Five of our favourite bike rides in Devon

Prefer pedal power to horse? Like feeling the wind in your barnet? Then you’ll love our guide to Devon’s bike rides! We’ve scoured the county to bring you five of our favourite cycle routes; with off-road jaunts and long-distance tarmacked trails, you’ll witness the picturesque Devonshire countryside like never before.

Drake’s Trail

Morning Sunshine by Tony Armstrong is licensed under CC 2.0

Skirting the western fringes of Dartmoor, Drake’s Trail offers attractive scenery and a stimulating mix of hills, heritage and wildlife. This 21-mile route traverses the backbone of Devon – from Plymouth on the south coast to Ilfracombe on the north – and provides a feasible day’s ride for amateurs or a useful training route for hardened pedal-fanatics. Points of interest along the trail include Gem Bridge, Grenofen Tunnel as well as the towns of Tavistock, Okehampton and Barnstaple.

Find out more about Drake’s Trail

Tarka Trail

Image by Ian Haskins is licensed under CC 2.0

For those not accustomed to filtering through traffic on two wheels, the Tarka Trail provides a great alternative. This is one of the UK’s longest traffic-free cycling routes, with over 30-miles of glorious, car-less trail to enjoy. The Tarka Trail traverses a stretch of disused Devonshire railway, making it flat, smooth and easy to navigate. Along the route, cyclists can enjoy views of the Taw Estuary, as well as stop-offs in Braunton, Chivenor and Bideford – a must for any bike-mad families in search of a safe and simple cycle route.

Find out more about the Tarka Trail

Princetown & Burrator

Image by John is licensed under CC 2.0

Do the untamed heaths of Dartmoor tantalise your inner nutter? Then swap the road bike for an MTB and explore this wild wonder on the Princetown & Burrator mountain bike trail. This 20km thrill-fest is graded intermediate to difficult, so be sure you’re comfortable with your bike and your abilities before setting out. Those brave enough will be rewarded with an exhilarating trip to the heart of Dartmoor, utilising gnarly bridleways and cobbled tracks to navigate this beautiful, desolate landscape.

Find out more about the Princetown & Burrator mountain bike trail

Stop Line Way

Devonshire Countryside by Michael Gwyther-Jones is licensed under CC 2.0

Tootle down Route 33 from Brean to Axminster and experience another side of Somerset & Devon. This route is known as the Stop Line Way, given that it follows the Taunton Stop Line – a World War II invasion defence built in 1940. The route runs from the Somerset coast in the North to Axminster in the South, and there are a number of places to pull over and admire the views. Thanks to its easy going trail, the Stop Line Way is sure to be a big hit among little bikers.

Find out more about the Stop Line Way

The Granite Way

Meldon Viaduct by Graham Tait is licensed under CC 2.0

18 miles of traffic-free pedalling await on The Granite Way. This fantastic, purpose-built cycleway forms part of Devon’s coast to coast network, and makes it easy for less-confident cyclists to see the scenic beauty of Dartmoor. For some, 18-miles may sound a lot, but with a number of attractions to stop-off at along the trail, The Granite Way is doable over a pleasant day’s ride. Take in the panoramic views atop the Meldon Viaduct; spot dragonflies and bluebells among the heath and woodland; or stop off at a country pub for liquid refreshments or a spot of delicious Devonshire fare.

Find out more about The Granite Way

Rent a cottage in Devon for a cycling holiday

Planning a pedal-powered getaway? Then look no further than our range of cyclist friendly holiday cottages. With around 1,500 cottages available for a cycling holiday, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for your trip. To find out more about our bike friendly holiday rentals, click here.

Image Credits: John Clarke – (CC BY-SA 2.0)