Kingsbridge Estuary Cycle Route

Distance: 18 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
End points: Kingsbridge (Grid Ref SX 734 440)
Kingsbridge (Grid Ref SX 734 440).

From the old market town of Kingsbridge to picturesque waterside boat orientated Salcombe, this 18 route takes you right around the Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary - which is a Local Nature Reserve.

The estuary's creeks provide unique habitats - offering salty but calm waters and hundreds of acres of mudflats. These may look barren but are teeming with billions of micro-organisms on which fish, shrimps, worms, crabs and anemones feed when the tide is in.

These in turn attract huge flocks of wading birds which over-winter from harsher climates in North East Europe. Take binoculars on a winter cycle ride around the estuary and you an enjoy seeing birds such as shelduck, godwit, redshank and plover in the estuary's creeks.

Kingsbridge itself lies at the head of the Kingsbridge estuary, and is sometimes referred to as the 'capital' of the South Hams. Its focal point is the quay where numerous local events, including markets take place. It is worth spending time to explore this historic town, and guide leaflets are available form the Tourist Information Centre.

This route is not recommended for young or unaccompanied children (or completely novice adult cyclists).

Relevant maps/guides: Explorer (1:25,000) No. OL 20 South Devon; Landranger (1:50,000) no. 202 Torbay & South Dartmoor, Totnes & Salcombe
Facilities along route: The route is well served with places to 'refuel' along the way. Kingsbridge, Salcombe, and East Prawle have pubs, cafés and food shops, whilst East Portlemouth has a café and Frogmore has a pub and a bakery. There is also Cycle Hire in Salcombe and Public Toilets in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, East Portlemouth and East Prawle.

Please note that this is not a Devon County Council maintained route. The route is not suitable for families with young children - although the lanes are mostly quiet, they are narrow and visibility is sometimes poor. If you fancy a shorter journey, why not catch the Salcombe - Kingsbridge passenger ferry. It runs from May to September with times varying according to tides and it welcomes cyclists. More details are available from the Tourist Information Centre.

Theme: Country, Coast, Nature, Bird Watching,
Style of route: On Road,
Area: South Devon - South Hams.