The best road cycling routes around Instow

Road cycling around Instow is characterized by its access to the Tarka Trail, a disused railway line that provides flat, traffic-free paths along the Taw and Torridge estuaries. This allows for scenic rides with views across the water towards Braunton Burrows and Appledore, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

Yes, Instow is an excellent area for families and beginners. The Tarka Trail, which runs through Instow, is largely flat and entirely traffic-free, making it very safe and accessible. Routes like The Boathouse at Instow loop from Eastacombe are rated as easy and offer scenic views along the estuary.

Many routes offer views of the beautiful Taw and Torridge estuaries. You can also pass by historical sites like Beam Aqueduct and various quays such as Velator Quay. The Tarka Trail: Fremington to Barnstaple section offers opportunities to see the historic Fremington Quay.

While many routes are flat, there are options for more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. For example, the Bike Shed Bike Shop & Café – Victoria Park, Bideford loop from Instow is a difficult 48.7-mile path that extends south towards Bideford, covering diverse countryside and connecting to other towns, offering significant elevation changes.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. For instance, The Boathouse at Instow loop from Eastacombe is an easy circular route that provides scenic estuary views. Another option is View of Instow – Appledore Village loop from Northam, which offers moderate difficulty.

The Tarka Trail and surrounding routes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. The estuary views are particularly vibrant during these seasons.

Yes, the Tarka Trail and nearby villages offer numerous opportunities for refreshment. Fremington Quay, for example, features a welcoming café. Instow itself has various pubs, cafes, and shops, and the route Fremington Quay Café – River Taw loop from Fremington specifically highlights a popular stop.

The komoot community highly rates the routes around Instow, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the flat, traffic-free nature of the Tarka Trail, the stunning estuary views, and the charming villages like Instow and Appledore that offer convenient refreshment stops.

Instow is well-connected, and the Tarka Trail is accessible from various points, including towns like Barnstaple and Bideford, which have public transport links. This allows cyclists to start or end their rides at different locations along the trail.

While the Tarka Trail is well-known, exploring the sections that branch off towards smaller villages or offer unique perspectives of the estuary can feel like a hidden gem. The route River Taw – Fremington Quay Café loop from Instow, though challenging, offers extensive views of the River Taw and its surroundings, providing a deeper immersion into the local landscape.

The length of road cycling trails around Instow varies significantly. You can find shorter, easy loops like The Boathouse at Instow loop from Eastacombe, which is about 14.6 miles (23.5 km). For longer rides, options like Bike Shed Bike Shop & Café – Victoria Park, Bideford loop from Instow extend to 48.7 miles (78.4 km), offering diverse distances for all preferences.