Totnes to Dittisham on a Tandem
This has to be one of the most beautiful cycle routes in the country. It does help to have someone else on the front of a tandem who is happy to do most of the work, but it is not essential. This is 18 miles that will make your heart sing. A Google Earth view opens in a separate window.
Start in Totnes; there are so many wonderful places to eat that I would hesitate to make a recommendation. This time I had the haloumi and red pepper panini at the Royal Seven Stars. Excellent.
Turn right at the bottom of the High Street and set off for the Plains. Look out for the start of the trail on your right, just before Baltic Wharf, and follow this up the hill before continuing on a magical stretch above the river Dart. You will have to dismount for a short section through the woods but then continue on the path until the entrance to Sharpham Drive. At this point the national cycle network, NCN 2, is well signposted and you can follow the country lanes through Ashprington and Tuckenhay. For an extra hill, drop down into Cornworthy and back up again, or if you prefer, just stick to the high ground straight on and then freewheel down into East Cornworthy. Slog up the hill following the signs to Dittisham and then enjoy another great coast down to the Ferryboat Inn.
We rang the bell, but had missed the last ferry. Thank you so much to Brian, the most generous man in Dittisham, who rescued two complete strangers on a tandem and ferried us in his small boat across to Greenway. Thanks also to Barry, more used to sailing around the world than crossing a few yards of water, who helped to get us on our way. We owe you a ride.
From Greenway Quay, head for Galmpton and then keep left for Waddeton. I would recommend heading down to Stoke Gabriel to rest by the lovely Mill Pool, but by the time we reached Pords Bridge it was dusk and getting cold so we missed this loop and kept on to Aish. If you have ever tried changing a tyre by the non existent light of a dynamo, you will appreciate why we headed straight on to Loncombe Cross and the main road back to Totnes. With better planning and an earlier start, the tiny lane on the left just past Aish is a much better option and avoids the A385.
