Coypool and Beyond! - Tavistock - Via Sampford Spiney...... or we may just go The Easy Way

We are riding to Tavistock this week and have a couple of options. We will either cycle there on the easier Drakes Trail, have a café break and return mostly on the trail OR we make take the more circular hilly and scenic route via Sampford Spiney.

The easier Drakes Trail is a steady ride with a couple of challenging hills. We start with a gentle ascent to Clearbrook up the trail. The first slightly challenging hill is at Clearbrook then we continue onto Tavistock via the traffic free trail. Relaxing refreshment stop in Tavistock. Then we’ll navigate the traffic through the town picking up the trail on the way. We have another challenging hill just beyond Horrabridge then it’s all down hill from Yelverton.
It's mostly traffic free tarmac cycle trail, brief road riding at Yelverton across airfield and through Tavistock where there may be a bit more traffic.

OR

We may reach Tavistock via Sampford Spiney, so expect a more challenging ride with a few more hills (and more roads/quiet lanes) once we get off the trail at Yelverton. This route adds 4 ish extra miles, so 33 in total. Starting at Coypool we will cycle up the trail to Yelverton and head on to Walkhampton and Horrabridge and then start the testing climb up to Sampford Spiney. Next we cross some open moorland before descending into the east side of Tavistock where we will stop for a coffee break. After refreshments we will go back up the trail to Yelverton and all the way back down to Coypool.

Both routes take us along cycleways, roads and paths on mostly Asphalt or paved surfaces but with some unpaved.

We will have stops as required and will wait at the top of hills to keep everyone together – we never leave anyone behind.

Helmet, lights and spare inner tube are a must. A Café lock is recommended. Also bring a waterproof layer, a drink and any refreshments for the ride.