The best road cycling routes around Barnstaple

There are over 100 road cycling routes around Barnstaple, offering a wide range of experiences. You'll find everything from easy, flat paths to challenging climbs through varied landscapes.

Yes, Barnstaple is an excellent base for beginner and family-friendly road cycling. The Tarka Trail, a significant part of the National Cycle Network, offers a flat, traffic-free, and tarmacked route along a disused railway line, perfect for leisurely rides. There are also several other easy routes available.

Road cycling around Barnstaple offers incredibly diverse landscapes. You can enjoy tranquil rides along the River Taw estuary, explore the stunning coastal scenery and rolling hills of the North Devon National Landscape, or tackle the rugged terrain and open moorland of Exmoor National Park.

Many of the road cycling routes around Barnstaple are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, The Taw Valley loop from Barnstaple offers scenic riverside views on a moderate 41.8-mile ride.

Along the routes, you can encounter various interesting features. The Tarka Trail itself features old railway bridges and artworks. Within Barnstaple, you might pass the historic Barnstaple Clock Tower. Further afield, you can explore natural areas like the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve or historical sites such as Velator Quay.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes extending into Exmoor National Park, such as the Simonsbath loop from Barnstaple, offer significant elevation changes and rugged terrain. Coastal routes like the Ilfracombe & Woolacombe loop from Barnstaple also provide demanding climbs and descents with stunning sea views.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from flat, traffic-free paths to challenging coastal and moorland climbs, and the stunning natural beauty of the North Devon National Landscape and Exmoor.

Yes, many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find pubs, cafes, and shops. The Tarka Trail, in particular, has several stopping points along its length. Planning your route in advance can help you identify suitable refreshment stops.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Barnstaple, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the region's diverse routes mean that even in winter, you can find sheltered options, though some higher moorland routes might be more exposed.

Yes, many routes in the North Devon National Landscape provide spectacular coastal views. The Ilfracombe & Woolacombe loop from Barnstaple is a prime example, taking you along the dramatic coastline with breathtaking vistas.

Route lengths vary significantly to suit different preferences and fitness levels. You can find shorter, leisurely rides, but many popular routes range from 25 to 50 miles (40 to 80 km), often taking between 2.5 to 5 hours to complete, depending on the terrain and your pace.