Day out in Exeter

[scraynes]

Work is taking me to Exeter for a few weeks. I plan to take my Brompton with me. I will have a couple of days off while I am there and am looking for suggestions for a day out on the bike.

I was thinking down the exe towards Exmouth, ferry across the river and then down to Torquay and train back. Only thing is the the route towards Torquay is on a fairly major A road. I would rather avoid that.

Ideally I would like to end somewhere where I can enjoy and drink or two, some dinner and just catch the train back to Exeter. I don't really want to do a loop.

Any ideas that any of you might have would be great. Thanks in advance.

Spencer

 

[TigerT]

It's a long time since I've done it, but instead of the main road to Torquay, once you get off the ferry (Starcross I think), follow the coast road all the way to Teignmouth. At Teignmouth, cross over the bridge at the mouth of the Teign Estuary to Shaldon (Excellent place for a Cofee and Cake stop). Bit of a Climb out of Shaldon, but you can then follow the road (A379 I think - It's called Torquay Road) all the way along the cliff tops to Torquay.

Train back is a good idea!

 

[scraynes]

That was the route I had noticed, but I was thinking that the coast road looks quite busy. It is indeed the A379.

But given that you have done it, I take it it's ok to mix the bike with the cars. The road looks like it will offer great views, just a shame it's not more of a back road, I'm out for a leisure ride for the day.

Thanks for the info, maybe I've been a bit quick to dismiss the route.

 

[Ian H]

Or go NE up the A3181 (old A38) and right through Dog Village and head for Whimple/Talaton. Could then go S to Ottery St Mary and make a circuit. Likely to be quieter than the South Hams.

 

[presta]

There's no need for a ferry, the canal towpath provides a traffic free ride along the west bank of the Exe. Beyond the lock you can ride the sea wall as far as about Powderham, then pick up the road for last bit into Dawlish. The B3212 out onto Dartmoor, and then down the Dart valley to Totnes would make a nice ride too.