Totnes, the historic market town that’s full of fascination and interest, offers two contrasting leisure routes; or one longer one if you combine the two. This forms part of the South Coast NCN2

1. Totnes to Dartington cycle path

Start: Totnes Borough Park/Leisure Centre or Dartington Cider Press Centre (the description below starts at Totnes).

This route is traffic free and runs along the edge of Borough Park to Totnes Station. On reaching the railway turn sharp right and follow the path that goes under the railway beside the picturesque banks of the River Dart. Take the left fork heading for Dartington. (The right fork takes you across the steel bridge over the River Dart to the South Devon steam railway – well worth a visit and a train ride to Buckfastleigh).

This level route takes you to the Dartington Cider Press Centre at Shinners Bridge, through some idyllic riverside scenes past weirs, water meadow marshland and quiet woods. Once at the Cider Press Centre there are some quality shops selling local crafts, kitchenware, clothes and toys plus a restaurant, a café, a fascinating lime kiln and pottery and much more.

The path from Totnes is wheelchair accessible but is narrow in places so please take care. Keep to the left and enjoy the stimulating ride.

To return, follow the path back past the Lime Kiln and through the woods.

2. Totnes to Ashprington via Sharpham Drive

Start: Totnes Plains or Ashprington village centre (the description below starts at Totnes Plains).

This second route starts in the town centre, in the area known as the Plains, by the historic Totnes Bridge over the Dart. The Plains is a lively bustling area with a good selection of shops close by and a park beside the river.

With the river Dart on your left, as the Plains narrows and where the ‘All through Traffic’ road sign directs motor vehicles to turn right, continue straight on into New Walk and cycle on the road which runs parallel to the river until you reach the Steam Packet Inn on the banks of the River Dart. Here a sharp right turn leads you up a short stretch of Moat Hill until, on your left, you see the gates of the start of Sharpham Drive.

Although moderately strenuous at times, from this recently resurfaced former Carriage Drive you will not only see great views of the river but also pass mature trees and woodlands and unfenced pasture. So, do not be surprised if you see flocks of sheep and a herd of friendly cattle along the way; being accustomed to cyclists and walkers they often wander across the path which is unfenced most of the way.

There is a short sharp climb along a footpath towards the end that takes you into a wood and it is necessary to push your bicycle through the wood. A new cycle path through the wood is being developed by DCC.

The views on this route are well worth the occasional ups and downs. The Vineyard is open to the public at Sharpham Manor and offers a fascinating insight into the Estate you have just cycled through. The Sharpham Estate produces quality wines and cheeses, available nationally. The return is back the way you came; you will find there is more downhill and the views are very different and just as rewarding.

Totnes Town Centre Link

Combining the two routes means a short on-road section in Totnes between the Plains and Borough Park. This takes you past Safeway superstore and along a walkway to the bridge, then a shared use path to the pedestrian controlled traffic signals crossing Bridge Road, leading to the zebra crossing on Babbage Road and finally on a shared use cycle/walkway beside the Health Centre towards Totnes Leisure Centre and Borough Park.

FACTS AND FEATURES

Route Distance:
Totnes to Dartington 2 1/2miles /4km
Totnes to Ashprington 3 miles /5km

O.S. Maps:
•Explorer (1:25,000)
No. OL20 South Devon
•Landranger (1:50,000)B
No. 202 Torbay and South Dartmoor

Places to Visit:
•Dartington Cider Press Centre
•Dartington Hall Estate
•South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh
•Totnes Castle (English Heritage)
•Totnes GuildhallB
•Museums in Totnes
•Sharpham Vineyard

Facilities:
•Refreshments at Totnes, Dartington and Ashprington>
•Cycle hire and shop in Totnes