The best cycling routes around Great Torrington

There are over 80 touring cycling routes around Great Torrington, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. These include 18 easy routes, 33 moderate routes, and 31 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

The Tarka Trail is a major highlight for touring cyclists in Great Torrington. A significant 32-mile (52 km) section, from Braunton to Meeth, is entirely traffic-free, following a disused railway line. This makes it flat, well-surfaced, and ideal for easy cycling through estuary sides and wooded valleys. It's particularly suitable for families and less experienced cyclists. The trail frequently crosses the River Torridge, offering beautiful riverside views.

Yes, the traffic-free sections of the Tarka Trail are excellent for family cycling, offering easy, flat, and surfaced paths. For a specific moderate route, consider the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Great Torrington, which is 15.2 miles (24.4 km) and follows the scenic river and Tarka Trail.

Great Torrington is set in North Devon's 'Tarka Country,' offering rolling hills and the winding River Torridge. You'll encounter the extensive 365-acre Torrington Commons, featuring diverse landscapes from flower-rich meadows and ancient woods to wet woodlands. The River Torridge valley is a prominent feature, with paths along its banks and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including kingfishers.

Yes, Great Torrington offers several circular routes. A popular moderate option is the Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Great Torrington, which is 15.7 miles (25.2 km) and takes you along the Tarka Trail and past local landmarks. For a more challenging ride, the Beam Aqueduct – River Torridge loop from Great Torrington is a difficult 28.3 miles (45.5 km) route with varied terrain.

Along the routes, especially on the Tarka Trail, you can encounter several points of interest. The Beam Aqueduct is a notable historical site. You'll also find sections of the Tarka Trail itself, which is a highlight, and the Instow Station on the Tarka Trail. The old Torrington railway station, now housing the 'Puffing Billy' pub and café, is also conveniently located on the trail.

The Tarka Trail is generally dog-friendly, as it's a multi-use path. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas where you might encounter other cyclists, walkers, or wildlife, and to ensure you clean up after your pet.

Parking is available in Great Torrington. For routes utilizing the Tarka Trail, you can often find parking near the old Torrington railway station, which is a convenient access point to the trail and also hosts the 'Puffing Billy' pub and café.

Yes, the old Torrington railway station, located directly on the Tarka Trail, houses the 'Puffing Billy' pub, restaurant, and café, making it a convenient stop for refreshments. Other establishments can be found in Great Torrington town centre and potentially in villages along longer routes.

The touring cycling routes around Great Torrington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists often praise the accessible, traffic-free sections of the Tarka Trail, the scenic River Torridge valley, and the diverse landscapes of the Torrington Commons.

The region's natural beauty can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for cycling through flower-rich meadows and along the river. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet rides, though some paths might be wetter. The Tarka Trail's surfaced nature makes it accessible in most conditions.

Yes, cycle hire is available near the old Torrington railway station, which is conveniently located on the Tarka Trail. This makes it easy to access the routes even if you don't bring your own bike.