The best cycling routes around Chittlehampton

There are over 130 touring cycling routes available around Chittlehampton, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

Chittlehampton's unique appeal for touring cyclists lies in its strategic location within North Devon, providing access to diverse landscapes. You can explore rolling hills, tranquil river valleys, and extensive traffic-free networks like the Tarka Trail, which follows a disused railway line. The area offers a rich blend of countryside, wooded sections, and routes leading towards moorland and coastal areas, all within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The touring cycling routes around Chittlehampton offer a mix of difficulties. While there are 17 easy routes and 39 moderate routes, the majority, around 76 routes, are considered difficult. This means you can find options ranging from gentle rides to more challenging excursions with varied elevation changes.

Yes, the area offers several easy and family-friendly options. A significant portion of the Tarka Trail, particularly the 31-mile stretch between Braunton and Meeth, is entirely car-free, level, and mostly tarmacked, making it ideal for families and less experienced cyclists. This trail is also part of the National Cycle Network's Route 27.

While cycling near Chittlehampton, you can encounter several notable natural features and landmarks. The routes often follow the beautiful River Taw, which flows from Dartmoor to the Atlantic. You might also spot the historic Barnstaple Clock Tower and the impressive Chelfham Viaduct. The Taw Estuary is also known for birdwatching, offering scenic stops along your ride.

Yes, the most prominent traffic-free path is the Tarka Trail, an extensive network of footpaths and cycle paths. A 31-mile section between Braunton and Meeth is entirely car-free, level, and mostly tarmacked, following a disused railway line. This makes it perfect for a relaxed touring experience. You can find more information about the Tarka Trail on Visit Devon.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Chittlehampton are designed as loops. For example, the popular Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Chittlehampton is a 30.3-mile route exploring the Taw River valley. Another option is the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Rock Park Recreation Ground loop from South Molton, a more challenging 35.6-mile path offering views of the North Devon countryside.

The best time of year for touring cycling in Chittlehampton is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions. The lush green countryside is at its most vibrant, and the longer daylight hours allow for extended exploration.

While Chittlehampton itself is a village, the wider North Devon area, including towns like Barnstaple, offers better public transport links. Some sections of the Tarka Trail are accessible via train stations, allowing for combined cycling and public transport trips. It's advisable to check local bus and train schedules for specific routes and bike carriage policies.

The touring cycling experience around Chittlehampton is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from rolling hills to river valleys, and the access to traffic-free paths like the Tarka Trail. The scenic beauty of North Devon and the variety of routes for different abilities are frequently highlighted.

Yes, Chittlehampton provides access to significant long-distance routes. The Tarka Trail forms a 180-mile figure-of-eight loop across North Devon. Additionally, the Devon Coast to Coast route, a 99-mile path largely utilizing former railway lines, links Ilfracombe on the north coast with Plymouth on the south, passing through breathtaking landscapes.

For more general information about cycling in the wider North Devon area, you can visit the North Devon Council website or the Visit Devon website, which offer details on various routes and cycling opportunities in the region.