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