The Granite Way

This excellent mainly traffic-free cycle/walkway between Okehampton and Lydford is part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) route number 27 Devon Coast to Coast between IIfracombe and Plymouth. Much of the way is within the Dartmoor National Park.

The trail is ideal for families and those new to regular cycling. The Granite Way is mostly built along the course of the former Southern Region railway line. The Way is entirely off-road for 4miles/7kms between Okehampton and Lake Viaduct with additional off-road sections towards Lydford.

Along the Granite Way

The following is a description of the route that assumes a cycle ride or walk heading south west from Okehampton station towards Lydford.

The Granite Way has three main sections:-

Section 1: Okehampton Station to Meldon Viaduct (2miles/3½kms traffic-free)

From Okehampton Station the trail runs entirely traffic-free parallel to the railway line which takes passenger trains to Meldon and carries aggregate from Meldon Quarry. To the north there are superb views with Okehampton's motte and bailey castle (English Heritage) in the valley below.

To the south rises Dartmoor with High Wilhays, the highest point on the Moor at 621 metres (2,038 feet), not far away. At Meldon Viaduct there is a railway station, Visitor Centre and cafe in the former buffet carriage all run by Dartmoor Railway. Trains run from here to Okehampton station.

Section 2: Meldon Viaduct to Lake Viaduct (3½ miles 15½kms traffic-free)

Continuing along the railway line the trail passes the highest point on the railway in a deep cutting before emerging at the gates where the lane leads to the water treatment works at Prewley. Crossing this lane by the cattle grid the trail continues west towards Lake Viaduct.

The dramatically craggy features of Sourton Tors are clearly visible to the south and further west in the far distance is Brentor church on a distinctive knoll. Although along a former railway path the trail has been built to meander to and fro offering a more attractive ride or walk. Sourton church and the views along this section warrant a stop for a picnic by the granite ‘seats’. Please ensure you close the gates behind you when passing through the short permissive section between Sourton village and Lake Viaduct.

At Lake Viaduct, built of local stone and offering spectacular views of the Moor and the surrounding countryside the trail splits. You can continue on road to the former Bridestowe station (2 miles/3½kms) where you rejoin another 1¼ miles/2kms traffic-free section to Lydford. Alternatively, continue south to the current end of the traffic-free section for a further mile to Southerley Halt picnic site. You will then need to return to Lake Viaduct.

Section 3: Lake Viaduct to Lydford via Bridestowe (4½ miles 17½kms, 1 mile traffic-free)

From Lake Viaduct take great care when crossing the main A386 road at Beardown before travelling along undulating quiet lanes through the village of Bridestowe and on to the site of the former Bridestowe railway station. Here the Trail is again off-road on level ground with superb views across Fernworthy Down before emerging at Lydford. In Lydford the trail is again on a minor road through the village past the Norman castle (English Heritage) and Lydford Gorge (National Trust). From Lydford the 'Devon Coast to Coast' NCN route leads south towards Tavistock and Plymouth. There are further traffic-free sections through Tavistock and south on the Plym Valley Trail.

The Granite Way has been constructed by Devon County Council in partnership and with the welcome support of a wide variety of organisations and individual landowners. These include: South West Regional Development Agency, European Union, Millennium Commission, Sustrans, Aggregate Industries and Dartmoor National Park Authority.

Copies of the Granite Way leaflet containing a map and routes description can be obtained at the offices of Devon County Council (County Hall, Exeter), Dartmoor National Park (Parke, Bovey Tracy) and West Devon Borough Council (Okehampton) as well as the Okehampton Railway Station.