About

Distance: 26 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
End points: Tavistock (Grid Ref SX 481 744).
Tavistock (Grid Ref SX 481 744).

Tavistock is a thriving market town. The Pannier Market, first held in 1105, still takes place every Friday. A Benedictine Abbey was founded on the banks of the River Tavy in 974. Ruins of this abbey may be seen close to Bedford Square, where the cycle route begins.

The route passes close to Brent Tor. If you decide to do the longer journey, then you will also pass Lydford Gorge and Waterfall (National Trust) and Lydford Castle (English Heritage).

This route is not suitable for young children as the route from Tavistock to Lydford is on a road which has fast traffic.

Relevant maps/guides: Explorer (1:25,000) No. 28 Dartmoor, No. 108 Lower Tamar Valley & Plymouth, No. 112 Launceston & Holsworthy; Landranger (1:50,000) No. 201 Plymouth & Launceston, Tavistock & Looe.

Facilities along route: There are refreshments, shops and pubs available in Tavistock, Lydford and Mary Tavy. There is also a cycle shop at Tavistock.

Please note that this is not a Devon County Council maintained route.

This route is not suitable for young children as the route from Tavistock to Lydford is on a road which has fast traffic. There is a shortcut available that can reduce the route length to 11 miles. The route passes close to Brent Tor. If you decide to do the longer journey, then you will also pass Lydford Gorge and Waterfall (National Trust) and Lydford Castle (English Heritage).

Theme: Moorland, Country, Heritage,
Style of route: On Road,
Area: Dartmoor National Park, Tamar Valley.