Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING AROUND
Devon and Cornwall are relatively compact destinations, with good concentrations of attractions and environments. The
vast majority of people (locals and visitors) drive - and then complain about the traffic. If you're planning to leave the cit-
ies and tour rural areas, the car is the quickest way to get around, but for trips to relatively compact or urban areas, public
transport might meet your needs.
The
Southwest Traveline
( 0871-200 22 33;
www.travelinesw.com
)
is a one-stop shop for all local bus, coach and
train timetables. Calls cost 10p per minute, plus network charges.
Air
Skybus
( 0845-710 5555;
www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
)
Run by Isles of Scilly Travel, the Skybus provides daily,
year-round flights to St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly from Newquay (adult/child £170/130, 30 minutes) and Land's End
(adult/child £140/110, 15 minutes) airports. Also offers daily Easter to October services from Exeter (adult/child £240/
190, 1 hour).
Lundy Helicopter
( 01271-863636;
www.lundyisland.co.uk
; adult/child return £105/55) A seasonal helicopter ser-
vice which only runs in the winter (late-October to late-March), linking North Devon's Lundy Island with nearby Hart-
land Point on the mainland.
Bicycle
The southwest has an appealing network of car-free or cyclist-friendly routes, with hundreds of miles of National Cycle
Network routes. For info and maps try the sustainable transport charity,
Sustrans
(
www.sustrans.org.uk
). We also outline
the pick of the West Country's cycle trails in Outdoor Activities.
The most enjoyable cycling weather tends to fall between spring and autumn. Because July and August are busy
months, May, June and September make attractive alternatives.
Some basic rules cover where you can cycle. Bicycles are banned from motorways, but are allowed on other public
roads. Pedaling Devon and Cornwall's 'A' roads, though, can be both dangerous and frightening; some of the busier 'B'
roads are also unappealing. Cyclists can use public bridleways but must give way to other users. Be aware that you can't
cycle on public footpaths, something that's a particular bone of contention on the southwest's moors and coast paths.
You can take a bike, for free, on all the national train companies in the southwest, but booking can be required and re-
strictions often apply at peak times.
Bike Hire
We specify bike-hire places throughout the guide. In general where there are well-used cycle paths, a good cycle-hire
shop is often nearby. Expect to pay around £12 for a half-day rental.
