This is a truly spectacular and mostly traffic free cycle route through rural Devon with fantastic views of Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. It forms part of the is part of the National Cycle Network ‘Devon Coast to Coast’ Route 27 as well as being one of Dartmoor National Park’s “Miles without Styles” trails. The route heads out from Okehampton along the old London & SW Railway line. First passing the Military sidings, then passes over Meldon Viaduct, from where there are wonderful views of Meldon Quarry, Meldon Dam and Dartmoor beyond. After this the route passes over Lake Viaduct before reaching Lydford with the Castle (Medieval Prison) and the tearooms at Lydford Gorge.
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start: Okehampton Station (Grid Ref SX 592 944)
End: Lydford (Grid Ref SX 516 852).
Maps: OS Explorer (1:25,000) No. 113 Okehampton, No. OL28 Dartmoor; OS Landranger (1:50,000) No. 191 Okehampton and North Dartmoor.
Facilities along route:
- Car parking is available at Okehampton Station and Lydford Gorge
- Refreshments available at Okehampton Cycle Hub, Pump and Pedal at, Sourton and Lydford Gorge Tearooms, Lydford.
- Cycle hire at Granite Way Cycles, Okehampton.
Theme: Moorland, Country, Heritage, Nature, Bird Watching,
Style of route: Traffic Free, Off Road mainly surfaced, but some unsurfaced sections and mainly gate-free (3 gates still on route – March 2023)