The best traffic-free bike rides around Barnstaple

There are over 30 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around Barnstaple listed on komoot. These range from easy, flat estuary rides to more challenging loops exploring the surrounding countryside.

Yes, the Taw Estuary – Waterside Coffee House loop from Barnstaple is an excellent option. It's a moderate 27.5 km route with minimal elevation gain, offering a taste of the largely traffic-free Tarka Trail along the River Taw estuary. The Tarka Trail itself is built on disused railway lines, making it mostly flat and ideal for all ages and abilities.

Many routes, including those utilizing the Tarka Trail, can be conveniently started directly from Barnstaple. Parking is available in various locations within the town, providing easy access to the trail network. For example, routes like the River Taw – Tarka Trail loop from Barnstaple begin and end in the town.

Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes around Barnstaple are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The River Taw – Tarka Trail loop from Barnstaple is a great example, offering a 76.5 km circular ride that incorporates sections of the Tarka Trail.

You can expect diverse scenery. Routes along the Tarka Trail offer wonderful, close-up views of the River Taw and River Torridge estuaries, passing through diverse wildlife habitats. More challenging routes, such as the Simonsbath loop from Barnstaple, venture towards Exmoor National Park, providing wide-open vistas, rolling moorlands, and wooded views.

Yes, routes often pass by or near places to stop for refreshments. For instance, the Taw Estuary – Waterside Coffee House loop from Barnstaple is named after a coffee house along the route. The Tarka Trail also features spots like Fremington Quay, which has a café, making it convenient for breaks.

Many routes offer points of interest. Along the Tarka Trail, you can see old stone and iron bridges from the original railway. Notable attractions include Velator Quay and the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve, which is excellent for birdwatching. In Barnstaple itself, you can spot the historic Barnstaple Clock Tower and the Barnstaple Long Bridge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the Tarka Trail, the scenic estuary views, and the accessibility of routes for various skill levels. The blend of flat, easy sections and more challenging climbs towards Exmoor is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. While many routes are easy, the proximity to Exmoor National Park offers more demanding options. The Simonsbath loop from Barnstaple is a difficult 76.9 km route with over 1200 meters of elevation gain, providing a significant challenge with rewarding views of the moorlands.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Barnstaple. The weather is milder, and the natural scenery is at its best. While some routes are accessible year-round, checking local weather forecasts is always recommended, especially for routes venturing into more exposed areas like Exmoor.

Yes, the Tarka Trail, which forms the backbone of many no traffic routes in the area, is part of the longer Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route and integrates with sections of the National Cycle Network, offering possibilities for extended tours beyond Barnstaple.