Dover to St Austell — National Cycle Network Route 2

National Cycle Network Route 2 (NCN 2) offers a captivating coastal adventure, unveiling a diverse and picturesque landscape along the southern shores of England. Prepare to traverse cliff-top paths, encounter charming villages, bask on sandy beaches, explore naval cities and discover two national parks.

Starting in Dover, the route heads west and concludes in the Cornish town of St Austell. I’ve split the 420-mile (680 km) adventure into nine stages, which end in towns or cities with a wide choice of accommodation. In each Tour description, I’ve also suggested a campsite option should you choose to bring a tent.

Each stage of NCN 2 takes you through villages, towns and even cities, ensuring that you’ll have ample options for pubs, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets. Additionally, you’ll never be too far from a bike shop, should your bike require any maintenance or repairs. These factors make Route 2 an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a multi-day touring experience without the concern of being in remote or isolated landscapes.

The majority of the route (90%) follows paved surfaces, and just over a third is traffic-free. The first half is on mostly flat terrain, while the latter stages take on challenging climbs and thrilling descents. With punchy hills and an average daily distance of 47 miles (75 km), it’s advisable to have some multi-day cycling experience. However, with the full route available, you have the flexibility to tailor it to your preferences if you prefer a more relaxed pace. For this adventure, a comfortable hybrid, touring or gravel bike would be most suitable, although a road bike can suffice if you don't mind occasionally walking the rougher off-road sections.

You can undertake this trip all year round, but bear in mind that the south coast seaside towns are likely to be very busy in the height of summer. Most of the campsites will be closed during the winter months, and the short cold days could be challenging. I completed this journey in June, and enjoyed the long hours of daylight and warm sea. Avoiding the school holidays meant that most beaches were relatively quiet and accommodation was readily available.

Some parts of Route 2 are still in development, with gaps between Dawlish and Totnes, and Plymouth and St Austell. For these sections, I’ve included a direct route following mostly quiet lanes. The Route 2 start and end points are in well-connected towns with train stations, and most of the route is never far from a rail service.

Get ready to embark on a coastal adventure with swimwear in tow, as this route remains close to the shoreline throughout. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning Jurassic Coast, explore the diverse landscapes of the New Forest National Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Brighton, Bournemouth and Plymouth. Experience the beauty of river trails along the Exe Estuary and River Dart, and discover the charm of quaint Cornish harbour villages. You’ll be amazed by the incredible variety that awaits on this unforgettable south coast adventure.