Tavistock Cycle Route - short route 11 miles, long route 26 miles

Cycle Waypoints

1. 1 Start in Bedford Square in Tavistock. Follow the signs to Brentor up Drake Road, under the old London and South Western Viaduct and on up the hill. Continue to follow signs for Brentor. Take great care along the winding and often steep road out of Tavistock towards Brentor where traffic often travels at high speed.
2. 2 The road passes to the left of Brentor, a volcanic cone visible from most stages of the cycle route. At the top of the rocky outcrop is the 12th Centruy church of St Michael de Rupe, from where spectacular views of Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor and Plymouth Sound are visible. For the shorter route, take the first left hand turn on the brow of the hill, signposted car park and Milton Abbot and carry straight on across Quither Common. Rejoin the main route, turning left at the crossroads and then right at Acorn Cottage - take care.
3. 3 For the longer route, continue on the same road past Brentor, following signs to Lydford.
4. 4 The road passes close to the beautiful Lydford Gorge owned by the National Trust.
5. 5 As you reach the village, look out for Lydford Castle, situated on your left, just before the village pub.
6. 6 Turn left at the War Memorial in Lydford and soon after bear left, following signs to Coryton.
7. 7 En route to Coryton, you could take a leisurely break at Lydford Forest which is situated at the end of a track opposite a white bungalow. Picnic tables and parking is provided. A stroll around the forest trail is certainly worthwhile.
8. 8 Go past Coryton Village and carry straight on this road until you reach a crossroads where Tavistock is signposted left. Do not turn left here, but go straight across (take care) signposted for the cycle route and follow signs to Sydenham. The road follows the river valley.
9. 9 Take the left turn for Sydenham across the river and stop at Sydenham Manor.
10. 10 At the manor bear left and then go straight on at the first junction.
11. 11 When you get to the T-junction turn right.
12. 12 Turn left at the next T-junction and carry straight on into Chillaton.
13. 13 Arriving in Chillaton, take the narrow lane up the hill to the left of the Chichester Arms.
14. 14 Turn left at the top and cross Quither Common.
15. 15 Go straight across the first crossroads (the shorter route rejoins here).
16. 16 Turn right at the second crossroads, opposite Acorn Cottage (take care) towards Lamerton.
17. 17 Continue on this road (taking care in wet conditions) into Lamerton. Bear right through the village and at the crossroads, go straight across the A384 (taking care).
18. 18 Follow this road to the T-junction at the top of the hill. Turn left, then straight across the crossroads by the Chipshop Inn.
19. 19 Take the next left and descend the hill.
20. 20 Turn right at the T-junction at the bottom of the hill.
21. 21 Turn right again by the old Mill House opposite the quarry.
22. 22 Turn left at the crossroads.
23. 23 Bear right at the next junction.
24. 24 Continue on this road (Crease Lane) back towards Tavistock.
25. 25 Look out for signs for the NCN 27 on your left (around 20m past the junction to Uplands on your right). Turn here and follow the NCN27 over Tavistock Viaduct. Alternatively, to stay on the road, follow Crease Lane to its end. Turn left down the hill to a roundabout. Turn right here, then left immediately after at the next roundabout. After 500m this will bring you back to Bedford Square.
26. 26 Just over the Viaduct you can leave the NCN27 and descend the hill to your left back into Bedford Square in Tavistock.