Visit Mid Devon / Cycle routes / Grand Western Canal Circular
Cycling

Grand Western Canal Circular

Medium (10-25 miles)
This is a flat, leisurely route following the scenic Grand Western Canal from Tiverton Parkway Station, returning along the National Cycle Network Route 3 on and off the towpath through the pretty villages of Halberton and Sampford Peverell.
Grand Western Canal Circular

Approximate Time: 2hrs

Distance: 15miles/24km

Type of Cycle: Easy, following the flat and well‑surfaced Grand Western Canal towpath and quiet rural lanes, with consistently gentle gradients and generally reliable footing. Expect narrow towpath sections, shared‑use areas with pedestrians, occasional muddy or soft patches after rain, and low bridges.

Setting Off:

Along the towpath you will enjoy variety of scenery from sheltered woodland to sweeping views across the Blackdown Hills. You will find village pubs in both Halberton and Sampford Peverell and there are refreshments available at the Canal Basin in season. The Canal Basin also has a Visitor Centre where you can learn more about the history of the Canal.

Transport:

Tiverton Parkway Station is on the main Exeter - London Paddington railway line. Tiverton is served by regular buses.

Directions:

  1. From Tiverton Parkway station, leave the station along the access road.
  2. Turn right at the main road and, after 30 metres, turn left along a track that leads to the Link Road Bridge and a boat-launching slipway.
  3. Turn left and follow the towpath through Sampford Peverell.
  4. Continue on the towpath around the Swan's Neck loop.
  5. At Crownhill Bridge the towpath crosses the bridge and continues on the opposite side.
  6. The Tiverton Canal Co operates a horse drawn passenger barge twice daily from Easter until the end of October on the section from East Manley Bridge to the Canal Basin so extra care is needed. Dismount and wait for the horse to pass if you meet it.
  7. From the Basin follow Canal Hill down to a mini roundabout.
  8. Turn right at the roundabout.
  9. Turn right onto Old Road towards Blundell's Roundabout where the cycle path cuts across the adjacent green and follows the disused railway line.
  10. At the end of the disused railway line turn right onto Manley Lane.
  11. When you reach Manley Bridge, turn left to rejoin the towpath.
  12. At Crownhill Bridge follow the road to the right.
  13. Follow National Cycle Network route 3 signs through Halberton.
  14. At the end of Crown Hill road continue left onto Lower Town.
  15. Then, at the end of the road turn right onto High Street.
  16. At the end of the village turn right and continue to follow this road.
  17. Rejoin the towpath at Battens Bridge.
  18. At the edge of Sampford Peverell leave the towpath onto Chains Road.
  19. Follow the road until it joins into Lower Town.
  20. Continue through the village.
  21. Turn right onto the access road to Tiverton Parkway station.

Take care to be aware of pedestrians along the Canal towpath.
Dismount and walk under bridges.

Grand Western Canal Circular

Tiverton & The Exe Valley

Whichever route you choose, please observe The Countryside Code.  Please park your car with consideration to residents and other road users and, most important of all, enjoy yourself and our lovely Mid Devon countryside.

The Countryside Code:

  • Respect other people and enjoy the outdoors and the communities you visit.
  • Leave gates and property as you find them.
  • Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.
  • Keep dogs under effective control.
  • Plan ahead and be prepared and use pathways unless wider accesses are available.
  • Follow advice and local signage.
  • For the full Countryside Code, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code

Mid Devon District Council at Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, EX16 6PP (“we”, “us” or “our”) operate the website www.visitmiddevon.co.uk (our “Website“).

We provide information for users of the Website (“you” or “your“), including written, diagrammatic and photographic material, in relation to walking and cycling routes in Devon (the “Routes“). Whilst every effort is taken to ensure that the Routes are correct and accurate, we do not accept any responsibility for errors, omissions or other inaccuracies.

Details of the Routes may change for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, changes in the landscape, variances of rights of way, adverse weather conditions or livestock. We do not guarantee to monitor these and it is your responsibility to make appropriate enquiries to determine whether any such situations have affected the Routes and it is your responsibility to check for the suitability of a Route and for the existence of any hazards.

You are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing whilst using the Routes – it is essential that you are properly equipped and that you are using the Routes in conjunction with a map and compass. We may give an indication of the nature and difficulty of the Routes, however it remains entirely your responsibility to ensure that they are suitable and that you are fit and capable enough to undertake them.  Please remember that mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying a significant risk. It should only be undertaken with a full understanding of all inherent risks. The difficulty levels provided are only guides and must always be used in conjunction with the exercise of your own experience, intuition and careful judgment.

We will not be liable in any way for any direct, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way in connection with, the use of the Routes or participation in related activities. If you choose to rely on the Routes or participate in such activities, including walking the Routes, you do so entirely at your own risk.

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