The best cycling routes around Barnstaple

Barnstaple offers a range of touring cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. While there are 10 easy routes and 22 moderate routes, the majority, 42 out of 74, are classified as difficult. This means cyclists can find everything from gentle, traffic-free paths to more challenging rides with significant elevation changes, especially when venturing towards areas like Exmoor.

Yes, Barnstaple is excellent for family cycling, particularly along the Tarka Trail. A significant portion of this trail, especially the 32-mile section between Braunton and Meeth, follows a disused railway line, making it largely traffic-free and ideal for easy-going, family-friendly cycling. Sections like the River Taw – Fremington Quay loop from Pilton are rated as easy and suitable for beginners.

Cycling around Barnstaple offers diverse natural scenery. You'll encounter the tranquil Taw-Torridge Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its mudflats and sandbanks, providing crucial feeding grounds for birds. The Tarka Trail also runs alongside this estuary, offering views of sand dunes, saltmarsh, and woodland. Further afield, you can experience the impressive sand dune systems of Braunton Burrows, and the region's proximity to the North Devon coastline and Exmoor National Park means dramatic sea cliffs and rugged moorland are also accessible.

Parking is available at various points along the Tarka Trail. In Barnstaple itself, there are car parks that provide convenient access to the trail. For specific locations, it's advisable to check local council websites or mapping services for detailed parking information near your chosen starting point.

Yes, Barnstaple has good public transport links. The town has a rail link, and the Tarka Line offers scenic views on the way into town, connecting you to the heart of the cycling network. Many sections of the Tarka Trail are also accessible by local bus services, making it possible to plan one-way rides or reach specific starting points without a car.

The best time for touring cycling in Barnstaple is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions. The Tarka Trail is accessible year-round, but winter months can bring wetter conditions, which might affect some unpaved sections and make coastal routes more exposed to wind.

Yes, bike hire is readily available in the area. For instance, Otter Cycle Hire in Braunton is conveniently located near the Tarka Trail, offering a good option for those who don't bring their own bikes. Several other local businesses in Barnstaple and along the trail also provide cycle rental services.

Yes, there are several circular routes available for touring cyclists. For example, the River Taw – Tarka Trail loop from Barnstaple offers a moderate 49.4 km (30.7 miles) ride that brings you back to your starting point. Many sections of the Tarka Trail can also be combined with local roads to create custom circular journeys.

Along the cycling routes, especially the Tarka Trail, you can discover several interesting landmarks and natural attractions. You might pass by Tarka Trail: Fremington to Barnstaple and Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington, offering scenic views. Other notable spots include Velator Quay, the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve, and the historic Barnstaple Clock Tower in the town center.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 160 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the tranquil estuary views to the extensive traffic-free sections of the Tarka Trail. The accessibility for various skill levels and the opportunity to explore both coastal and inland scenery are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Yes, Barnstaple serves as an excellent starting point for longer touring cycling adventures. The Tarka Trail itself forms a 180-mile figure-of-eight route, and it also forms part of the longer Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route. For a significant ride, consider the North Devon Cycle Route, which is 67.6 km (42 miles) and takes you through varied landscapes.

The Tarka Trail is largely traffic-free and follows a disused railway line for much of its length, meaning it generally offers a relatively flat and smooth surface, suitable for hybrid or touring bikes. Around Braunton Burrows, while parts of the Tarka Trail are accessible, the Burrows themselves are a significant sand dune system. If you venture off the main trail into the Burrows, you might encounter sandier, more challenging terrain that would be better suited for mountain bikes or fat bikes.

Many sections of the Tarka Trail are dog-friendly, making it a great option for cycling with your canine companion. It's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas where wildlife is present or near livestock, and to be mindful of other trail users. Always carry water for your dog and be prepared to clean up after them.

Yes, the Tarka Trail passes through or near several towns and villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and other eateries. Places like Instow, Fremington, and Braunton offer various options for refreshments and meals, making it easy to plan stops during your ride. Many establishments are cycle-friendly, welcoming riders.