The best cycling routes around Roborough

There are over 30 touring cycling routes available around Roborough, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, flat sections to more challenging paths.

The touring cycling routes around Roborough, particularly those utilizing the Tarka Trail, offer a rich tapestry of North Devon's landscapes. You can expect to cycle through scenic wooded valleys, along river banks such as the Taw and Torridge, and enjoy breathtaking views across estuaries. Some sections also provide glimpses of moorland and even dramatic coastal scenery as the wider Tarka Trail extends.

Yes, many sections are ideal for beginners and families. The Tarka Trail, which forms a significant part of the touring cycling network here, utilizes old disused railway lines. This means many sections, especially the 30 to 32-mile stretch between Braunton and Meeth, are traffic-free, flat, and mostly tarmacked, providing a very accessible and enjoyable riding experience for all abilities.

Yes, Roborough offers several excellent circular touring cycling routes. For example, you could try the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Great Torrington, which is a moderate 15.2-mile ride. Another popular option is the Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Great Torrington, covering 15.7 miles with various points of interest.

The touring cycling routes in Roborough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 1000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the well-maintained, generally flat paths and the beautiful, diverse scenery along the Tarka Trail.

While cycling around Roborough, you can discover several interesting points. Along the Tarka Trail, you might encounter historical features like old stone and iron railway bridges. Specific highlights include the Beam Aqueduct and the Puffing Billy Trading Co., which is often a popular stop. The trail also features sculptures and art installations by local artists.

Yes, the Tarka Trail, which many Roborough routes connect to, passes through towns and villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For instance, the Puffing Billy Trading Co. is a well-known stop. Towns like Barnstaple and Bideford, central hubs for the Tarka Trail, offer numerous options for refreshments and meals.

The Tarka Trail and surrounding routes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially wetter conditions, especially on unpaved sections, and shorter daylight hours.

While Roborough itself is a village, its proximity to the Tarka Trail means that cycle hire shops are readily available in larger towns along the trail. You can find various cycle hire options in towns such as Braunton, Barnstaple, and Bideford, making it convenient to access the routes even if you don't bring your own bike.

Yes, the Tarka Trail itself is a significant long-distance route, offering 180 miles of footpaths and cycleways. The traffic-free section alone is 30-32 miles. It also incorporates parts of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route and National Cycle Network Routes 3 and 27, allowing for extensive touring cycling adventures beyond Roborough.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Roborough, especially those on the Tarka Trail, are notably flat. This is because they utilize old disused railway lines, which were designed for minimal gradients. While some routes may have gentle inclines or descents, the overall experience is generally level and easy, making it accessible for a wide range of cyclists.