Drake's Trail

Plymouth Hoe

Click to enlarge images below:

Type: Cycle Route

Drake’s Trail is a network of walking and cycling trails. The network has something for all ages and fitness levels, starting with the new off-road cycling section between Tavistock and Plymouth. The section linking Horrabridge and Plymouth is already open. The remaining section linking Horrabridge and Tavistock is due to be completed by mid 2012, and will included the spectacular Gem Bridge across the Walkham Valley, and the Grenofen Tunnel.


Spur walking and cycling routes visit points of interest, including the spectacular Burrator Reservoir, Sir Francis Drake's birthplace at Crowndale Farm near Tavistock, and his former residence at Buckland Abbey near Yelverton. The routes are varied, and there are plenty of attractions to visit along the way, not least the numerous coffee shops and pubs!

Contact Details

Tavistock to Plymouth
Devon

Click here to visit website

Information

Opening Times

Open All Year
01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012

Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking - There are public car parks in Tavistock, Yelverton and Plymouth, most of which will incur a charge. There are informal parking opportunities in some of the villages and towns on the main and spur routes.

Catering

  • Bar - There are pubs in most of the villages on and close to the main and spur routes.
  • Café - There are many options for food along the routes, including cafe's in Tavistock and Yelverton, and pubs selling food at many of the villages near to the main and spur routes.

Establishment Features

  • Accommodation nearby - There is accomodation close to the route in Tavistock and Yelverton, and there are various options along all of the walking and cycling spurs including hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and camping.
  • Experience level - beginner - The main Drake's Trail route is well surfaced and easy to follow.
  • Experience level - intermediate - The spur cycling routes travel along quiet lanes. Good road awareness is recommended as these lanes can be narrow and well used.
  • Fitness level required - low - The main Drake's Trail route is relatively level between Clearbrook and Yelverton. Beyond Yelverton there is a flat section across part of Roborough Down before the route descends towards Horrabridge.
  • Fitness level required - medium - Some of the route include steep walking and cycling sections, and a good level of fitness will make the experience more enjoyable.
  • Open all year
  • Route maps available - Route maps are available to download from this website, from www.drakestrail.co.uk, or can be collected from the Tavistock and Okehampton Tourist Information Centres.
  • Self guided walks/cycle rides - The cycling and walking routes are self guided, by using the route maps and directions.
  • Shop - There are various shops in Tavistock and Yelverton.
  • Toilets - Public toilets are available in Tavistock and Yelverton. Public toilets are open for 7 months from Easter at Lopwell.

Specialist Features

  • Circular Route
  • Easy Route
  • Linear Route
  • Moderate Route

Public Transport Directions

Users of the Drake’s Trail routes are encouraged to be environmentally responsible in your choice of transport. There is a regular bus service from Plymouth to Tavistock via Yelverton. The bus route passes close to much of the Drake's Trail and spur routes. There is also numerous railway services that stop in Plymouth, which are a couple of miles away from the southern end of the Drake's Trail. For up to date public transport information call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, visit www.traveline.org.uk or www.journeydevon.com. Bus timetables can be collected from local outlets including Tourist Information Centres and libraries.