4 sublime cycling routes around North Devon
One of the best ways to truly experience what Devon has to offer visitors is to see it all on two wheels. A lovely cycle around is a great way to spend the day and the area is renowned for its unspoilt beauty, as well as its network of easily accessible cycle routes which provides you with the opportunity to explore it from your farm holidays Devon. All of the routes are accessible from our cottages although if you aren’t used to putting in the miles then you may want to drive with the bikes to the start of the route from our holiday cottages. So, if having a delightful cycle around the area on your bike is one of the things you are keen to enjoy on your holiday, then we have 4 sublime cycling routes around North Devon. Tarka Trail – Braunton to Barnstaple The Tarka Trail stretches over 32 miles and is easily accessible. The trail follows the journey of Tarka the Otter, made famous in Henry Williamson’s classic tale. The first stage is a nice, easy flat ride, so it’s perfect for the whole family. The route allows you to ride along the banks of the Taw and Torridge rivers which incorporates the wonderfully picturesque views across the estuary. Near the start of the route there’s also the amazing UNESCO Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve – a haven for birds, insects and rare flowers and well worth a visit if you’re in the area. If you are peckish or fancy a drink with some delightful views then you can stop at The Braunton Inn which has access from the trail and is a lovely family-friendly place to take a break. Tarka Trail – Barnstaple to Bideford The second stage of the Tarka Trail takes you the other side of the river, a 9 mile ride, from Barnstaple to Bideford. A perfect way to avoid the traffic which makes it a popular route for locals and visitors to the area as they use the trail to commute or to enjoy the surroundings. You can either continuing riding from Braunton or join the trail at Barnstaple railway station before you set off to take in the interesting sights of the sculptures and unmistakable views over the Taw estuary before getting to Fremington Quay. This is a great place to stop for refreshments or enjoy a picnic with a view. The next stop is the ever-popular village of Instow. We would certainly recommend making the short journey off the trail to visit Instow. There’s a lovely little stretch of beach that is used by dog walkers and families. And there are several superb pub serving local food and beverages if you’ve worked up a thirst or a bit of an appetite. Ilfracombe & Woolacombe Circular This ride takes you on a 15 mile scenic cycle on the former railway path from Ilfracombe to Willingcott as well as incorporating the National Trust coastal path beside the sea at the award-winning destination of Woolacombe. The remainder of the route treats you to traditional Devon lanes through quintessential villages full of charm. Starting off in Ilfracombe you take the ‘Devon Coast to Coast’ route where you’ll see the Landmark Theatre on your way out of the seaside town. You’ll need to overcome a couple of short climbs before joining the old railway path to Willingcott Cross. From Willingcott let the winding roads take you through the North Devon countryside until you reach Georgeham. A couple of country pubs make Georgeham an excellent place to take a breather and refuel with some delicious home-made food or a refreshing ale. The rest of the way from Georgeham to Woolacombe takes you through narrow country lanes until you arrive at a National Trust path which runs along beside the Sea. Here you can take in views over the 7th best beach in Europe- as you can imagine they are simply stunning and it’s the perfect place to get stuck into a picnic, if you are still hungry. NCN Route 277 – Exmoor National Park & Lynton The National Cycle Network’s Route 277 takes you through the Exmoor National Park and out to the coast at the popular holidaymaker’s destination of Lynton and Lynmouth. Certainly a more challenging ride than the other in the list but a magnificent one all the same. Beginning at the road between Hunters Inn and Martinhoe, this 13 mile route climbs then steep roads through Exmoor National Park and past Lee Abbey into Lynton. At the end of the 277 route you’ll arrive at the breath-taking destination of the Valley of the Rocks. The jagged cliffs and dramatic backdrop are a real treasure and you won’t be disappointed with the views.
