Cycle from darts farm to exmouth market
We set off with a short uneven path up to the disused railway. Plym Valley Cycle Hire: On the left the disused Plym Halt station can be seen where the day-trippers in th s would catch a train from the city for a day out in Plym Valley.
It was known as the 'Woolworths Special' because it cost just sixpence. All of the viaducts are impressively high, looking down on the beautiful countryside. Then we came to Leighbeer Tunnel, cut out of solid rock by railway engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is suprisingly long, and thankfully lit dimly, a light on one of the bikes was handy to ensure we were seen.
After this part the well tarmacced surface ended. We continued along to the right not to the left onto the road as our instructions and then pushed the bikes up a very steep slate path to a common where we stoped for a picnic. We continued to the right and then the cycle path seemed to go left and right.
Interestingly up to our left I could spy a pub, which looked busy on a Sunday afternoon, so could be good. We met many cyclists who were on a sponsored cycle. We turned back to the right where we met up with the cycle track we had come along. Although hardly a descent the slight incline down was noticeably much faster on the way home. When we were nearly back at the car park we noticed where they are re-instating the railway line.
There were dates for that a train was running, this I have yet to investigate. Then we looked at the map in the car park and noticed the sponsored cyclists continue down from where we started, it looked as though they were going to end up in the grounds of Saltram House, which is where we had asked directions at the beginining of the day.
We could well have started from there. Saltram House looked a delightful Nationa Trust property, and the grounds were very large and go all the way down to the River Plym. This could be added to your day out, or if there are non cyclists in the group they could visit the house whilst the cyclists explore.
Unfortunately on our return there was a massive traffic jam at Ashburton, due to an accident, and knowing our way round relatively well we decided to take the very long route, but tremendously beautiful scenic route across Dartmoor via Dartmeet, Two Bridges, Postbridge, Moretonhampstead and Dunsford to Exeter.
There are several starting places for this cycle ride. At Tiverton Basin there is a car park and this is where you can pick up the horsedrawn barge. We parked just further along at Tidcombe lane as we use the lanes from Cullumpton to Tiverton frequently. Before we started a quick adjustment had to be made to one bicycle as my daughter's friend had grown and we put her saddle up a good few centimetres!
Fortunately Martin is a serious cyclist and always has appropriate tools with him. Cycling along the tow path we came across the first of 3 families of swans each with more than 3 signets a piece. Each time I was fascinated that they swim in a long line behind the parent, I wandered if it was in any particular order? At Sampford Peverell we stopped for a comfort break, before continuing along the way.
We came off the canal turning left for Holcombe Rogus and the pub, The Prince of Wales, where we were made very welcome and enjoyed our lunch. In fact the chocolate brownie was so delicious we could not move after, and wished we had shared 1 between 2. I chose to hide in a cafe in South Molton to await the cavalcade.
Despite the damp weather crowds filled the streets of this small market town. The local schools were allowed to watch the ride and all had been provided with a Devon flag to wave. A group of infants near me were really excited and cheered everything that passed - motor bikes, ambulances, old ladies in invalid carriages, etc.
We were rewarded by seeing Geoffroy Lequatre on his breakaway Geoffroy was to become the winner of the overall event. Some pictures of the Tour as it passed through South Molton are available on-line. The route is over 60 miles long and it is expected that families will take several days to complete the route. Periodically CTC Exeter join neighbouring sections for joint rides. As well as giving us the opportunity to met fellow cyclists these rides take us to parts of Devon most of us haven't explored before and also allow us to experience new coffee stops.
Nicole Pethybridge's report on this enjoyable ride - which included a coffee stop at the excellent Avon Mill - is on-line. Much to my surprise the fashion item in last month's newsletter proved to be the most popular item. So here is some more fashion news These hats fits over the helmet and are designed to create greater awareness on the road whilst remaining glamorous on her bicycle.
Behavioural reports show that drivers would give a cyclist more space if they are not wearing a helmet as they appear more vulnerable.
This hat disguises the helmet through accessorising so that drivers are still conscious of those who wear helmets. Since this section opened at the beginning of the year it has attracted an average of 10, cycle trips per month approx. The exposed strata alongside the trial allows water egress which has caused a number of minor landslips.
These have now been cleared. During the trail's design aggressive landscaping was precluded and consideration is now being given to a longer term environmental friendly solution. On the 19 th September Cycling England staff rode along this section of the trail and were briefed on the work of Cycle Exeter.
A new fence has been constructed which separates the trail from the rail line. Work has begun on the footings for the new boardwalk which will span the boggy sections in front of Nutwell Court. Completion is scheduled for Autumn Planning consent was obtained in Spring but work is not planned to begin until Some issues with land ownership still have to be unravelled. Discussions are underway with the RSPB about the design and construction of two bird viewing platforms which will be constructed on Goosemoor as part of the scheme.
In the short term the existing footpath which runs from just opposite Dart's Farm to the rear of Tremlett's Boatyard will be upgraded to a shared use path and the lane which runs from the boatyard east to the A at Ebford is being re-surfaced. In Ebford a new Pelican crossing is being constructed.
This will help to provide a safer route from Exeter to Woodbury. This new route will eventually link directly to the Estuary Trail between the new Clyst Bridge and Exton village. Bridge Road - Turf Locks: Parts of this route are currently being re-surfaced. New cycle sculptures in the shape of Whimbrels a bird , to which you can lock your bike, have been installed at Turf Locks. Turf Locks - Powderham Church: Discussion have taken place with the Environment Agency, Natural England, Lord Devon, the Diocese of Exeter and Railtrack but it seems that there is no easy solution which meets all their concerns.