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Gem Bridge – Meldon Viaduct loop from St Budeaux Victoria Road

Gem Bridge – Meldon Viaduct loop from St Budeaux Victoria Road

Hard

3.7

(3)

211

riders

Gem Bridge – Meldon Viaduct loop from St Budeaux Victoria Road

05:20

100km

1,330m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 19.8 km for 748 m

After 20.7 km for 883 m

After 23.1 km for 583 m

After 45.2 km for 233 m

After 54.4 km for 233 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

20.3 km

Viewpoint

21.7 km

Gem Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Gem Bridge towers 78 feet (24 m) above the River Walkham, affording wonderful views over the valley below. Until 1965, the original Walkham Viaduct would have stood here. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was demolished after the closure of the railway.

It's a wonderful experience to cycle over the bridge, especially in autumn when the trees are painted red.

Tip by

22.0 km

Grenofen Tunnel on Drake's Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A network of 21 miles (33 km) cycling and hiking paths, Drake's Trail leads from Tavistock to Plymouth. The Trail passes through quaint countryside, river valleys, peaceful woodland, and vast open moorland. The historic route also includes iconic engineering feats like the Grenofen Tunnel and Gem Bridge. A traffic-free trail, the path is suitable for most types of bikes, although some sections are gravel and slippery in the rain.

Tip by

27.3 km

Abbey Bridge and Weir

Highlight • Historical Site

This gorgeous 18th-century bridge is one of several in the heart of Tavistock but is perhaps the prettiest. The River Tavy rushes underneath to pass down the weir, creating a series of little waterfalls in lush surroundings.

The bridge features both on the Dartmoor Way cycle route and National Cycle Network Route 27.

Tip by

49.9 km

Meldon Viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

Constructed from iron, the Meldon Viaduct was built in 1874 to carry rail passengeacross the West Okement River. The viaduct was in operation until the 1990s.

Today, the viaduct forms part of the Granite Way, a long-distance cycle path in Dartmoor. It's well-surfaced so perfect for families and children. There are no hills either! The Viaduct is one of only two such railway bridges still surviving in the UK.

Tip by

60.2 km

Lydford Castle and Saxon Town

Highlight • Historical Site

Lydford is a pretty little village on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and hides, within its boundaries, several amazing features. One of these is its castle, of Norman origin that was rebuilt in the late 12th century with the tower being renovated in the 13th century.

Consistently used over the centuries and repeatedly overhauled, it eventually fell into disuse in the 19th century. Free to enter, you can enjoy its large, sloping lawn after you've had a nose about the tiny building. A perfect picnic spot, the castle sits in utter tranquillity.

Tip by

66.4 km