If you are cycling the Devon C2C between Plymouth and Barnstaple, you may seen new NCN direction signs with EU motif containing number 1 in the middle. This is EU cycle route Eurovelo 1 and is part of a long distance route between Portugal and Norway, a total distance of 5,610 miles. It's named the Atlantic Coast Cycle Route and other countries include Spain, France, UK and Ireland.
EV1, as it is known, follows Europe's western border combining contrasting landscapes such as the majestic fjords of Norway, the wild Irish coastline and, of course, our beautiful south west England.
Having cycled the French, Irish, Scottish sections and a small part of Norway before it was signed, I can vouch for the iconic scenery that will make it a pleasure to experience from the saddle.
The itinerary in the South West is between Plymouth ferry terminal and Bristol. It follows the Devon C2C to Sheepwash where it joins the West Country Way. EV1 signs take you to Barnstaple where we leave the Devon C2C and continue on the Westcountry Way to Bristol.
For me, Sheepwash epitomises Devon. It has thatched cottages, a beautiful pub, a magical river and is a place where fishermen and cyclists can mingle over a pint after a long day on the river or in the saddle.
EV1 in the south west is a journey to be experienced enjoying nature. Delays are more likely to be by cows, sheep or horses, less so by cars.
The route from Plymouth takes you across western Dartmoor and passes Britain's newest railway at Okehampton. We experience both of Devon's coastlines at the south and north. We leave Barnstaple and head inland for Exmoor towards Dulverton and Taunton. After cycling along the towpath beside the Bridgwater Canal, we enter the Somerset Levels and travel to Glastonbury and Wells eventually reaching Bristol.
When it comes to cycle route planning, I am a geek for maps, but keep my records electronically. These are my tips.
First check out Eurovelo 1 and be prepared to be impressed: Eurovelo 1
Buy Devon C2C map between Plymouth and Barnstaple: Devon C2C . Follow NCN27
Buy Sustrans North Devon cycle map North Devon. Follow NCN3
Buy Sustrans Somerset Levels cycle map Somerset Levels. Follow NCN3 and NCN4.
I think that you will find this to be an astonishing and sensuous journey.
Postscript: Memorable Moment
My final day cycling this route in November 2012 ended in an epic rainstorm that closed the nearby railway and M5 motorway. This was cycling upstream on a path on a never to be forgotten day approaching Cossington on NCN3.
