SX5262 : Former Tavistock to Plymouth railway
taken 6 years ago, near to Bickleigh, Devon, England
The West Devon Way explores the rugged and spectacular countryside on the western fringe of the Dartmoor National Park along the 18 miles between Okehampton, where it links with the Tarka Trail, and Tavistock. From there it continues a further 17 miles mainly in river valleys to Plymouth where it connects with the Erme-Plym Trail.
Logo: SX5053 : West Devon Way logo & SX5078 : West Devon Way Logo
National Cycle Network Route 27 is a 99 miles long route between Ilfracombe and Plymouth, of which 71 miles are traffic-free. The route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of the Torridge, the Tavy, the Walkham and other evocative West Country rivers. The route also skirts round the western flank of Dartmoor offering superb views of Cornwall and the surrounding area. There is also many local links and spurs to explore. Largely tracing the course of former railway lines, the route takes you through tunnels and across the breathtaking viaducts and bridges bequeathed by Victorian railway engineers.
The South Devon and Tavistock Railway linked Plymouth with Tavistock in Devon; it opened in 1859. It was extended by the Launceston and South Devon Railway to Launceston, in Cornwall in 1865.
For a period it carried the standard gauge (then referred to as narrow gauge) trains of the London and South Western Railway between Lydford and Plymouth: a third rail, making mixed gauge was provided.
The line closed in 1962. A short section has since been reopened as a preserved line by the Plym Valley Railway.
National Cycle Network Route 27 follows much of the course of the railway as does, The West Devon Way
Wikipedia: Link