith with a forge powered by water wheel, and make your way back into the Dartmoor National Park to Chagford, perhaps the most beautiful village of our week.
Overnight in Chagford.
Dartmoor is hilly, no way to avoid that even though you’re leaving the National Park. You’ll visit an Iron Age village at Grimspound and the beautiful moorland villages of Buckland and Widecombe-In-The-Moor as you make our way off the moor at Buckfastleigh.
Overnight in Ashprington.
After breakfast, you will depart individually for your onward travels, or transfer with us if you booked one of our optional transfers.
Bikes available on this tour, and included in the tour cost (reserved in advance at the time of booking):
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you bring your own pedals, be sure to bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets are available on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
