7 Cycle Rides around North and Mid Devon • Interlinked Routes • No Map Reading • Unique Design - Easy to Follow while Riding
Part 2 Devised and Written by Bryan Cath
Cycle Routes around Nor th and Mid Introduction This booklet is Part 2 of 14 cycle rides around North and Mid Devon, 13 of which are based on the Tarka Trail. The Tarka Trail is a cycle and walking route that follows the old railway lines that used to go from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe and Barnstaple to Meeth in mid Devon. It provides easy cycling along surfaced routes through some beautiful scenery. This book gives you circular rides which use the Tarka Trail as the link between these routes. They follow parts of the trail, quiet country lanes and tracks which pass by some places of interest to visit or places to eat. You can join routes together to create a longer ride, or take shortcuts on others to give rides suitable for children. The Exmoor Challenge (Part 1 booklet) is a mainly off-road route following small roads and bridleways across Exmoor. You will need a mountain bike and some ability to ride over rough terrain. It is worth the effort for the excellent scenery and challenge. This route also passes places to eat and rest along the way. The last 6 miles are over the moor and a little more remote. I wrote these routes while cycling them myself. I have designed the description of the routes so that you can follow them from the graphic interpretation of the junctions. You are always cycling up the graphic from the dot to the arrow. Ideally you need to put this book in a handlebar clip or bag with a window for a map.It is always sensible to take the OS map mentioned in the route details with you. Having run cycling and walking holidays since 1987 I have got to know the area really well, so hopefully you will enjoy the routes as much as I did when I rode them. I have had plenty of people ride these routes and found them really easy to follow. I hope you enjoy them. Bryan Cath Copyright Š Bryan Cath, 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the copyright holder and Publisher. www.combewalks.com Twitter: @bryancath; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ExmoorWalking-Festival/264423586917341
1
Devon Route 6 Fremington Quay to Torrington circular 23.5 miles, 12.2 off-road (with shortcuts) 13.3 An estuary and river ride with plenty of off-road and an undulating countryside return
Route 7 Great Torrington via the Tarka Trail and Sheepwash circular 24.9 miles, 9.5 off-road Enjoy the quieter section of the Tarka Trail cycleway and visit some lovely villages
Route 7a, East Yarde start East Yarde via the Tarka Trail and Sheepwash circular 21.6 miles, 6.1 off-road Enjoy the quieter section of the Tarka Trail cycleway and visit some lovely villages
Route 8 Bradworthy via Kilkhampton circular 11.7 miles, none off-road An easier and shorter ride with one short section of main road
Route 9 Holsworthy via the Lower Tamar Lake circular 17.1 miles, 0.5 off-road A gently undulating ride with a half way break by the Lower Tamar Lake
2
Route 10 Holsworthy via Black Torrington circular 23.3 miles, none off-road Steady with some short climbs and descents.Some main road riding
Route 11 Holsworthy via Boyton circular 21.4 miles, 1.0 off-road (with shortcut) 10.9 An attractive ride, the first loop being easier than the hillier second section
3
4
Route 6
Always go straight
Fremington Quay via Bideford, Great Torrington, Gammaton Moor, Yelland and back to Fremington Quay, 23.5 miles, 12.2 miles off-road. This route can make a shorter ride of 13.3 to Bideford. This ride starts at the restored Fremington Quay with a good cycle hire operator located there as well as a delightful cafĂŠ in the old station. It then follows the cycleway of the Tarka Trail through Bideford Station, over the old iron bridge on the River Torridge, through a tunnel and on past the Rolle Canal bridge where Tarka the Otter was born and later died. Soon you pass Beam Weir, a good place to see heron fishing before reaching Great Torrington Station, now a pub called the Puffing Billy. You leave the Tarka Trail here and climb the hill into the town and find the amazing attraction depicting the Civil War of 1646. It is anything but boring - it is great fun and worth the visit. On leaving Great Torrington you pass near the Dartington Crystal factory, but remember you are on bikes so it may be sensible to return here by car if you want to buy anything! The route now becomes fairly undulating as it returns through Gammaton Moor and on to Horwood Church before dipping under the main road to enter the back of Fremington and back to the Quay.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
1
00.00 00.00
Leave Fremington Quay in the Bideford direction, crossing the river bridge Route 4 enters here
2
03.70 03.70
Instow pass through short tunnel and then over road at level crossing. Visit the restored signal box
3
02.70 06.40
4
01.80 08.20
Bideford Station there is an interpretation centre and cafe in the carriage. Continue ahead unless taking shortcut, then go back right to road having crossed the River Torridge by the old iron bridge, you come to another tunnel. Pass through and continue ahead
5
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
5
02.40 10.60
at the next bridge over the R. Torridge, stop & look to the L. Rolle Canal Bridge and Tarka’s birthplace
6
00.90 11.50
Puffing Billy, G. Torrington station, at end of platform TR up to road and TL over bridge Route 7 starts & ends here
7
00.10 11.60
other side of the bridge, there is a path off to the L for an off-road option to the main road
8
00.40 12.00
top of hill, car park and toilets on L. The off-road path brings you here
9
00.50 12.50
to visit the town and 1646 attraction TR here, otherwise continue ahead
10
00.10 12.60
TL SP Dartington Crystal, Weare Giffard, opposite church
11
00.10 12.70
if you want to visit Dartington Crystal attraction/cafe TL into Linden Close, otherwise SO
6
Route 6 Distance (miles)
Always go straight Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
12
00.30 13.00
TR and immediately bear L SP Gammaton
13
03.20 16.20
Gammaton Moor Cross SO SP Horwood
14
00.10 16.30
bear R towards Horwood
15
00.90 17.20
Webbery SO SP Horwood
16
01.40 18.60
Horwood TL SP Eastleigh, Bideford
17
00.80 19.40
TR SP Barnstaple
18
00.90 20.30
Holmacott continue SO to pass under main road ahead
7
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
19
01.30 21.60
TL SP Fremington Route 4 leaves here
20
01.20 22.80
on reaching the main road, TL and then R down the footpath to the Tarka Trail
21
00.50 23.30
TR on to Tarka Trail and cross bridge
22
00.90 23.50
Fremington Quay refreshments and toilets. I hope you enjoyed this ride.
Further Information Car parking: Park at Fremington Quay Local Tourist Information Centres: Barnstaple TIC (01271) 375000 Bideford TIC (01237) 477676 Torrington TIC (01805) 626140 Cycle Hire operators: Bike Trail Cycle Hire, Fremington Quay (01271) 372586 Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington (01805) 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 180, 1:50,000
8
Route 6
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes Route
Picnic site
River
Adjoining Routes
� Church
Hill, pointing downhill
4
Food
T �
Woodland
Toilets
6
Telephone
Route 6 Statistics: Distance: 23.5 miles Height lost/gained: 612m Highest Point: 146m Lowest Point: 0m
7
T
Ri
Fremington Quay
w r Ta ve
� Fremington
Instow
T
2
dg e
To
19
rri
�
�
17
18
e4 out ut/R c t r Eastleigh ho
Route 4 leaves here enters here
�
s
Bideford
Horwood
16
3 15
Gammaton Moor
13
Weare Giffard
5 6 12 Route 7 leaves and returns here
9
10
Great Torrington
�
T�
N
4
Tunnel
�
20
Tunnel
Riv e
r
1
on unless otherwise directed Notes for Route 6
12m 6m
50m
100m
150m
0m
3m
2
3
4
9m
5
6
8
12
15m
13
15
18m
16
17
18
21m
19
Route Profile
10
Route 7
Always go straight
Great Torrington, Watergate Bridge, Shebbear, Sheepwash, Petrockstowe, Tarka Trail and back to Great Torrington 24.9 miles, 9.5 miles off-road, no shortcuts. This ride takes in the more remote section of the Tarka Trail cycleway, passing through tranquil countryside and neglected old stations. Leaving Great Torrington Station, the ride crosses the River Torridge into lush woodland soon arriving at Watergate Bridge. Here the ride leaves the trail to follow undulating country lanes out to pretty Shebbear and then returning to the River Torridge valley. The ride then goes to beautiful Sheepwash and on through Petrockstowe to return to the far end of the Tarka Trail. The ride finishes with an easy cycle along the old railway back to Watergate and Great Torrington.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
1
00.00 00.00
2
01.70 01.70
Watergate Bridge leave the Tarka Trail here and TR on to road
3
00.30 02.00
Gortlage TL SP Peters Marland, Shebbear
4
00.60 02.60
at fork bear R SP Collacott
5
01.40 04.00
Cudemoor Cross at XR TR SP Shebbear, Black Torrington
Pub
11
Puffing Billy pub and Torridge Cycle Hire. Leave the old station to pass under the road bridge and over the river Route 6 enters & leaves here
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
6
01.80 05.80
Badworthy Moor Cross TR SP Newton St Petrock
7
00.60 06.40
TR towards the Chapel SP Stibb Cross, Langtree, Torrington
8
00.10 06.50
Rowden Chapel TL by Chapel SP Newton St Petrock
9
00.60 07.10
Ladford TL
10
00.20 07.30
TR
11
00.40 07.70
Caute TL by telephone box SP Shebbear
12
01.10 08.80
Shebbear continue SO SP Black Torrington, Sheepwash, Holsworthy
13
00.80 09.60
New Inn at XR go SO SP Black Torrington, Sheepwash
14
02.10 11.70
at TJ TR SP Black Torrington, Sheepwash
12
Route 7 Distance (miles)
Always go straight Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
15
00.20 11.90
TL before river SP Sheepwash, NCN3 Route 10 enters here
16
01.10 13.00
Sheepwash TL at the Square SP Petrockstowe, Peters Marland, NCN3
17
01.80 14.80
Hembury Gate TR SP Petrockstowe, Torrington, NCN3
18
01.60 16.40
North Town at XR go SO SP Merton, Hatherleigh, NCN3
19
00.70 17.10
Petrockstowe Station TL on to Tarka Trail cycleway, NCN3 and continue along it
20
06.10 23.20
Watergate Bridge cross over road and continue along Tarka Trail cycleway
21
01.70 24.90
Pub
Puffing Billy pub and Torridge Cycle Hire I hope you enjoyed this ride.
13
on unless otherwise directed
Tarka Trail sign
Further Information Car parking: Park in the Puffing Billy pub car park to be found on the A386 between Bideford and Gt. Torrington. Local Tourist Information Centres: Great Torrington Tourist Information Centre, 01805 626140 Cycle Hire operators: Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington, 01805 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 180 & 190, 1:50,000
14
Route 7
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes
Route
Picnic site
River
Adjoining Routes
� Church
Hill, pointing downhill
6
Food
T �
Woodland
Toilets Telephone 7
Route 7 Statistics: Distance: 24.9 miles Height lost/gained: 573m Highest Point: 174m Lowest Point: 16m
10
Route 6 enters here leaves here
1 & 21
T
Riv
Great Torrington
er Torridge
Watergate Bridge
2 & 20
4 5
Tarka
cleway cy
N 11
Tr a il
8
6
�
9
East Yarde
19
�
Station
12
�
18
17
Petrockstowe
Shebbear
�
13
� 14 Route 10 leaves here enters here
15
15
� 16 Sheepwash
50m
100m
150m
200m
0m
2 3
4
3m
6
6m
7
9
10 12
9m
13
14
12m
15
17 15m
18
19
20 18m
21m
21 24m
on unless otherwise directed
Route Profile
Notes for Route 7
16
Route 7a
Always go straight
East Yarde, Watergate Bridge, Shebbear, Sheepwash, Petrockstowe, Tarka Trail and back to East Yarde, 21.6 miles, 6.1 miles off-road, no shortcuts. This ride takes in the more remote section of the Tarka Trail cycleway, passing through tranquil countryside and neglected old stations. Leaving East Yarde, the ride follows the Tarka Trail along the old railway track, soon arriving at Watergate Bridge. Here the ride leaves the trail to follow undulating country lanes out to pretty Shebbear and then returning to the River Torridge valley. The ride then goes to beautiful Sheepwash and on through Petrockstowe to meet up with the Tarka Trail again. The ride finishes with an easy cycle along the old railway back to East Yarde.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
1
00.00 00.00
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Cafe Bunk House
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
Leave East Yarde to cross the road on to the Tarka Trail
2
02.80 02.80
Watergate Bridge pass through car park, leave the Tarka Trail here and TL on to road
3
00.30 03.10
Gortlage TL SP Peters Marland, Shebbear
4
00.60 03.70
at fork bear R SP Collacott
5
01.40 05.10
Cudemoor Cross at XR TR SP Shebbear, Black Torrington
17
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
6
01.80 06.90
Badworthy Moor Cross TR SP Newton St Petrock
7
00.60 07.50
TR towards the Chapel SP Stibb Cross, Langtree, Torrington
8
00.10 07.60
Rowden Chapel TL by Chapel SP Newton St Petrock
9
00.60 08.20
Ladford TL
10
00.20 08.40
TR
11
00.40 08.80
Caute TL by telephone box SP Shebbear
12
01.10 09.90
Shebbear continue SO SP Black Torrington, Sheepwash, Holsworthy
13
00.80 10.70
New Inn at XR go SO SP Black Torrington, Sheepwash
14
02.10 12.80
at TJ TR SP Black Torrington, Sheepwash
18
Route 7a Distance (miles)
Always go straight
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
15
00.20 13.00
TL before river SP Sheepwash, NCN3 Route 10 enters here
16
01.10 14.10
Sheepwash TL at the Square SP Petrockstowe, Peters Marland, NCN3
17
01.80 15.90
Hembury Gate TR SP Petrockstowe, Torrington, NCN3
18
01.60 17.50
North Town at XR go SO SP Merton, Hatherleigh, NCN3
19
00.70 18.20
Petrockstowe Station TL on to Tarka Trail cycleway, NCN3 and continue along it
20
03.30 21.60
East Yarde, TL through bridle gate back to the start point
Cafe Bunk House
19
I hope you enjoyed this ride.
on unless otherwise directed
Sheepwash
Further Information Car Parking: From Great Torrington roundabout by the fire station, take the A386 towards Hatherleigh. After 2.9 miles turn right towards Peters Marland and follow this road for 0.8 miles to East Yarde. Turn left into car park. Local Tourist Information Centres: Great Torrington Tourist Information Centre, 01805 626140 Cycle Hire Operators: Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington, 01805 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 180 & 190, 1:50,000
20
Route 7a
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes Route
Picnic site
River
Church
Hill, pointing downhill
Food
T
Woodland
Toilets
Adjoining Routes Same as Route 7 but starts at East Yarde Cafe
6
Telephone 7a
Route 12 Statistics: Distance: 21.6 miles Height lost/gained: 490m Highest Point: 174m Lowest Point: 61m
10
Route 6 enters here leaves here
T Riv
er T orridge
Watergate Bridge
Great Torrington
2
4 1 & 20
5
a Trail rk c Ta
East Yarde
N 8
ay
11
yc le w
6
9
19
Station
12
18
17
Petrockstowe
Shebbear
13
14 Route 10 leaves here enters here
21
15
16 Sheepwash
on unless otherwise directed Notes for Route 7a
9m 3m
50m
100m
150m
200m
0m
2 3
4
6
6m
7
9
10 12
13
14
12m
15
17
15m
18
19
18m
21m
Route Profile
22
Route 8
Always go straight
Bradworthy via Kilkhampton, Thurdon, the Tamar Lakes, Wrangworthy and back to Bradworthy. 11.7 miles, no offroad. This ride starts in the delightful village of Bradworthy with its large village square overlooked by its impressive church. The ride follows quiet country lanes with glimpses of the Upper Tamar Lake. After a short sharp drop into the River Tamar valley the ride continues fairly easily to a main road. It then follows this wide main road as it goes through Kilkhampton, giving a good opportunity for a refreshment stop. The ride then undulates back towards the Lower Tamar Lake before becoming easier as one returns to Bradworthy.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
1
00.00 00.00
By the XR, TL SP Kilkhampton, Bude, to pass the Garage
2
00.30 00.30
Bradworthy Mill TL SP Kilkhampton, Bude
3
01.20 01.50
Stowford Cross SO SP Kilkhampton, Bude
4
02.00 03.50
TL SP ‘Kilk’
5
01.10 04.60
Taylor’s Cross TL SP A39, Kilkhampton, Bude. Beware main road. The road is wide and 30mph restriction is within 1/2 mile.
23
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
6
01.10 05.70
Kilkhampton TL SP B3254, Launceston
7
00.50 06.20
TL SP Bradworthy, Tamar Lakes
8
01.80 08.00
Thurdon TL SP Upper Tamar Lake, Bradworthy Route 9 leaves here
9
01.80 09.80
Enns Cross SO SP Bradworthy, Bideford
10
00.40 10.20
Bradworthy Cross TL then R SP Wrangworthy, Waterland
11
01.30 11.50
TL SP Bradworthy
12
00.10 11.60
TR towards Bradworthy
13
00.10 11.70
Bradworthy Square I hope you enjoyed this ride.
24
Route 8
Always go straight
Further Information Car parking: Park in the large Square in the centre of Bradworthy and start the ride by going down the road by the Garage Local Tourist Information Centres: Holsworthy Visitor Centre, The Square Tel (01409) 254185 Cycle Hire operators: none in Holsworthy Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington Tel (01805) 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 190, 1:50,000
25
on unless otherwise directed
Tarka Trail near Fremington
26
Route 8
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes Route
Picnic site
Rivers
� Church
Hill, pointing downhill
T �
Telephone
�
11
12
8
Toilets
Route 8 Statistics: Distance: 11.7 miles Height lost/gained: 268m Highest Point: 200m Lowest Point: 138m
Bradworthy 1
9
Food
Woodland
�
Adjoining Routes
Wrangworthy
2 10
N 9
3 DEVON
Stowford
Lower Tamar Lake Alfardisworthy
Upper Tamar Lake
Thurdon
�
River Tamar
Route 9 enters here leaves here
4 CORNWALL
7
5
�
�
Kilkhampton
27
8
6
on unless otherwise directed Notes for Route 8
10 8 7 130m
150m
170m
190m
210m
0m
2
3
2m
4
4m
5
6
6m
8m
9
10m
12
Route Profile
28
Route 9
Always go straight
Holsworthy via Sutcombe, Lower Tamar Lake, Thurdon, Chilsworthy and back to Holsworthy. 17.1 miles, 0.5 miles off-road, no shortcuts. This ride follows some small, quiet country lanes that undulate through small hamlets and farmsteads. At about the halfway point the ride visits the Lower Tamar Lake, which is an ideal spot for a picnic and toilet stop. The ride then continues beside the lake before returning to small lanes, crossing a section of unrestored Bude Canal before passing through a lovely village and an easy return back to Holsworthy.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
1
00.00 00.00
2
00.30 00.30
3
00.20 00.50
4
03.00 03.50
TR SP Cycle Route
5
00.70 04.20
Honeycroft Cross TL SP Sutcombe, Bradworthy
29
leave Holsworthy Square and TL on to main road A388 towards Bideford Routes 10 & 11 start & finish here at roundabout go SO on A388
TL SP Hospital, NCN3 and then immediately R SP Hospital
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
6
00.10 04.30
TR SP Cycle Route
7
00.60 04.90
Thuborough Cross TL SP Sutcombe, Bradworthy, Cycle Route
8
01.00 05.90
at Ham Lane go SO SP Soldon
9
01.60 07.50
Soldon Cross Beware: poor visibility on junction SO SP Cycle Route
10
02.00 09.50
TR SP Lower Tamar Lake
11
00.10 09.60
go into car park and TL at far end to follow path beside lake. Picnic area
12
00.50 10.10
13
00.40 10.50
Thurdon TL SP Lower Tamar Lake Route 8 enters here
14
01.80 12.30
Broomhill Cross TL SP Pancreasweek, Sutcombe, Holsworthy
Upper Tamar Lake
at end of path go through gate and TL on to road Route 8 leaves here
30
Route 9 Distance (miles)
Always go straight Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
15
00.30 12.60
Dunsdon Cross TR SP Pancreasweek
16
00.40 13.00
Gains Cross TL SP Chilsworthy, Holsworthy
17
01.20 14.20
Rhude Cross TR SP Holsworthy
18
00.10 14.30
Rhude Cross TL SP Holsworthy, Chilsworthy
19
00.40 14.70
20
02.10 16.80
on reaching the main road (A3072) bear L
21
00.20 17.00
TR SP NCN3
22
00.10 17.10
23
00.00 17.10
Coldharbour TR SP Holsworthy
continue ahead up green cycle lane NCN3
bear L into Holsworthy Square I hope you enjoyed this ride.
31
on unless otherwise directed
Roadford Lake
Further Information Car parking: Park in the Main Holsworthy Memorial Hall car park and leave by the arch towards the Square Local Tourist Information Centres: Holsworthy Visitor Centre, The Square Tel (01409) 254185 Cycle Hire operators: none in Holsworthy Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington Tel (01805) 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 190, 1:50,000
32
Route 9
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes Route
Picnic site
Rivers
� Church
Hill, pointing downhill Woodland
9
Food
T �
Toilets Telephone
10
Route 9 Statistics: Distance: 17.1miles Height lost/gained: 369m Highest Point: 188m Lowest Point: 112m
13
�
Thurdon
11
Route 8 enters here leaves here
12 Lower Tamar Lake
T
Adjoining Routes
8
10
�
Sutcombe
9
8
15
14
6
16
4 7
5 17
N 19 Chilsworthy
20
2
21
Holsworthy T CP Square
�
1
33
3
Routes 10 & 11 both start and finish from Holsworthy Square
Holsworthy
100m
125m
150m
175m
200m
0m
3
2m
4
6
4m
7
8
6m
9
8m
10
12 13 10m
14 15 16 12m
17 19 14m
16m
20
on unless otherwise directed
Route Profile
Notes for Route 9
34
Route 10
Always go straight
Holsworthy via Halwill Junction, Black Torrington, Cookbury and back to Holsworthy. 23.3 miles, none off-road. Here is a good circular ride suitable for the more experienced cyclists starting from Holsworthy. It takes you through typical mid Devon rolling countryside, pretty villages and farmsteads. The ride includes some gentle hills as well as a few short sharp descents and ascents as one passes over small rivers. There are some lovely small churches which are well worth a visit as one goes through the villages.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
1
00.00 00.00
Go to far end of Square from the car park. TR out of Holsworthy Square. Route 11 leaves
2
00.30 00.30
Coles Mill Bridge SO A388. Route 11 joins here
3
00.30 00.60
Whimble Cross TL into Staddon Road SP Cycle Route, Hollacombe
4
01.50 02.10
Combesdown Cross TR SP Hollacombe
5
00.50 02.60
Hollacombe Cross Bear R then L SP Halwill, Okehampton
6
01.60 04.20
Hillside TL SP Halwill, Okehampton, Cycle Route
35
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
7
00.30 04.50
Ignore Cycle Route SP
8
00.30 04.80
Morcombe Cross TR B3218. Take Care here, faster traffic. Main road for 2.6 miles
9
00.60 05.40
Cookworthy Moor Forestry Comm. TL here for picnic area only
10
02.00 07.40
The Junction Inn TL SP Hatherleigh, Black Torrington into Chilla Rd
11
01.00 08.40
Chilla Chapel SO SP Black Torrington, Highampton
12
01.50 09.90
Graddon Cross TL
13
00.80 10.70
Kingsmoor Cross SO SP Shebbear Beware, main road
14
00.90 11.60
Highweek Cross TR SP Coham, Black Torrington Shortcut: TL and then R down hill. At end TL to direction 21
36
Route 10 Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Always go straight Directions and Instructions
01.20 12.80
Black Torrington TL SP Sheepwash
16
00.50 13.30
SO SP Shebbear, Stibb Cross. Route 7 leaves here
17
00.30 13.60
TL SP New Inn
18
00.40 14.00
TL SP Libbear, Bradford. Route 7 joins here
19
00.50 14.50
Libbear Cross SO SP Dipper Well, Bradford
20
00.70 15.20
Dipper Mill TL SP Cookbury, Holsworthy
21
01.30 16.50
Holemoor Bear 2nd R SP Cookbury, Cycle Route
22
01.10 17.60
Cookbury TL past church SP Anvil Corner, Holsworthy
23
02.60 20.20
Upcott Cross TR SP Holsworthy Beacon, Thornbury, NCN3
15
37
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
24
00.80 21.00
Blagdonmoor Cross TL SP Cycle Route, Blagdonmoor Wharf
25
01.70 22.70
Stanbury Cross TL SP Cycle Route, Holsworthy, A388. Route 9 leaves next R
26
00.30 23.00
SO SP A388, Town Centre
27
00.30 23.30
TR into Holsworthy Square I hope you enjoyed this ride.
Further Information Car parking: The car park is off the A388 opposite the church. Walk through to the Square to find the Visitor Centre and shops. The ride starts from the far end of the Square by Barclays Bank. Local Tourist Information Centres: Holsworthy Visitor Centre, The Square (01409) 254185 Cycle Hire operators: none in Holsworthy Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington (01805) 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 190, 1:50,000
38
Route 10
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes Route
Adjoining Routes
Picnic site
Rivers
7
� Church
Hill, pointing downhill
Food
Woodland
T �
10
Toilets Telephone 9
Route 7 enters here leaves here
Route 10 Statistics: Distance: 23.3 miles Height lost/gained: 589m Highest Point: 191m Lowest Point: 74m
16 17
� R. Torrid ge
18 19 20
11
Black Torrington
15
N 12
tc
or
sh
Halwill Junction
13
14 ut
11
10
21 Holemoor
Cookworthy Moor
9
�
Cookbury
8
22
7
� 23 24
Route 9 enters here leaves here
5
Hollacombe
4
Holsworthy 25
39
6
26 1 27
3 2
�T
�
Route 11 enters here leaves here
100m
150m
200m
2
0m
4
5
3m
6
8
9
6m
10
11
9m
12
13
14
12m
15 15m
19
22 18m
23
24
25 21m
27
on unless otherwise directed
Route Profile
Notes for Route 10
40
Route 11
Always go straight
Holsworthy via Pyworthy, North Tamerton, Boyton, Chapmans Well, Tetcott and back to Holsworthy. 21.4 miles, 1 mile off-road. This ride can be shortened to 10.9 miles by avoiding the harder second section. This ride starts nice and easy as it crosses the old viaduct that carried the railway out of Holsworthy Station, continuing for about a mile before returning to small roads. It continues on a fairly level route to the short cut turning where you can decide to ride the short or long route. The longer route becomes more hilly as it crosses into Cornwall and back into Devon again. There is a very short section of main road riding before continuing through small hamlets back to meet the shorter route. The route climbs before levelling out and then dropping back to Holsworthy.
Mileages are within 0.10 of a mile. The first shown is the distance between Junction layouts and the second is the accumulated mileage of the route. Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan You are at
Directions and Instructions XR= cross rd; TJ=T junction; TL,TR=turn left/right; SO=straight on; SP=signs; L,R=left/right
1
00.00 00.00
leave the Memorial Hall car park towards the Square through the arch by the Visitor Centre Routes 9 & 10 start & finish here
2
00.00 00.00
TR out of the arch and take the exit from the Square in the corner ahead
The Square
3
00.10 00.10
go ahead ignoring Victoria St on L and TL into Glebe Lane (pavement)
4
00.10 00.20
at XR go SO into Westcroft Road
5
00.00 00.20
TL into Deer Valley Road, SP NCN3
41
on unless otherwise directed Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Directions and Instructions
on swinging right-hand bend, TL down cycleway between bungalows, SP NCN3 TR on to viaduct and follow cycleway
6
00.20 00.40
7
00.10 00.50
8
00.60 01.10
when cycleway ends, go through gate and TL over old bridge up farm lane
9
00.20 01.30
on reaching road, TR towards Pyworthy SP NCN3
10
00.90 02.20
Pyworthy TL SP N Tamarton
11
00.70 02.90
Broadshill Cross SO SP N Tamarton
12
00.40 03.30
Brookshouse Cross TR
13
02.70 06.00
SO SP Launceston, N Tamarton (shortcut: TL SP Clawton, go to 21)
14
00.40 06.40
North Tamarton TL SP Boyton
15
03.50 09.90
TL SP Boyton
42
Route 11 Distance (miles)
Junction Layout Plan
Always go straight Directions and Instructions
16
00.40 10.30
Boyton TL SP Northcott
17
02.60 12.90
Chapmans Well Beware, main road TL SP Holsworthy A388, cycle route
18
00.10 13.00
Peeke Moor Cross TL SP Luffincott
19
01.20 14.20
bear R SP Tetcott, cycle route
20
01.00 15.20
Tetcott Village TL SP N Tamarton, cycle route
21
01.50 16.70
Commons Gate (shortcut continues here) TR SP Corfcott Green, Clawton
22
01.60 18.30
Corfcott Green Continue SO
23
02.80 21.10
Coles Mill Bridge TL on to A388 and follow up hill under old railway bridge
24
00.30 21.40
bear L into Holsworthy Square I hope you enjoyed this ride.
43
on unless otherwise directed
Cycling the Tarka Trail
Further Information Car parking: Park in the Main Holsworthy Memorial Hall car park and leave by the arch towards the Square Local Tourist Information Centres: Holsworthy Visitor Centre, Memorial Hall (01409) 254185 Cycle Hire operators: none in Holsworthy Torridge Cycle Hire, Great Torrington (01805) 622633 Relevant OS Maps: Landranger 190, 1:50,000
44
Route 11
Always go straight
Route Map with Interlinking Routes
Route
Adjoining Routes
Picnic site
Rivers
� Church
Hill, pointing downhill
9
Food
Woodland
T �
Toilets
10
Telephone
Route 11 Statistics: Distance: 21.4 miles Height lost/gained: 555m Highest Point: 170m Lowest Point: 71m
11
8 10
� 24 Viaduct
Chasty
7
Corfcott Green
22
N
13
North Tamarton
�
14
Holsworthy Square
Route 9 & 10 both start and finish at Holsworthy Square
11
12
21 shortcut
Tetcott
�
�
20
Lana
19
Chapmans Well
18 17
15
�
Boyton 16
45
T
CP
23
9
�
Pyworthy
3
5
�
175m 150m 125m 100m 75m
0m
7
9
10
2m
12
4m
14
6m
8m
10m
15 16
12m
17
19
14m
20
16m
21
22
18m
20m
23
on unless otherwise directed
Route Profile
Notes for Route 11
46
Map of interlinking routes Ilfracombe
1 3
2
Part 1
Braunton
4
Barnstaple
5
Bideford
6 Bradworthy
Great Torrington
8 Kilkhampton
9
North
Holsworthy
11
7
10
Part 2 Devon
All routes are covered by Ordnance Survey Landranger maps 180 & 190
A collection of circular cycle rides, suitable for hybrid and road bikes, with some off-road riding on some routes. The rides are based around the Tarka Trail and interlink with the neighbouring rides. Published and written by Combe Walks Copyright Š Bryan Cath, 2012 www.combewalks.com