OF the 6,000 miles now making up the National Cycle Network, the 100 miles of the Devon Coast to Coast route are arguably the most spectacular and enjoyable.

the route takes you from the craggy cliffs and meandering estuaries of the north coast, through lush pictureseque pastures to the brooding yet beautiful Dartmoor, before descending once more to the bustling maritime heart of the south coast.

An increasing amount of the route benefits from traffic-free off-road cycling, frequently recycling disused railway tracks and replacing steam power with cycle power.

To help people of all abilities and experience enjoy this magestic cycle path comes a magnificent guide, full of pictures, original maps, direction tips and all manner of practical information.

The author provides important information without being verbose, giving the cyclist all the informatio necessary to not only complete, but also appreciate, this beautiful cycle trail.

There is a brief history of each major settlement along the route, as well as information on accommodation, cycle repair shops, hospitals, banks, and, perhaps most importantly, refreshment stops along the way.

There are contour profiles for each section of the way, along with options on short or long routes, allowing informed decisions depending on how adventurous one feels on the day.

The book is also a practical product in itself: the perfect size to slip into a rucksack, and with ringbinding allowing the cyclist to maintain his place without ruining the spine.

The book has been completely updated since its 1999 edition, to reflect the dramatic changes in the cycle trail itself within the last decade. With further changes still taking place along the route, the author points out the necessity of following route signs, instead of relying wholly on his directions.

Yet this book is not valuable primarily as a turn-by-turn guide to the route; more than that, it is an informative and helpful companion to a beautiful and enchanting journey.

'The Ultimate Devon Coast to Coast; by Richard Pearce is published by Excellent Books (ISBN 978-1901464238) and is available in bookshops priced £8.95.