Introduction

Once in Devon, bus and train services offer cyclists the opportunity to explore further a field and plan circular routes. In addition, you will be reducing congestion and pollution in sensitive areas and supporting a local service. Special Rover Tickets can be obtained in some cases.

Rail Services

Great Western and Virgin Cross Country run intercity services on Devon's main lines, so why not start your holiday from home by public transport? Various connections can be made from these services onto the National Cycle Network such as the West Country Way from Tiverton Parkway, the Devon Coast to Coast at Plymouth, or the National Cycle Network Route 2 (Southern Coastal route) at Exeter. South West Trains also operate through East Devon to Waterloo for the many routes in this area, including linking at Axminster station with the Wessex Way to Seaton (currently being developed). Wessex Trains from Exeter St Davids and Central stations link directly to Barnstaple to the National Cycle Network routes 27 and 3 the ‘Devon Coast to Coast’ (NCN27) and the ‘West Country Way’ (NCN3)

There are also many attractive branch line routes in Devon operated by Wessex Trains and Wales and Border Trains. This includes the popular Tarka Line to the Tarka Trail Cycle/Walkway section of the National Cycle Network routes at Barnstaple, the Dartmoor Line from Exeter to Okehampton on Sundays for the Devon Coast to Coast and the Tamar Valley Line for the Bere Peninsula route.

The 'Dartmoor Pony' operates from Okehampton to Meldon Viaduct Station. This includes a goods van equipped to carry large numbers of cyclists direct to the spectacular Meldon Viaduct on the Devon Coast to Coast.

Cycle carriage on trains

Cycles are carried by all rail companies with a service in Devon, although they all have different policies. It is always wise to check!

First Great Western

• maximum 6 cycles carried on High Speed Trains (HST-125) and Adelante trains, tandems accepted, cycles carried on HST trains in front of Coach A; on Adelante trains in front of Coaches A and E , advanced reservation is strongly recommended; no charge is made for carriage of cycles.

Virgin Trains

• Cycle capacity varies (normally maximum of 4); booking required, free of charge. Cycle carriage usually Coach F; opposite end of train to First/Club Class.

South West Trains

• Free of charge subject to space on the train.

Wessex Trains and ARRIVA Trains Wales

• Up to 2 bicycles carried on all services free of charge. On all reservable services this is subject to a reservation being made. On all non reservable services up to 2 bicycles per train accepted on a first come first served basis.

Tandems - in most cases tandems are difficult to accept, please contact the individual rail companies to check.

Bus services

Devon has an extensive network of local bus services which can be used to travel to towns adjacent to many of the cycle routes. You will be able to find cycle hire shops in these towns, just ask at the local Tourist Information Centre.

Further Information

• Visit Traveline for all public transport timetable information in South West England
• Visit DevonBus to request bus timetable guides