Grand Western Canal Cycle Route

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Distance: 9 miles

Difficulty: Easy

End points: Tiverton (Grid Ref SS 955 124)

Willand (Grid Ref ST 039 115).

The Grand Western Canal forms part of the West Country Way (NCN3) Cycle Route which runs from Padstow in Cornwall to Bristol. Cycling is permitted along the whole of the canal towpath, and the route described incorporates the much of the south-western half of the canal, with optional connections to Tiverton Parkway and Willand at one end, and to Tiverton Town Centre and NT Knightshayes at the other.

This is a lovely peaceful cycle route, often along the towpath, beside this tranquil stretch of water way through the heart of Devon between Tiverton and the Somerset border. It is a flat, easy, mainly off-road route, and is ideal for families with children. There are open views of superb landscape on the way, varying between sheltered woodland and sweeping views of the Blackdown Hills.

Given that the path is relatively narrow and is shared with other users, including dog walkers, anglers and the horse which pulls the passenger barge, the towpath is only suitable for considerate cyclists looking to enjoy a leisurely ride. Please dismount and walk under bridges when signs indicate.

You can download our cycling guide below.

Relevant maps/guides: Explorer (1:25,000) No. 114 Exeter and the Exe Valley, No. 128 Taunton, Blackdown Hills; Landranger (1:50,000) No. 181 Minehead and the Brendon Hills, No. 192 Exeter, Sidmouth.

Facilities along route: Car parking and refreshments are available in Willand, Tiverton Parkway station, Sampford Peverell, Halberton, Tiverton Canal Basin, Tiverton town centre and NT Knightshayes. Cycle hire is available at The Globe Inn in Sampford Peverell.

Route Length: Tiverton Parkway to Tiverton return = 12 ½ miles + 1 mile to reach Tiverton town centre (one way) and + 3 miles to reach Willand (one-way).

Route can be extended from Tiverton town centre by 1 ½ miles (one way) to NT Knightshayes (passing Tiverton Castle near the town centre).

Theme: Country, Heritage, Nature, Bird Watching,

Style of route: Traffic Free, Off Road,

Area: Mid Devon.

Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Free Admission	Free

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Opening Times

Grand Western Canal Cycle Route (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

Facilities

Catering

Café

Establishment Features

Experience level - beginner
Fitness level required - low
Open All Year
Self guided walks/cycle rides

Leisure Facilities

Cycle hire - Abbotshood Cycle Hire

Parking & Transport

Car parking

Specialist Features

Easy Route
Linear Route

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Map & Directions

Map Link

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Road Directions

Car parking is available in Willand, Tiverton Parkway station, Halberton and Tiverton. * By Car: The Canal Basin in Tiverton is well-signposted from the M5 J27, the A361 from Barnstaple and the A396 from Exeter. For access to the central section of the Canal either leave the M5 at Junction 27 and follow the A361 North Devon Link Road, taking the first exit to Sampford Peverell; or take the road from Tiverton to Halberton, passing Blundell’s School. To access the northern end of the Canal leave the M5 on Junction 27, follow the A38 to Wellington and follow signs to Burlescombe.

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Public Transport Directions

* By Bus: There are regular bus services to Tiverton from Exeter, Barnstaple, Crediton and Taunton. Once at Tiverton Bus Station, it is a half mile walk up to the Canal Basin (the Tourist Information Centre beside the bus station can give directions, if necessary). Alternatively you can catch the Tidcombe Circular bus service which stops just past the Canal Basin, and near Tidcombe Bridge. For more information on this and other public transport services in the region, call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33. * By Train: Tiverton Parkway Train Station is located between Sampford Peverell and M5 Junction 27, six miles from Tiverton. The station is served by most trains approaching from Exeter and Taunton. The Canal is half a mile from the station. Take the road away from the station, following the brown signs to the Canal, passing the farm shop and bearing right at the fork before the main road. Cross the main road and follow the track opposite which leads to the Boehill Slipway and the towpath.

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