Cycling Around Cornwall and Devon

If you love the fresh air and fancy taking in some of our beautiful countryside, why not try cycling? There are some beautiful and easy rides, so round up the kids, pack a picnic, get on your bike and follow the Camel and Tarka trails.

The Camel Trail in North Cornwall

The Camel Trail wends its ways through some of England's most beautiful and relatively unknown coastal scenery and countryside. There are 11 miles of disused railway beside the River Camel that have been converted from the rail track bed to trail way, thus linking the towns of Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin. An offshoot of the trail follows the river through North Cornwall's rugged moorland village landscapes and idyllic wooded valleys, towards the picturesque market town of Camelford. The hub of the Camel Trail can be found at Wadebridge and from here poses two possibilities:

• One is to head west and follow the trail to Padstow. Just over five miles of cycle trail are waiting to be discovered. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in England, with stunning views out over the Camel estuary, complimented with little tributaries that disappear into the heart of the fabulous north Cornwall countryside, as well as revealing little inland coves and beaches at low tide.
• The other option is to head inland, east towards the town of Bodmin, with equally inspirational surroundings and various interesting diversions along the way.

In either direction you will enjoy a myriad of sights to inspire the mind as well as the benefits of a healthy excursion. The Camel Trail is virtually level all the way due to it being laid on the old railway track. Although not quite a road surface, the Camel Trail is mostly smooth and provides safe and easy access to unspoilt countryside for those folk unable to use our undulating inland and coastal paths.

The Tarka Trail

Over 180 miles in length, the Tarka Trail takes a looping route through North and Mid Devon; from the rugged Atlantic Coast, the estuaries of both the Rivers Taw and Torridge  of Tarka the Otter fame,  through rural Devon Countryside onto the northern Slopes of Dartmoor, and the source of the River Taw.

The Trail between Barnstaple, down the Taw, upriver to Bideford, following the River Torridge to Torrington, takes the route of a disused railway line and is particularly suited for both cyclists and walkers.

Following the South West Coast Path, along the North Devon Coast, it takes in Baggy Point, Mortehoe and Lynmouth, then up Contisbury Hill to Exmoor, the legendary Lorna Doone Country.

Although the stretches of Trail from Bideford to Barnstaple are the most well-used by cyclists, a cycle ride from Bideford to Torrington and on towards Meeth is equally delightful. This takes in Salt Marsh and the mellow North Devon countryside as the Trail heads inland along the floodplain of the Torridge, beloved by Henry Williamson, the author of Tarka the Otter after which the Trail is named.

A few miles out of Bideford is the Ironbridge, offering good views along the river, upstream to ancient oak woodlands of the west bank of the river,  as it makes a wide loop. Look out for the lime kiln just downriver of Ironbridge! The River Yeo joins the Torridge at Landcross, a small village the Trail passes in a short length of tunnel. Then, following first the east bank then the west bank of the river, the route gently climbs towards the former Torrington Station- now the Puffing Billy, a good place to stop for a break and bite to eat. At Beam the Trail crosses the River no less than 3 times in less than half a mile. To reach the Cavalier Town of Torrington high on the hill leave the Trail at the Station.

Beyond the Puffing Billy the Trail yet again crosses the Torridge, this time on a high level viaduct, offering good views along the River, before heading South west towards Meeth, passing Pencleave Woods and Watergate Halt. This is unspoilt Devon countryside at its best. The Trail reaches a summit on Stowford Moor as it approaches the ball clay works at Merton and Meeth. Beyond Meeth the Trail follows footpaths and quiet country lanes to Hatherleigh, then quieter country lanes hence to Jacobstowe and Okehampton.