Dart Valley Cycleway cycle route overall rating:
(Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of)
This 6.3 mile route is gorgeous, and will make a great day out, but is quite a mix. From the outset, you need to understand that the entire route isn’t traffic-free.
Surface on the Dart Valley Cycleway
Most of the route has a good tarred surface, but there are exceptions. From Dartington, to the edge of Totnes, the surface is self-compacting gravel. Alongside the river Dart, in Totnes, the tarred surface is old, and bumpy in places, due to tree roots.
Beyond Totnes, on the Shapham estate, the route changes from smooth tar to gravel again, right on the steepest section of the route. Between Shapham and Ashprington the route follows a normally very quiet lane, with a good tarred surface
Refreshments
You can get refreshments at various places, starting with several options in Dartington. There are many more options available in Totnes, and finally, at the Durant Arms pub, in Ashprington.
Bikes
There’s a lofty claim that the part of the route between Dartington and Totness is an “Access for All” route, and is supposedly wheelchair-friendly.
On that part of the route you can use almost any type of bike, but most cargo bikes and trikes will struggle in places.
Between Totnes and Ashprington, cargo bikes and trikes will get stuck. For that section of the route, you will want a bike with chunky tyres, ideally with off-road tyres.
Toilets
You can use toilets at Dartington, and Totnes (the route skirts the entrance to Morrison’s), with toilets also available at the pub at the end.
Hilliness
This rating is for the route overall. The 1st half isn’t overly hilly, but the second half has seriously steep gradients.
Safety from traffic
Most of the route is traffic-free, but runs alongside a fast, busy B-road in places. Also, the middle of the route goes through Totnes town centre, and is on roads that can get busy.
Ratings
Points of Interest
Totnes is quite a destination itself, with many quaint and curious, independent shops. Dartington offers several shops – often selling artwork – plus the Meadowbrook Community Centre (part of the Dartington Recreation Association, who also have a bike track).
The route goes right past the Totnes station of the South Devon Railway, a heritage railway linking Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Just a tiny bit further from the heritage station is the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.
Finally, the Sharpham Trust offers a great deal, including camping right on the banks of the Dart.
Traffic-free cycle routes in Devon
- Dart Valley Cycleway
- Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton
- The Exe Estuary cycle route to Exmouth
- Nun’s Cross Trail cycle route
- Princetown Railway traffic-free cycle route
- Saltram Loop traffic-free cycle route
- DayCycle – Tarka Trail
- Family-friendly Cycling On The Granite Way
- DayCycle – A Redlake adventure
- DayCycle – Grand Western Canal
- DayCycle – Stover Trail & Wray Valley Trail
- DayCycle – Dawlish to Exeter St Davids
- Family-friendly Cycling on Drake’s Trail
Barriers
Quite early on there are chicane barriers on the route. At Dartington, there’s a narrow footbridge (you’re allowed to ride across it).
From Totnes to Ashprington, the route is littered with chicane barriers and gates.
Cycle Hire
Sadly, there is nowhere on, or near the route to hire bicycles.
Child friendliness
Especially along the first half of the route, children should be fine to ride it. However, in Totnes town centre, the route is on roads that can get busy.
Social safety
During the high season, especially the first half of the route will be very busy, but during quieter seasons, the 2nd half can be quite deserted.
Weather forecast for the Dart Valley Cycleway
What the route looks like
Getting to the Dart Valley Cycleway
You can easily get to the route car-free, by taking your bike on the train. The route skirts the very edge of the Totness train station. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train.
Parking near the Dart Valley Cycleway
There’s no parking at the start of the route (as shown on the map below). However, you can park at Dartington, or various car parks in Totnes.
More Traffic-free Cycle Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes that can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below).
Dart Valley Cycleway interactive map
You can download the GPX file from the map below, simply by clicking the GPX button. Hovering over the elevation profile will show the elevation for that point along the route, in both metres and feet. It will also show the gradient.
And finally…
If this route guide was of use to you, it will be of use to others, too. Don’t keep it secret! Share it with everyone, on social media, in Facebook Groups, on chat forums, and elsewhere.