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The best cycling spots in Devon

13th July 2018

Categories: Visitor News

The best cycling spots in Devon

We know how it is, when you go on holiday, you want to leave the car behind and who can blame you with all the beautiful countryside you can take in if on foot or two wheels. Devon is a great county to visit if you are into cycling, so here is the low down on some of the best places to explore by bike.

There are loads of cycling trails all over the region that the whole family can enjoy and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re staying active on your holiday. There are almost 150 miles of the National Cycle Network in Devon, so whether you’re looking for a coastal, country, moorland, straight or circular route, you’ll find it here. You won’t even need to worry about packing your bikes when you visit as many of the trails offer you the chance to hire everything you might need!

If you’re in the south of the county and have little ones with you, why not take on the Tamar Trail? You won’t even need to bring your own bikes as you can rent them from the Tamar Trails Centre, find them in Tavistock – you’ll even be able to get bikes suitable for younger children with tagalongs so they don’t have to miss out on the fun. This trail is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a World Heritage Site so you’ll have plenty to explore.

The Granite Way cycle route is an 11 mile stretch that can be modified for a number of abilities and is largely off road – heading along this route will give you the chance to take in the Devon coastline and you’ll be able to take in the beautiful sights through Dartmoor and Devon.

If you want a more lengthy ride, there is a cycle route taking you from Ilfracombe all the way through to Plymouth for you to challenge yourself with. The route takes place over several days and you really do get the chance to take in all that Devon has to offer. You’ll also enjoy the Tavistock Cycle Route, depending on how long you want to be out for, you have the choice between a longer and shorter route, both of them take you through glorious scenery including National Trust sites.

The more northern part of the region has the famous Tarka Trail, which is a must for keen cyclists. It runs in a 180 mile figure of eight taking you through landscape you’ll instantly recognise from reading Henry Williamson’s novel about Tarka the Otter. Taking this route will take you through Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe and more giving you plenty of opportunity to visit some of Devon’s most beautiful towns. Or you could take the Exe Estuary Trail, which is a 20 mile ride around the glorious River Exe estuary.

If cycling holidays in general are your thing, you’ll be in the right place Devon has a number of cycling holiday organisations to make sure you get the most out of your holiday, be sure to check out Devon Cycling Holidays and the Bike Guide Devon to find the best trails near you!

Dartmoor can be explored by bike too as part of their Cycle Way – so wherever you are in the county, you can find a trail to suit you! Be sure to take a look at our dedicated page, Cycling and Bike Hire in Devon, to find out more!