The best traffic-free bike rides around Torridge

Currently, there are 3 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails featured in this guide for the Torridge area. These routes are all rated as moderate difficulty, offering a good challenge for most riders.

Torridge offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking. You can expect a mix of surfaces, from the well-maintained paths of the Tarka Trail to sections that wind through ancient woodlands and along river valleys. The region's transition from coastal cliffs to inland countryside provides varied terrain, ensuring an engaging ride without vehicle traffic.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate, the Tarka Trail, which forms part of many routes in the area, is generally very family-friendly. It's a traffic-free path connecting Meeth to Braunton, offering spectacular views and refreshment stops. For younger families, consider shorter sections of the Tarka Trail that are flatter and less demanding.

Many parts of the Tarka Trail, which is central to gravel biking in Torridge, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a lead. However, it's always best to check specific signage along your chosen route for any local restrictions, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock.

Torridge is rich in natural beauty. On your rides, you might encounter stunning coastal views, such as those near Kipling Tors, or the dramatic Blackchurch Rock at Mouthmill Beach. The River Torridge itself is a prominent feature, and you could even spot the impressive Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall. The entire area falls within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, ensuring picturesque surroundings.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are circular, designed to bring you back to your starting point. For example, the Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Great Torrington offers a substantial circular ride, allowing you to explore the area without retracing your steps.

Parking is generally available at key access points along the Tarka Trail and in towns like Great Torrington or Barnstaple, which serve as starting points for many routes. For instance, the Barnstaple Clock Tower loop starts from a town with various parking options. Always check local signage for parking fees and restrictions.

The spring and autumn months often provide the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Torridge, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be excellent, but trails may be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially on unpaved sections, and shorter daylight hours.

Yes, the Tarka Trail, a significant part of the region's gravel network, is known for having numerous refreshment stops. You'll find cafes and pubs in the charming towns and villages along the way, such as Great Torrington, Appledore, and Bideford, perfect for a break. The Barnstaple Clock Tower loop specifically mentions a bike shop and café as part of its starting point.

Beyond the trails, Torridge offers charming towns like Clovelly, known for its unique cobbled streets, and Great Torrington with its rich history. You could also visit RHS Garden Rosemoor for a horticultural experience or explore the wider North Devon Natural Landscape (AONB) for more outdoor activities like surfing or wild swimming. For more information on the region's towns and villages, you can visit visitdevon.co.uk.

The duration varies depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop is approximately 40.5 km and can take around 2 hours and 20 minutes of riding time. The Steep Overgrown Woodland Path loop is shorter at about 20.9 km, taking around 1 hour and 25 minutes. These are riding times and do not include stops for breaks or sightseeing.