There is a wide range of graded cycle routes in Tarka Country, with something to suit everyone, from the rather wobbly to the most experienced road or mountain biker. Off road routes away from busy traffic will appeal to families with young children, while there are longer on-road routes along quiet Devon lanes which wind their way through peaceful countryside and historic villages.

Map of cycle routes in Tarka Country

outes:

Tarka Trail:
Thirty two miles of the Tarka Trail are a cycle/walkway, following the old railway line from Braunton on the north Devon coast, to Petrockstow deep in the heart of Tarka Country. This part of the Trail offers easy, flat, traffic-free cycling suitable for all the family around the wide expanse of the Taw/Torridge Estuary, before following the River Torridge inland.

Mid Torridge Cycle Link: This linking route connects the Tarka Trail Cycle/walkway at Petrockstowe, with the Sticklepath Cycle Route as it passes through Hatherleigh on its way towards Dartmoor. Combined these routes provide a complete south-north route from Dartmoor to the North Devon Coast. This attractive route takes in the villages of Petrockstowe and Sheepwash with their traditional cob walled, thatched cottages.

Sticklepath Cycle Route:
This signposted circular route starts and finishes at the National Trust's Finch Foundry at Sticklepath near Okehampton. It follows quiet country lanes, taking in delightful villages and passing many places of historic interest, all set against a backdrop of spectacular panoramic views of Dartmoor.

Holsworthy-Black Torrington Cycle Route:
This ride passes through quiet hamlets connected by deep Devon lanes with fascinating churches dating back to the 13th century.

Eggesford Forest:
The waymarked cycle route follows bridleways and forest tracks for an exhilarating off-road ride through Forestry Commission plantations. The route is not suitable for very young children or novice cyclists.

National Cycle Network No.3: The National Cycle Network is a linked series of traffic-free paths and traffic-calmed roads being developed right across the United Kingdom. Route No.3 runs 250 miles from Bristol to Padstow. In Tarka Country, the route descends from Exmoor to follow the Tarka Trail Cycle/walkway from Barnstaple to Petrockstowe, and then rejoins Devon lanes along the sections of the Mid Torridge Cycle Link and the Holsworthy-Black Torrington Cycle Route. on its way to Cornwall.

Cycle Hire:
Bikes can be hired at many places in Tarka Country. A wide range of bikes are available including mountain bikes, tourers, recumbents and wheelchair bikes.

Bringing your own bike:
You can of course bring your own bike to Tarka Country either under your own pedal power, by car or by train. The National Cycle Network Route No.3 runs from Bristol right through the area on the way to Padstow. If you are coming by car and have cycle racks fitted to the rear of the vehicle, please fit proper trailerboards displaying rear lights and number plates. For information on carrying bikes on trains please go to `How to get here'.

Refreshments:
There are a number of opportunities along these routes to find refreshments at one of the many tea shops or traditional old pubs along the way.

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