Sunday 26 August 2012

NEW CYCLE ROUTE IN SOUTH DEVON

The bike is suffering from lack of use this month.  Why?  Because I have been out with Sustrans helping to sign a new route on the National Cycle Network.  Route 28 follows little lanes from Totnes to Salcombe and on to Yealmpton near Plymouth.  It passes or goes close to several beaches but nicely avoids most of the main roads. 


If you want to cycle to the beaches at Slapton, South Milton and Mothecombe this is a handy route to know.  It will appear on National Cycle Network mapping shortly and there will be links to Totnes and Ivybridge train stations.


This view is looking across Slapton Lea taken from the cycle route

Thursday 2 August 2012

THE RAIL ALE TRAIL REVISITED

Last weekend was the fourth time in 12 months that I have cycled this route.  It counts as the slowest ride in Devon.  It is just 10 miles long starting and finishing at Bere Ferrers train station on the Bere Alston peninsula.  On the previous three occasions, it took 4 hours!  This time three of us took the ride and there were hoots of derision when I said how long it could take.

This little ride is on a tiny peninsula where the Rivers Tamar and Tavy meet.  It is incredibly beautiful and seems to be in a time warp.


We had completed 1.5 miles when the first of my companions departed.  A boat yard appeared.  All of a sudden, messing around with boats became more appealing and he was lost helping others with boats and checking the yard out. 


After another 6 miles, it was time for lunch at the Plough Inn.  As the sun was beaming down, it was good to sit outside.  Just before we left, the Morris Men arrived together with the entire village to spectate.  We just made our return train back to Plymouth and had completed our 10 mile journey in a record breaking 3 hours.