Cycling UK Forum

Can anyone please suggest a quiet cycle route from Plymouth to Severn Bridge (Chepstow) ? Not in a hurry, don't like the A38.
Thanks

I know you put "Don't like the A38", but...

When I did LEJOG, I joined the A38 at M5 J27, and followed it almost all the way into Bristol - just a detour through Highbridge and Weston-super-Sludge for an overnight stop.

That bit of the A38 was splendid; not too hilly, with most traffic on the adjacent M5. Similarly the bit from Exeter to there was on the B3181, which used to be the A38 before the M5 was built.

From Plymouth to Exeter; dunno. There's a slight matter of Dartmoor in the way; you've either got to go round or over. I agree that the dual-carriageway bit of the A38 is worth steering clear of.

Why not start off along the Plym valley trail, then back roads to Tavistock and on to the Tarka Trail, through Exmoor and the Quantocks, Somerset to the Bridge.
Don't know the route from Minehead, but up to there it's a great ride.

NCN!

The Devon Coast to Coast



Then "Turn right" and follow the West Country Way



Images from www.cycle-n-sleep.co.uk who do a good "independent" guide to some of these routes.

I'll second rower 40's comments about the M5 from Exeter to Bristol, but wouldn't recommend a detour into Weston-super-Mud. It's the most direct route and whilst you can avoid it by using minor roads, you'll find your distance increases to unrealistic levels (unless you plan to take a very long time on your journey). Shute Shelve and Redhill are long hills and Bristol is busy. I'm riding the Exeter-Taunton stretch of this next Saturday for charity. Anyone know what the hills are like on that bit?

N

Hello,
I live close by the A 38. I ride it regularly including todays 30 mile ride. In my opinion its actually the safer route. Of course you may not agree for other reasons but it is the quicker route also and very simple to follow. No maps required.
John.

I agree with all that's been said.

But another suggestion:
Plym Valley to Yelverton, back roads via Horrabridge and Whitchrch to Tavistock.

Then out via Brentor and Lydford on to The Granite Way to Okehampton.

Out via Bow and Copplestone, Crediton and Tiverton, then join the A38 to Bristol.

At Bristol, aim at the A4 under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, then uphill to the right past the Zoo. Follow your nose out to Cribbs Causeway and to Aust. There, by a roundabout, you'll find the service road over the Severn Bridge over to Chepstow.

If you want to avoid Bristol, pick up the Avon cycleway at Clevedon and you can take minor roads all the way to the severn crossing.

Can I bump this up again, and ask whether anyone knows what the hills are like on the Exeter-Taunton section of the A38? I'm riding it on Saturday as part of a charity ride.

N

diapason wrote:I'm riding the Exeter-Taunton stretch of this next Saturday for charity. Anyone know what the hills are like on that bit?

It was 5 years ago that I did it. I didn't remember any hills on that day (Okehampton to Burnham-on-Sea), but I've looked at the map, and that reminded me. Following the Culm valley to Cullompton was flat, but there was one big climb from Tiverton Parkway over White Ball hill. The train cheats and goes through a tunnel. There might be a way round that hill, contour-hugging near the canal, but I didn't have detailed maps or GPS back then.

I would go with what Cunobelin has said. If you're not in a hurry, you can avoid the A38. Go over Dartmoor, and the Quantocks. Both areas are worth a visit. I would recommend just getting the map out and having a look.

Thanks for all the help. Will take the pretty route suggested by CONOBELIN. Looks good..

rower40 wrote:

diapason wrote:I'm riding the Exeter-Taunton stretch of this next Saturday for charity. Anyone know what the hills are like on that bit?

It was 5 years ago that I did it. I didn't remember any hills on that day (Okehampton to Burnham-on-Sea), but I've looked at the map, and that reminded me. Following the Culm valley to Cullompton was flat, but there was one big climb from Tiverton Parkway over White Ball hill. The train cheats and goes through a tunnel. There might be a way round that hill, contour-hugging near the canal, but I didn't have detailed maps or GPS back then.

Many thanks. I'm constrained by the route planned by the organisers which sticks to the main road, but was worried that the part out of Exeter was very hilly too.

Regards,

Nigel