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North Devon cycling

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Route to the Perfect Cycling Holiday in North Devon
3rd June 2019

Route to the Perfect Cycling Holiday in North Devon

By Graham on News, Uncategorised

It’s time to settle into the saddle, grind through the gears and pedal out some more of those favourite bicycle related clichés before we take you into the wonderful world of the North Devon cycling holiday!

So what does North Devon have to offer the cyclist? It’s easier to mention what it doesn’t, because the region has it all – from sportive quality road biking to off road mountain biking and pootling along a flat scenic track for casual all-the-family cycling. In short, if you’re looking for a cycling holiday this year, set the Garmin south westwards.

Road Cycling in North Devon

If you’re a serious cyclist on the road then you want hills and this is where the Carlton Hotel, located in Ilfracombe, sits in a strategic position at the bottom of a long and steep hill (the term combe comes from the old English word for steep valley). Challenging start (but a great finish!).

While there is great cycling to be had around the town, with some nice circular routes that take in coastal views and some more of those challenging hill climbs such as the infamous Challacombe hill which featured in last year’s Tour of Britain.

However, the real joys of North Devon road cycling can be achieved on the twists, turns and straights of Exmoor National Park which extends to the east of Ilfracombe. A hit with many a cyclist whose first experience of Exmoor cycling often comes with an instant dose of bike induced nirvana!

Sweeping views across the moors, dips down into wooded valleys, quaint villages to  roll into, with local ales and cream teas on offer (we’re not all trying to set land speed records) are all part of the Exmoor road bike experience.

As well as its proximity to Exmoor, Ilfracombe sits at the end of a 99 mile coast to coast ride across the length of Devon (taking in national cycle routes 27 and 3). From nearby Barnstaple, route 3 also runs from Barnstaple to Tiverton (the scenic route takes in Exmoor and the River Taw), which is 47 miles one way.

The Carlton provides a great base for those planning a North Devon cycling holiday – individual and group. We have free parking and a secure facility to keep those expensive road bikes safe while you unwind with good food from our bistro (including a healthy wellbeing option) and a massage treatment.

Mountain Biking in North Devon

Road bikes and the suck of all encompassing Lycra not for you? No problem! North Devon’s combination of country and coast makes for perfect mountain biking territory. The country lanes of Devon, fringed by their tall Devon banks, are plentiful and mostly quiet and along the way there are many bridleways that allow riders to navigate various off road terrains.

While many mountain bikers like to plot their own route, there are plenty of options for those who are looking for riding that’s a little more customised. Right on the edge of Ilfracombe we have Keypitt’s farm which has a choice of Blue to Black grade trails. Near Barnstaple you can also find Coxleigh Barton Equestrian Centre which has trails for mountain bikes that make the most of the ups and downs,  much through woodland, of this country estate with amazing views over the Taw estuary.

Family Cycling in North Devon

Every parent knows how much fun it is travelling on holiday with a car full of kids… A lot less fun than a family cycling adventure once you’ve arrived!  While North Devon is renowned for its hills, casual cyclists are not renowned for their love of them… which is why the flat length of Tarka Trail, running from Braunton  to Bideford (via Barnstaple) has established itself as a popular route.

Perfect  for a family cycling party that values checking out the scenery more than clocking up the miles in a saddle. Tracing the Taw river, the Tarka Trail follows the old railway line (hence, long, straight and flat!). Along the route there are plenty of cool and funky places to stop, refuel and rest including the excellent cake and brownie experts Bake and Brew and fresh seafood from  The Glorious Oyster.

The Tarka Trail is the perfect way to explore the region’s towns, especially with the tourist traffic that comes in school holidays. With bike hire available in Braunton and Barnstaple this is a great way to spend an afternoon, or even plot a day trip.

Remember how we said Ilfracombe starts and ends with a hill? Well there is an alternative, which allows even the most amateur cyclists escape the combe with barely a break of sweat as the old railway line (now a walking and cycling route) has an extremely low gradient.

So that ends our race through North Devon cycling holiday options. With its luxurious rooms, healthy dining, bar, gym and treatment facilities The Carlton Hotel makes for a wonderful base camp to explore Devon’s variety of cycling routes.

Contact the Carlton Hotel to book a cycling break here in beautiful North Devon and enjoy a little bit of luxury, contact us on 01271 862446 or email enquiries@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.

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Bikes, Boats and Boots – The best ways to discover North Devon
2nd March 2017

Bikes, Boats and Boots – The best ways to discover North Devon

By Eliot Wren on Local Area

For anyone that has been to the North Devon coast before I’m sure you’ll agree that this is one of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines in the South West. The ever-changing scenery is punctuated with rugged cliffs, secret sandy coves and wide expanses of golden sands.

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this North Devon section of the South West Coast Path covers 66 sq miles of protected coastline. It is home to a varied display of wildlife, insects and birds that change each season. This is definitely a place to bring your camera as the scenery and nature pose for breathtaking shots you’ll definitely not want to miss.


Bikes – Cycling in North Devon

Discover North Devon

One of the best ways to see North Devon is by grabbing a bike and taking to the Tarka Trail, 32 miles of off-road cycle path that follows the journey Tarka the Otter took in the book by Henry Williamson. The Tarka Trail forms part of the Devon ‘Coast to Coast’ cycle route and starts in Ilfracombe and finishes in Plymouth taking in many stunning sites along the way.

If you don’t have your own bike there plenty of places where you can hire a bike for the day (or more!) for a reasonable price.  This is a great way to see North Devon with the family as it’s  easy cycling and traffic-free.

Boats – Sea Safari in North Devon

There is nothing more exhilarating than whooshing around the coast on a sea safari in search of sea life such as seals, dolphins, porpoise or even whales!  The Rib Sea Safari is based in Ilfracombe and provides 1-4 hour trips around the North Devon Coastline and Lundy Island.

Discover North DevonBoots – Walking in North Devon

Donning your walking boots and taking to the coast path is a relaxing and peaceful way to taking in this spectacular coastline. From walking high on the cliff tops to rock-pooling on the beaches, the gentle pace allows for you to really take it all in. Between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe you will find treasures of the geological kind as you can forage for fossils and other rocks that hold stories and secrets of the past.

 

These are just three of our favourite ways to see this beautiful coastline and discover North Devon – we’d love to hear about yours. Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

 


If you would like to book a break and take this in for yourself, simply call 01271 862 446 or check availability and book here

 

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The Carlton Hotel, Runnacleave Road, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8AR

Tel: 01271 862446

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