Bristol to Okehampton which roads to avoid?

EightOhEight

All feedback greatfully wanted.
808

random man

I toured the West Country in June and from Bristol rode down through Cheddar to Glastonbury then across the Quantocks and Exmoor to Barnstaple.
This was all on minor roads except the A39 from Lynmouth to Barnstaple but it wasn't busy. I carried on down the coast but you could pick out a route down to Okehampton from Barnstaple on minor roads, just depends how long you want to take.

whoof

From Exeter to Okehampton ride the old A30 to avoid the A30 dual carriage way.

From Exeter St davids station turn left and go approx 75 m and turn left across the level crossing onto Station Road and then left onto Exwick Road. Straight at the light onot Buddle lane and then right at the lights onto the B3212 Dunsford Road. Up the hill and down the other side and take 1st right ontp Tedburn road. This road will now run parallel to the A30 all the way to Okehampton.
Go through Tedburn St Mary, Cheriton Bishop and Stickle Path.

whoof

For the section from Bristol to Exeter.
Across the Clifton bridge, through Long Ashton left at the second mini round about, past the coroners court and follow the bike path towards Backwell. At the end of the path take a right and then left onto Backwell Common and then at the end of the road left up to the A370. Turn right and take the first right SP Clevedon. 1st left and the left again and follow the road toClaverham and then Yatton. Left to the A370 and then right and first left onto B3133 at CongresburyThrogh Congesbury and on the LHcorner take a right onto Brinsea Batch then head for Churchill and Right to Sandford. Cross the A38 and head for Windscombe the big hill through Barton and Webbington. The right to Loxton and then head south throught the lanes.

At Wellington go over the hill by the monument and head for Cullmstock, Uffculm and Willand, Cullumpton. Down the B3181 to Budlake and then cross (keeping Killerton to your right) to Huxham and then Stoke Cannon on the A396. Follow this into Exeter and St Davids Stn and then the route as above to okehampton.

whoof

Sorry did this from memory. if you do the Bristol to Exter bit you get to the level crossing before you get to the station and therefore will turn right across the crossing.

andymiller

Another option from Bristol would be the railway bath from by Bristol Temple Meads, then follow the NCN routes down via Chew Magna and then Cheddar (but go down the hill into the Gorge). Then on to Wells and Glastonbury etc. Excellent signposting. Quiet roads. Lovely villages. Cider.

briantrumpet

Agreed that the old A30 fro Exeter to Okey is a superb road - good surfaces, quiet, and great views.

I did Exeter to Bristol in the summer and simply did Exeter to Lower Langford by the A38, and then cut through to Congresbury to get to Bristol via the A370 (diverting via Long Ashton to avoid the long fast bit as you approach Bristol). Not too bad for traffic, and the road's wide enough for people overtaking to give you plenty of room - which they all did. If you're looking to keep up a good pace and are used to riding main roads, it's a good route, and not hilly.