Sticklepath Cycle Route - 30 miles Sticklepath Cycle Route - 30 miles (route can be halved using a short cut) This cycle route heads north from the once industrial village of Sticklepath, with working water wheels next to the River Taw at the Finch Foundry, on the site 19th Century tool factory, now owned by the National Trust. The route passes the West Devon villages of South Zeal, Sampford Courtenay, Jacobstowe, and the market town of Hatherleigh before looping back close to Okehampton. A short cut can be used to cut the route in half, making it more manageable. Otherwise the route has a number of steady climbs and descents, with occasional steeper climbs. 2026-06-02T10:56:36.1216860Z WP1 Leave Sticklepath in an Easterly direction, cross the River Taw, then bear left following the cycle symbol route signs towards South Zeal. The village once provided the workforce for the important copper mine on the hill above the village. Dot Waypoints WP2 Turn left opposite the chapel in South Zeal and follow cycle route signs to South Tawton. Dot Waypoints WP3 It is worthwhile stopping to look at the handsome 15th Century church in South Tawton. Dot Waypoints WP4 Continue through the village, cross the A30, and then follow the sign to Taw Green. Dot Waypoints WP5 Turn left at the unusual green and red Baptist chapel following the cycle route sign, cross the River Taw. Dot Waypoints WP6 Bear right at Hayrish Cross to follow the river (take care - road can be muddy). Dot Waypoints WP7 The road passes Halford Manor and Rowden Manor. Dot Waypoints WP8 Carefully cross the B3215 at Beacon Cross. Dot Waypoints WP9 Continue past Trecott, passing an old stone cross, to the A3072 at Sampford Courtenay. Dot Waypoints WP10 Turn left onto the main road at Trecott Cross then right at the mini roundabout by the new inn. Dot Waypoints WP11 The notable church at Sampford Courtenay was the scen of the 'Prayer Book Rebellion' of 1549, when the populace reacted viloently to the introduction of the new Prayer brook in English. Here you have the option to take an alternative route, which reduces the route by half and rejoins the main route near Brightley. If taking this short cut, take the road on the left just before you reach the church. Continue along this road to a crossroads, at which you should carefully cross the main road, signposted to Brightley. At the next T-junction turn left signposted Brightley and Okehampton. You rejoin the main route by turning left up a steep hill. Dot Waypoints WP12 Continue past an old stone cross to Rowtry Cross and turn left into Honeychurch, where the unspoiled Norman Church is worth a visit. Dot Waypoints WP13 The route now crosses open countryside with good views of Dartmoor on the left. Turn left at Venn Copse Cross and continue towards Corstone. Dot Waypoints WP14 Keep left at Corstone Cross. Dot Waypoints WP15 Turn left on the B3217 at Monkokehampton then immediately right opposite the smithy. Dot Waypoints WP16 Continue to Hatherleigh. There are spectacular views of Dartmoor from the stone monument on the right of the road. The small market town of Hatherleigh is a perfect place to stop for a break. Dot Waypoints WP17 Leave Hatherleigh along Higher Street for Jacobstowe. Dot Waypoints WP18 Turn left at Bassett's Cross onto the B3216. Dot Waypoints WP19 In Jacobstowe turn right, with care, at the junction and then immediately left towards Goldburn. Dot Waypoints WP20 The road follows the River Okement which is in the valley on your left. Go straight across at Goldburn Cross through Abbeyford Woods. The wood has a way marked forest walk and off road cycle trails. Further information is available in the car park. Dot Waypoints WP21 Follow the road down this steep hill to the River Okement and cross the bridge to reach the B3127 at Knowle Cross. Dot Waypoints WP22 If you want a break for refreshments turn right into Okehampton, an interesting market town with a museum and castle. Otherwise turn left and follow the road past Brightley Cross. Dot Waypoints WP23 Take the next road on the right, which is a stiff climb (the shorter route rejoins here). Have a breather and look back - in good weather you can see Exmoor. Dot Waypoints WP24 At Chichacott, a Doomsday Manor bear left. Dot Waypoints WP25 Cross the B3215 at Chichacott Cross. Dot Waypoints WP26 Turn right at the next junction. The road takes you over the old London and South West railway. Dot Waypoints WP27 Follow the road to Crossways Cross and turn right for Belstone, crossing the A30. Cross the road at Tongue End Cross with care. Dot Waypoints WP28 The road takes you past the village stocks into Belstone, on the edge of the highest, most spectacular part of Dartmoor. After exploring Belstone, turn around and leave the village, passing the stocks again and turning right for Skaigh. Dot Waypoints WP29 Just after Skaigh, the road goes down a steep hill, and then enters Belstone Cleave, a steep sided valley formed by the River Taw. Just below the road, there is a huge wheel pit used to house a waterwheel serving the Greenhill Copper mine. Dot Waypoints WP30 Turn right at the bottom of the Cleave into Sticklepath. This once industrial village relied on the power from the River Taw. Four water wheels are still working, three of them at the Finch Foundry, which is on the sight of a 19th Century tool factory. Dot Waypoints