The best traffic-free bike rides around Ilfracombe

There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Ilfracombe featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for road cyclists. Most of these routes are rated as moderate or difficult, providing a good challenge.

Yes, for a more relaxed ride, sections of the Tarka Trail are largely flat and traffic-free, making them ideal for families and beginners. The 5-mile route from Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path also follows a disused railway line and is mostly away from traffic, offering a shorter, family-friendly option.

The routes around Ilfracombe offer varied terrain. While some sections, like parts of the Tarka Trail, are well-maintained and accessible, others may combine tarmacked paths with narrow lanes and include challenging climbs, reflecting the dramatic coastal and hilly landscape of North Devon.

Yes, there are several circular routes designed for road cyclists. For example, the Roadbike loop from Ilfracombe offers a moderate 24 km ride, and the View of Putsborough Beach loop from Borough Farm is a 19 km option with scenic views.

Many routes offer stunning coastal vistas. You might pass by Baggy Point, known for its dramatic cliffs, or enjoy views of Combesgate Beach and Barricane Beach. The Hillsborough Nature Reserve, known as "The Sleeping Elephant," also offers panoramic views of Ilfracombe and the coastline. You can explore these and other highlights in the Attractions around Ilfracombe guide.

Ilfracombe and the surrounding area are cyclist-friendly. Establishments like The Bar on The Quay and Adele's Café offer refreshments, and local pubs such as The Ship & Pilot and The Sandpiper Inn welcome cyclists, often providing secure bike storage and hearty meals.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for road cycling in Ilfracombe, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the dramatic coastal scenery can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn and winter rides offering a different, often more rugged, beauty.

Ilfracombe is a starting point for several major cycling routes, including the Devon Coast to Coast. Local bus services connect Ilfracombe with other towns in North Devon, some of which may accommodate bikes, though it's always best to check with the operator in advance. The Tarka Trail also has sections accessible from various points along its length, some of which are near train stations.

Ilfracombe offers various public car parks where you can park your vehicle before starting your ride. Specific parking availability can vary by route starting point, so it's advisable to check local parking information for your chosen route's trailhead.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the variety of challenging climbs and more relaxed traffic-free sections, and the overall sense of adventure offered by the dramatic North Devon landscape.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, routes like the Mortehoe Hill Climb – View of Putsborough Beach loop from Lee, covering 26 km with over 450 meters of elevation gain, are rated as difficult. The region's dramatic coastline naturally leads to significant ascents and descents.