The best traffic-free bike rides around Bideford
4.7
(23)
1,273
riders
11
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Bideford are primarily shaped by the River Torridge estuary and the extensive Tarka Trail, a largely traffic-free network utilizing disused railway lines. The region is part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape, featuring varied terrain from coastal paths to wooded combes. Cyclists can expect routes that follow riverbanks, traverse open countryside, and offer views of the dramatic coastline, with some sections providing gentle gradients and others presenting more challenging elevation gains.
Best no traffic road cycling routes around Bideford
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Bideford, a 30.4 miles (48.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 19 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows the River Torridge and sections of the Tarka Trail, offering scenic estuary views.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Tarka Trail – River Torridge loop from Bideford, a moderate 44.6 miles (71.8 km) path. This route explores the Tarka Trail and River Torridge estuary, characterized by mostly tarmacked paths and countryside views.
- Local road cyclists also love the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Bideford, a 17.1 miles (27.4 km) trail leading through the Taw and Torridge rivers towards Barnstaple, often completed in about 1 hour 22 minutes.
- Road cycling around Bideford is defined by river estuaries, coastal paths, and the extensive Tarka Trail. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more difficult, longer rides.
- The routes in Bideford are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 24 reviews. More than 1,200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Bideford's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
17
riders
48.9km
02:20
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
13
riders
71.8km
03:31
780m
780m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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12
riders
27.5km
01:22
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
105km
05:11
1,250m
1,250m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
105km
06:05
1,460m
1,460m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Other adventures around Bideford
Tips from the Community
Large flocks of starlings can be seen in late summer after riding under the bridge. The bridge offers great views along Bideford Quay and on the Torridge Bridge.
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A quiet spot to take in the sights of the river Torridge saltmarshes, an ecosystem that supports many special plants and rare invertebrates. Be careful though, the wooden boards can be a bit slippery when wet.
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Roadford Lake is a reservoir fed by the river Wolf. It's the largest area of water in the south-west and is used to supply drinking water for north and South Devon. As a runner there isn't a trail that allows you to circumnavigate the lake, but you can run along the northeastern shore.
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Easy ride on the path of the old railway line with refreshments at many of the stations that now house cafés for the tourist
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From up here you can see across the wide expanse of sand that makes up Widemouth Bay. It is popular with surfers so this is a good spot for watching. Towards the south of the beach you can see Black Rock stretching out into the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free road cycling routes are available around Bideford?
There are currently 11 curated traffic-free road cycling routes around Bideford, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for you to explore.
What makes Bideford a good location for traffic-free road cycling?
Bideford is an excellent base due to its direct access to the extensive, largely traffic-free Tarka Trail, which utilizes disused railway lines for flat, tarmacked sections. Additionally, the region is part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape, offering diverse scenery without heavy vehicle traffic on many routes.
Are there any long-distance traffic-free routes from Bideford?
Yes, the Tarka Trail itself is a significant long-distance option. From Bideford, you can access sections like the 9-mile stretch to Barnstaple or the 6-mile route south to Torrington. The Tarka Trail also forms part of the 102-mile "Devon Coast to Coast" National Cycle Network Route 27.
What kind of terrain can I expect on traffic-free road cycling routes near Bideford?
Many traffic-free routes, especially sections of the Tarka Trail, are relatively flat and tarmacked, following old railway lines. However, venturing beyond the main trail can introduce varied countryside with some elevation gains, offering a mix of easy and more challenging rides.
Are there any circular traffic-free road cycling routes from Bideford?
Yes, you can find circular options. For example, the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Bideford offers a moderate 48 km ride, while the longer Tarka Trail – River Torridge loop from Bideford covers about 71 km.
What attractions or viewpoints can I see along traffic-free road cycling routes?
Along these routes, you can enjoy picturesque views of the River Torridge estuary, pass through charming spots like Instow and Fremington Quay, and potentially spot the View of Westward Ho! Coast. The Kipling Tors also offer scenic vistas.
Are the traffic-free routes around Bideford suitable for families?
Yes, many sections of the Tarka Trail are ideal for families due to their flat, tarmacked surfaces and traffic-free nature. These paths are safe and enjoyable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Where can I find parking for traffic-free cycle paths in Bideford?
Parking is generally available in Bideford town center, providing convenient access to the Tarka Trail. Specific car parks are often located near popular access points for the trail, such as those leading towards Barnstaple or Torrington.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Bideford?
The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Bideford, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 24 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive traffic-free sections, particularly the Tarka Trail, and the beautiful estuary and countryside views.
Are there any cafes or refreshment stops along the traffic-free routes?
Yes, especially along the Tarka Trail, you'll find cafes and pubs. Instow and Fremington Quay, both accessible from Bideford, are popular stops with refreshment options, perfect for a break during your ride.
Can I access the Tarka Trail from Bideford?
Absolutely. Bideford is centrally located on the Tarka Trail, allowing easy access to both the northern section towards Barnstaple and the southern section towards Torrington. You can find more information about the trail on the Bideford Town Council website.
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