A small group of women cyclists head out every Sunday morning from the Bike Shed in Crediton to explore the gorgeous back lanes of Mid Devon. Ride leader Kate Lock shares one of their favourite rides, from Crediton to Killerton and back again.
We cycle about 20 – 30 miles every Sunday morning, catching up on each other’s news whilst marvelling at the beautiful countryside we pass. We’re an open group, always happy to see new faces and all abilities. We don’t go fast, always stop for coffee and are delighted to be called ‘friendly’. Here is a guide to one of our favourite rides.
Follow the A3072 road to Tiverton out of town, turn right to Shobrooke. First right, opposite the Shobrooke Park lodge house. The road is undulating, running alongside farms, over the brook that feeds Shobrooke lake further upstream. Behind, you might catch a glimpse of the grand Downes House, home of General Buller.
Follow the road, straight on at the Shute turning, until Heathfield Cross. Turn right and then left to Thorverton. Cycle through the village until you reach the main road, A396 at the Ruffwell Inn. The farm shop just before the junction serves coffee to thirsty cyclists. Turn left and right following the little lane across a series of crossroads until Red Cross. Turn right and the road goes down, to the village of Ellerhayes. Keep straight on, passing Silverton Paper Mills on your right. This opened in 1783 and only closed in 1999. Now a major project to restore the local environment is underway. There is a long uphill, before you sweep down, turning right at the bottom to arrive at Killerton House. You can stop for refreshments here, but check ahead, they aren’t accepting casual cafe goers just yet.
Back on the road, turn right, going along the side of Killerton’s grounds with its beautiful specimen trees scattered through the park. Turn right along a road that takes you through the flood plain of the River Exe. In times of heavy rain, this often floods and is rich with wildlife. When you reach the main road go straight over, and then you turn right and then left twice, through farm roads, until you regain the Thorverton road. Then turn left to retrace your tracks home.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do. If you fancy joining us, find us on here.
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