Two Castles Trail - Okehampton to Launceston via Sourton, Stowford, Lewtrenchard and Lifton
Follow the Two Castles trail from Devon into Cornwall and enjoy beautiful countryside, woodland and downland. The route starts at Okehampton castle and heads east through Sourton, Stowford, Lewtrenchard and Lifton to Launceston, finishing near Launceston castle. The historic castle has a history dating back to the 11th century. Today the castle is owned by the duchy of Cornwall and operated by English Heritage as a tourist attraction. Much of the castle defences remain, including the motte, keep and high tower which overlook the castle's former deer park to the south.
Walk highlights include a lovely stretch along the West Okement river and through Okehampton Golf Course at the start, followed by a walk through Meldon Wood and past Meldon Reservoir.
Other highlights include a stretch through Borley Wood near Lewtrenchard and the Dingles Steam Village near Stowford.
Two Castles Trail Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Two Castles Trail Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Two Castles Trail OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Two Castles Trail Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the start/end in Okehampton The Fountain Inn is a good choice. The inn has a lovely terrace and riverside garden area where you can relax on warmer days. They serve a fine Sunday carvery with a cosy interior and two real fires. You can find them on Fore Street with a postcode of EX20 1AP. The town itself is also well worth exploring with highlights including the 15th century Chapel of St James and the medieval ruins of Okehampton Castle which is now run as a tourist attraction by English Heritage.
On the walk you could stop for refreshments at the Highwayman Inn for a great pub experience. The pub is considered England's most unusual inn with a marvellous interior and an interesting mix of ancient artifacts. It dates from the 11th-century and is also said to be haunted! The wonderful inn is located to the west of Meldon Reservoir at Sourton, postcode EX20 4HN.
In Lifton head to the Lifton Hall Hotel for some refreshments. It's an establishment of note being Grade II Listed with parts dating from the early 17th Century. The hotel includes a lovely outdoor seating area where you can enjoy afternoon tea on finer days. They also do high quality accommodation if you need to stay over. You can find the hotel on the New Road with a postcode of PL16 0DR.
The Fox and Grapes is also in Lifton and another fine option. It's a traditional country pub with dining rooms, two cosy fires and a nice large beer garden. There's a great menu and it's also dog friendly. You can find the pub on Station Road at postcode PL16 0AJ.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Launceston Castle. This old castle dominates the skyline of Launceston (the only walled town in Cornwall). George Fox, founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned here for 8 months in 1656.
Okehampton Castle
Stowford. A pretty corner of the hamlet, with thatched cottages and the church tower above the roofs.
Sourton Tors and the moor
Lewtrenchard Manor. Once a manor for Lewtrenchard's famous squarson - Sabine Baring-Gould.
Lifton: the river Lyd near Lifton Bridge. Below Lifton village, looking west
Elevation Profile
