7th Dec 2018

Walking & Cycling Holidays in South Devon

With stunning countryside and coastline all around, South Devon is packed with hundreds of cycle routes and footpath, all criss-crossing the wonderful landscape. So if you’re looking for a walking or cycling holiday this is the county to pick.

Below are some of the main cycling and walking routes found within the region, but no matter where you are visiting there is sure to be a great route for you to explore nearby.

Cycling

Stover Trail

The Stover Trail is a flat, family friendly, traffic free route connecting Bovey Tracey, on the edge of Dartmoor, with the market town of Newton Abbot. The multi-use route passes through Stover Country Park, a nature reserve, lake and woodland which is the perfect place for break along the way.

Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest Park is 3,500 acres of woodland, covered in foot paths, cycle routes and woodland adventures just 15 minutes from the city of Exeter. Managed by the Forestry Commission, the forest is the perfect destination for cycle fans of all abilities. Weaving between the trees are five trails as well as a skills areas and pump trails meaning Haldon is the place to head for cycling and mountain biking.

Torbay Velopark, Torbay Leisure Centre

The only outdoor closed road circuit in Devon and Cornwall can be found in Paignton at the Torbay Velopark, part of Torbay Leisure Centre. The circuit offers three different distances, the longest at 1.5km, and can accommodate both amateur and professional cycling. If you’re a keen cyclist, want to refresh your skills or are looking to try road cycling for the first time head on down to the Velopark at Torbay Leisure Centre.

Decoy Country Park

Located on the edge of Newton Abbot, Decoy Country Park is the perfect destination for BMX fans. The park is home to a BMX race track and dirt jumps making it the ideal place to test your skills. At the centre of Decoy is a lake, which is surrounded by flat level walking routes which are great for all members of your family to enjoy.

Exe Estuary Trail

Running from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren via the cathedral city of Exeter, the Exe Estuary Trail is a 26 mile mainly flat cycle way and walking route. Running the entire length of the estuary it provides stunning views of the coast, city and the surrounding countryside. If you can’t bring your own bike with you on your holidays, pay a visit to Saddles and Paddles on Exeter Quay where bikes, as well as kayaks, can be hired. The route passes a number of pubs and cafes and can be broken up into smaller sections. If you complete the whole trail you can always catch the passenger ferry back which runs from Exmouth to Starcross from spring until autumn.

Walking

The South West Coast Path

If you’re looking for a walk in South Devon, the South West Coast Path is a must. Running the entire length of the coast, from Seaton to Plymouth, the path offers an array of circular walks along striking sections of the coast. From harbour towns to river mouths and rugged cliff tops, the waymarked routes cover them all.

Templar Way

This 18 mile walk covers every type of South Devon landscape, walk the rugged hills of Dartmoor, through woodland and along river valleys, passing through towns and ending by the sea in Teignmouth. The route follows the historic route granite took from the quarries on Dartmoor to the docks at the coastal resort of Teignmouth.

East Devon Way

The East Devon Way is another great South Devon walk which covers both countryside and coast. A series of footpaths, bridleways and quiet country lanes link together, guiding you through gently undulating countryside from Exmouth to Lyme Regis. Along the route you can enjoy spectacular views of the regions countryside.

Grand Western Canal

The Grand Western Canal cycle route is an 8 mile peaceful cycle routes which runs mostly along the towpath of this tranquil stretch of water. Further cycling routes can be found in the country park and local nature reserve which surround the canal. The Grand Western Canal forms part of the West Country Way (NCN3) Cycle Route which runs from Padstow in Cornwall to Bristol.

Treasure Trails

If you’re visiting a new town or area, or just want to get to know your local area a little better, then taking a Treasure Trail is the ideal way to explore your surroundings. Follow the self-guided trails, solving a mystery and cracking the clues along the way as you walk, and discover South Devon’s towns and villages.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Throughout South Devon there is a wide range of parks, nature reserves and country parks waiting to be explored on foot, each one has their own special charm and characteristics. From short flat walks to longer more challenging routes, wildlife havens or coastal rambles, whatever walk you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in South Devon.

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