Sticklepath Cycle Route - 30 miles

Cycle Waypoints

1. 1 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.
2. 2 Turn left opposite the chapel in South Zeal and follow cycle route signs to South Tawton.
3. 3 It is worthwhile stopping to look at the handsome 15th Century church in South Tawton.
4. 4 Continue through the village, cross the A30, and then follow the sign to Taw Green.
5. 5 Turn left at the unusual green and red Baptist chapel following the cycle route sign, cross the River Taw.
6. 6 Bear right at Hayrish Cross to follow the river (take care - road can be muddy).
7. 7 The road passes Halford Manor and Rowden Manor.
8. 8 Carefully cross the B3215 at Beacon Cross.
9. 9 Continue past Trecott, passing an old stone cross, to the A3072 at Sampford Courtenay.
10. 10 Turn left onto the main road at Trecott Cross then right at the mini roundabout by the new inn.
11. 11 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.
12. 12 Continue past an old stone cross to Rowtry Cross and turn left into Honeychurch, where the unspoiled Norman Church is worth a visit.
13. 13 The route now crosses open countryside with good views of Dartmoor on the left. Turn left at Venn Copse Cross and continue towards Corstone.
14. 14 Keep left at Corstone Cross.
15. 15 Turn left on the B3217 at Monkokehampton then immediately right opposite the smithy.
16. 16 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.
17. 17 Leave Hatherleigh along Higher Street for Jacobstowe.
18. 18 Turn left at Bassett's Cross onto the B3216.
19. 19 In Jacobstowe turn right, with care, at the junction and then immediately left towards Goldburn.
20. 20 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.
21. 21 Follow the road down this steep hill to the River Okement and cross the bridge to reach the B3127 at Knowle Cross.
22. 22 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.
23. 23 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.
24. 24 At Chichacott, a Doomsday Manor bear left.
25. 25 Cross the B3215 at Chichacott Cross.
26. 26 Turn right at the next junction. The road takes you over the old London and South West railway.
27. 27 Follow the road to Crossways Cross and turn right for Belstone, crossing the A30. Cross the road at Tongue End Cross with care.
28. 28 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.
29. 29 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.
30. 30 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.