The best road cycling routes around Braunton

There are over two dozen road cycling routes around Braunton, catering to various skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, flat rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains.

Braunton offers a diverse landscape for road cyclists. You can expect flat, off-road paths like sections of the Tarka Trail, quiet rural lanes, and routes that traverse coastal areas, river estuaries, and agricultural land. Some routes also feature significant elevation changes for more challenging rides.

Yes, Braunton is home to several easy and family-friendly options. The View of Saunton Sands – View of Croyde Beach loop from Braunton is an easy route, and the Tarka Trail, accessible from Braunton, is particularly suitable for families due to its flat, tarmacked, off-road nature.

For more advanced cyclists seeking climbs, routes like the Quay Café – Combe Martin Beach loop from Braunton offer nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain over 54.5 km. The region's extensive network includes routes with challenging ascents and open countryside.

Many routes offer stunning views. You can cycle past the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows, enjoy views of the North Devon coastline, or explore routes that provide glimpses of beaches like Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay. Specific highlights include Baggy Point and Morte Point, offering panoramic coastal vistas.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Braunton are designed as loops. For example, the popular Barnstaple Long Bridge – Bike Shed Bike Shop & Café loop from Saunton is a moderate circular route that follows the River Taw.

Absolutely. The Tarka Trail, which is easily accessible from Braunton, features numerous cafes along the way, especially when cycling towards Bideford via Barnstaple. Many routes also pass through villages and towns where you can find cycle-friendly cafes and pubs for refreshment stops.

The road cycling routes in Braunton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from flat river paths to challenging coastal climbs, and the beautiful scenery of the North Devon coast.

Braunton offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. The spring and summer months generally provide the most pleasant weather for exploring the coastal paths and rural lanes. However, the diverse landscape means there are always routes to enjoy, even outside peak season.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, routes like the Victoria Park, Bideford – Bideford Bridge loop from Braunton cover over 80 km, exploring the wider area towards Bideford with varied terrain and rural landscapes.

Braunton and its surrounding area are known for an extensive network of quiet, rural lanes, which are ideal for road cyclists seeking peaceful rides away from heavy traffic. The Tarka Trail also provides a completely off-road experience.

Yes, Braunton has local amenities including bike repair shops to assist with any maintenance or unexpected issues during your cycling adventures.

Beyond the routes themselves, you can explore the River Torridge, the expansive Braunton Marsh which is a haven for birdwatching, and the dramatic coastal features like Torrs Cliffs and Little Hangman.