DEVON C2C DAY 2: Okehampton YHA to Plymouth

Welcome to Day 2 - we are over half way!
Hopefully well fed and watered, we will set off along a traffic-free section for the first 8 miles or so. We will cross the stunning Meldon Viaduct, where we will certainly stop for photos. There is a really short section that we may have to walk as it gets a bit rough, so keep your cleat covers handy! As we rejoin the road, we will head past Lydford Castle and Gorge, which are really pretty. Just after Lydford, we have the choice of a really steep, long road climb or a half-mile jaunt across the edge of Dartmoor with our bikes - believe, the walk is the wiser choice! It's also rather fun - all adds to the adventure! The moors are just beautiful. We'll get our legs working again as we head up to the top of the moors with some great views, before heading downhill again into Mary Tavy - here there is a short section over a stream and bridge that we will need to dismount for again. From Peter Tavy, it's pretty easy riding down to Tavistock, where there is a short climb up to the traffic-free route. We will wind our way around the town, avoiding any busy roads, before rejoining the traffic-free cycle path to Yelverton. Watch out for the penultimate hill through the park! But the good news - the next 10 miles are nearly all downhill! After a short stretch of quiet road, we join the Drake's Trail Cycle Path and the Plym Valley Heritage Trail, which take us all the way down to Plymouth. We will skirt around the edge of the Saltram manor house estate before heading into Plymouth itself. We have carefully chosen cycle paths and quieter roads as we navigate the city, taking in a few sites (and a final hill!) along the way. Finally, we will head along the sea front, past Smeatons Tower and the Lido before finishing at West Hoe Park. Here will be met by our lovely drivers who will take us back to Ilfracombe. I highly recommend taking a moment to buy an ice cream and celebrating our achievement in style!