What is involved?
The map (right) indicates the route and E.T.A’s at places on the way. The whole route is signed as route 27 and more details can be found on the sustrans website. The route is stunning, skirting wide beaches, estuaries, river valleys and moorland as well as crossing spectacular viaducts. Not that there will be much time to admire the view!
82 of the 102 miles are on cycle track and traffic free. The road sections are all on quiet minor roads. These road sections help connect the Tarka, Granite and Plym Valley trails respectively. Route Characteristics Ilfracombe – Braunton 12 miles(Hilly, cycle track and some minor roads) Braunton – Great Torrington 21 miles (flat,all cycle track) Great Torrington – Okehampton 25 miles (hilly, mostly minor road, some cycle track) Okehampton – Lydford 10 miles(flat, some moderate uphill, mostly cycle track) Lydford- Tavistock 11 miles (downhill, minor road) Tavistock – Yelverton 10 miles (Undulating cycle track) Yelverton – Plymouth 13 miles(downhill, all cycle track) On the 8th of October it is light at 7:00am and dark again by 7:00pm. The weather, if poor, could shorten this as well as making the route substantially tougher. Breaks will be built into the day and we will have regular minibus access so it will not be necessary to carry all food and drink for the day, as you can top up when we meet the buses. If you or your bike experience problems then you will be picked up by transport at the nearest possible location. A member of staff will stay with you until the pick up occurs. The group will continue and you will be relayed forward to sort the issue and rejoin if capable. Transport will be paralleling cyclists all the way. Please note that due to weather or other events there are no guarantees of reaching as far as Plymouth. Conditions will be assessed on the day and the ride ended early if so required. |