Tarka Trail Cycling Breaks

Yes. The Tarka Trail is one of the best cycling routes in North Devon, offering miles of scenic, mostly traffic free cycling through countryside, riverside paths and estuary landscapes. The popular cycling sections between Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford and Meeth follow a former railway line, creating a gentle route suitable for families, beginners and experienced cyclists.

Westward Ho! is ideally located for exploring the Tarka Trail, with the nearest popular access point at Bideford approximately 10 minutes away by car from MYWestbeach Holiday Apartments. Visitors can drive to Bideford, join the trail from there and enjoy traffic free cycling routes towards Instow, Barnstaple or Great Torrington. Cycle hire is also available at several locations along the Tarka Trail, making it easy to enjoy a cycling day without bringing your own bike.

MYWestbeach Holiday Apartments are approximately a 10-minute drive from the Tarka Trail access point in Bideford and around 20 minutes from Barnstaple trail access. This makes MYWestbeach a convenient coastal base for guests wanting to combine cycling adventures with beach walks, seaside restaurants and exploring Westward Ho!.

Yes. The most popular cycling sections of the Tarka Trail are ideal for beginners because they are mostly flat, well surfaced and away from busy traffic. The former railway route provides gentle gradients, making it accessible for occasional cyclists, families and anyone looking for a relaxed cycling experience in North Devon.

Yes. The Tarka Trail is one of the most family friendly cycling routes in Devon, with long traffic free sections that allow children to ride safely while enjoying the outdoors. Families can explore riverside scenery, wildlife areas, picnic spots, cafés and villages along the route.

No. Visitors do not need to bring their own bikes to enjoy the Tarka Trail. Several cycle hire centres operate along the route in locations including Bideford, Barnstaple, Fremington and Braunton, offering adult bikes, children’s bikes, electric bikes, trailers and cycling equipment.

Some of the most popular Tarka Trail cycling routes include Barnstaple to Instow for estuary views, Barnstaple to Bideford for riverside scenery and Bideford to Great Torrington for peaceful countryside and woodland landscapes. Each route offers gentle cycling and opportunities to stop at cafés, viewpoints and local attractions.

MYWestbeach Holiday Apartments provide an ideal base for a Tarka Trail cycling holiday, combining easy access to North Devon’s cycling routes with a relaxing coastal location in Westward Ho!. Guests can enjoy spacious self catering apartments, fully equipped kitchens, free parking, high speed WiFi and the beach just a few minutes away on foot.

After cycling the Tarka Trail, visitors staying in Westward Ho! can relax on the beach, explore Northam Burrows Country Park, walk sections of the South West Coast Path, visit Appledore and Instow or enjoy local cafés, restaurants and coastal views before returning to their apartment.

Yes. Staying in Westward Ho! allows visitors to combine a Tarka Trail cycling break with a traditional North Devon beach holiday. Guests can spend one day exploring the cycling routes and other days enjoying Westward Ho! Beach, coastal walks, nearby villages and the beautiful North Devon coastline.