Devon C2C

[anonymous-user]

Anyone done the Devon coast to coast? I’m due to be in Devon for a family holiday in May but looks like I’ll be there a day early so I’m thinking of doing the coast to coast.

We’re staying near ilfracombe so aiming to go south to north, Plymouth to Ilfracombe. Not sure of the surface, would a road bike be ok? Any tips appreciated.

[boyse7en]

I haven't done all of it,but the first bit from Ilfracombe to the end of the Tarka trail is a mix of hardpack gravel and tarmac and is fine for a road bike.
I've also done the last 10 miles or so near Plymouth and that was the same.

How are you planning on getting back to 'combe? Public transport isn't great

[defblade]

Did it many years ago, there was one 'orrible muddy but not too long section we just routed around on the road.

(We drove to Barnstable and cycled up from there to start, then got the train back from Plymouth - you could probably do the reverse.)

[anonymous-user]

I have a few days in Devon in the camper van with my wife before the holiday in Ilfracome starts. The plan is to get her to drop me in Plymouth and ride up to meet the family at the accommodation, I'll ride in later conveniently missing the unpacking.

Rather embarrassingly I hadn't though of missing parts out if they're not suitable for a road bike! Far too target oriented! I've looked online at the sustrans site and other Devon c2c sites but can't find a definitive map that states what the surface is like along the route.

[ukbabz]

sebdangerfield said:

I have a few days in Devon in the camper van with my wife before the holiday in Ilfracome starts. The plan is to get her to drop me in Plymouth and ride up to meet the family at the accommodation, I'll ride in later conveniently missing the unpacking.

Rather embarrassingly I hadn't though of missing parts out if they're not suitable for a road bike! Far too target oriented! I've looked online at the sustrans site and other Devon c2c sites but can't find a definitive map that states what the surface is like along the route.

Ride with GPS has some info on surface, as does komoot.

[Tim Cognito]

I did it a couple of years ago on a gravel bike with 40c tyres and it was lovely. The surface in places was not great and generally I'd say you would enjoy it much more with some extra cushion (30c+).

To ride that distance on cycle paths and quiet lanes was an absolute joy, you'll have a great day out .

[anonymous-user]

ukbabz said:

Ride with GPS has some info on surface, as does komoot.

Good shout, thanks. I'll try komoot, that way if there is an issue with the surface I can find a detour.

As much as I really fancy a gravel bike I won't be getting one this year unfortunately.