The best cycling routes around Bideford

There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Bideford, offering a variety of experiences. These include 8 easy routes, 13 moderate routes, and 13 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Bideford offers diverse landscapes for touring cyclists. You'll encounter the picturesque River Torridge estuary, which widens into Bideford Bay, and the wider North Devon Coast National Landscape. Many routes follow disused railway lines, providing gentle gradients and views over rivers and valleys. The area features dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy bays, wooded combes, and river estuaries. You can also explore the tranquil Bideford Bay and the rugged Hartland promontory.

Yes, Bideford is excellent for family-friendly cycling, particularly along the traffic-free Tarka Trail. Routes like the Bideford Bridge – Instow Signal Box loop from Bideford are easy, following the River Torridge with gentle gradients. The Tarka Trail itself, especially the 31-mile section between Braunton and Meeth, is mostly tarmacked and level, making it ideal for cyclists of all abilities, including families.

Yes, several circular routes are available. For instance, the Bideford Bridge loop from Bideford is an 11.3-mile route that takes you through varied countryside along the River Torridge. Another option is the River Taw – Fremington Quay Café loop from Bideford, a moderate 18.4-mile trail offering estuary views.

The terrain around Bideford is varied. Many routes, especially those on the Tarka Trail, utilize former railway lines, offering mostly flat, traffic-free, and often tarmacked surfaces with gentle gradients. However, for those seeking more challenge, there are routes with significant elevation gains and more varied surfaces, particularly as you venture away from the main trails and towards areas like Exmoor National Park.

Bideford offers convenient bike hire services. For example, Tidal & Trail is located on the banks of the river with direct access to the Tarka Trail. These services typically provide a range of bikes, including hybrids, tandems, trailers, and child seats, to suit different needs.

Yes, you'll find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants along the Tarka Trail and within Bideford itself. Fremington Quay, a former port now part of the Tarka Trail, features a cafe with panoramic views of the River Taw, making it a popular refreshment stop.

While cycling, you can discover several interesting points. The River Torridge itself is a prominent feature. You might also pass by the Beam Aqueduct, a historical site. For scenic views, consider highlights like Kipling Tors or the View of Westward Ho! Coast. The Tarka Trail itself is a major attraction, with sections like Fremington to Barnstaple and Instow to Fremington offering unique sights.

The Tarka Trail is exceptionally suitable for touring cyclists, especially the 31-mile traffic-free section between Braunton and Meeth. This part is mostly level and tarmacked, built on disused railway lines. Cycling the entire 31-mile traffic-free section can take a few hours, depending on your pace and stops. For example, the Bideford Bridge – Instow Signal Box loop from Bideford, which uses a portion of the Tarka Trail, is 7.5 miles and typically takes around 45 minutes.

Bideford is a great cycling destination for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Summer provides longer daylight hours, though trails can be busier. The traffic-free nature of many routes, like the Tarka Trail, makes them enjoyable even in cooler or slightly wetter conditions, as they are well-maintained.

Yes, Bideford is well-equipped for cyclists arriving by car or public transport. There are parking facilities in Bideford itself, often with easy access to the Tarka Trail. The town is also connected by public transport, making it a convenient starting point for many routes. For more detailed information on parking and public transport options, you may consult local council websites or tourist information centers.

The touring cycling routes around Bideford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 15 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region for its extensive traffic-free trails, varied landscapes, and the scenic views along the River Torridge and estuary.

While many routes are gentle, Bideford also serves as a base for more challenging rides. For instance, the Bideford Bridge – River Torridge loop from Abbotsham is a difficult 29.7-mile route with significant elevation gain. For even longer and more strenuous rides, Exmoor National Park is a short drive away, offering open moorland and challenging hills that can be incorporated into extended touring routes.