MY FIVE FAVOURITE PLACES WHERE I HAVE CYCLED

With forced lockdown from Covid, this year has been very different. My travelling has been on the little lanes around South Devon where I live. My bikes have been busy and the car little used as I have enjoyed the great outdoors in the saddle.  With fewer cars, I have been more conscious of nature.  I have seen baby weasels in the road, numerous birds and I have enjoyed the wild flowers in the hedgerows. I took up cycle touring as a late experience when I discovered that slow travel can be truly one of life's great experiences. 

ADVENTURE CYCLE TOURING: POST COVID-19

Have you ever thought to go on holiday with your bike?  If you like to soak up the sun on a beach or go on a cruise, it’s probably not for you.  But post COVID-19, whenever that comes, it may be one of the best ways to help put lockdown behind you.  If you want to visit open countryside, the coast or climb some mountains, why not consider packing all your stuff into two small bags and go off on a bike?  As you breath in the fresh air, you can get a suntan too.

If you think about the car, you will miss so much.  It’s also very expensive and think about all those exhaust emissions launching into the atmosphere.  A bike is easy.  You leave all the non-essentials at home and you travel light so packing is simple.   

Bike touring must be one of the best ways to engage with nature and people. 

 

The Wye Valley in Powys 2017

I usually go on my own as I can set my own speed and stop to visit places or make detours, but I do enjoy the company of friends so long as we have easy friendly days.  One of my friends never sets a distance so he is never late and I like that.   

What makes a tour?  A tour can be anything you want and we are spoilt for choice living in the South West.  It can be a two or three day tour such as on the Dartmoor Way, an adventure in itself.  It can also be a main holiday or, if time permits, a long distance expedition off the beaten track at some suitable stage in your life.  It is the ultimate fresh air experience and you will find many people interested in you and what you do.  It’s for families too and pre COVID-19 my older daughter with partner and child now age 4 set the example with holidays bike packing in France and Isle of Wight 

Preparations for any tour include getting fit, having the right bike and the right choice of clothes.  Don’t rely on the gym for getting fit and make sure you have a sturdy bike with puncture proof tyres.  It helps to have a positive mental attitude and not overdo any days by becoming too tired.  

So turn your bike into a travelling machine capable of taking you on a trip of a lifetime.

 

 

THE PRIMROSE TRAIL

Devon's River Avon tumbles off Dartmoor and meanders through South Hams until it reaches the sea at Bigbury Bay. The landscape has barely reached the 21st century and it is easy to imagine a land that time has almost forgotten.  In the early 20th century a railway ran alongside the river starting at GWR's main line in South Brent and terminating in Kingsbridge. Because of its scenic beauty, especially in spring, it was named the Primrose Line.

Today a hardy band of enthusiasts wants to open up the old railway for walking, cycling and horse riding and have launched a campaign. In my role as a Sustrans ride manager, I organised a guided bike ride to check out the area, see the river, pass by the old station buildings and experience the wild places. In the blink of an eye, the ride was fully booked and more people wanted to join. Then came COV-19 and it was cancelled. So, here is a brief story and the route if you want to cycle it solo.

It is a return journey of 35 miles with climbs at 3,450ft if, like our Sustrans group, you start in Ivybridge and follow the Dartmoor Way to South Brent. Our first views of the Avon are when we cross an old stone bridge and see the river tumbling over rocks. 

River Avon north of South Brent

We stop at the old railway junction where glimpse of the line can still be seen.  Soon after, we meet the Cobbly Way, an ancient track beside the river. We now cycle alongside the river and pass the former train station for Avonwick, now a house, then climb into Diptford.  The road moves away from the river and we look over the valley to our right. On our recce ride ride last Saturday, the hedgerows were alive with primroses, wild daffodils, periwinkle and even some snowdrops. 

The Cobbly Way, Avonwick

We skirt around Moreleigh passing close to its beautiful church and on to Woodleigh where we drop down to rejoin the Avon after passing Loddiswell's former station which is nicely converted into a house but very recognisable in GWR painted livery.  We reach Avon Mill Café where you can buy refreshments and sit on the bank overlooking the river.  Up to now all the roads are quiet country lanes and, as there is no quiet lane into Kingsbridge, our ride finishes here.

If you want to find more about the proposed trail, please check here. The story of the railway is as this link