The best cycling routes around Lapford

There are over 25 touring cycling routes available around Lapford, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes traverse the traditional rural landscape of Devon, providing diverse terrain and scenic views.

The touring cycling routes around Lapford primarily feature moderate to difficult terrain. Out of the 29 available routes, 15 are classified as moderate and 14 as difficult, indicating that many routes involve significant climbs and longer distances suitable for experienced touring cyclists.

You can expect a varied landscape, characterized by flat river valleys and steep, often wooded slopes formed by the Taw and Yeo rivers. The region also features rolling countryside, with some routes extending towards the high plateaus of Exmoor, offering both challenging ascents and picturesque stretches.

Yes, several routes provide access to or incorporate sections of the renowned Tarka Trail. For example, the Great Torrington and Tarka Trail Loop is a 42.5-mile route that leads directly through this popular trail, known for its traffic-free sections and scenic views across river estuaries.

The touring cycling routes around Lapford are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the quiet rural roads, and the opportunities to explore both river valleys and more challenging moorland terrain.

Yes, Lapford's location makes it a good starting point for longer tours. The Chulmleigh to Exeter loop, for instance, is a difficult 63.4-mile path that navigates through diverse landscapes, including sections alongside the Tarka Line, and offers opportunities to visit Exeter.

The routes often follow the River Yeo and Taw Valley, providing scenic vistas of flat valleys and steep, wooded slopes. You'll also encounter rolling countryside and, on some longer routes, views towards the high plateaus of Exmoor and even Dartmoor National Park. The Tarka Trail sections offer close-up views of the River Taw and River Torridge estuaries.

Yes, cyclists can encounter several historical attractions. Near Eggesford, you can find Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, an early medieval fortification. The Grade I listed St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Lapford itself has a rich history. Other points of interest include All Saints Church, Eggesford and Tuckingmill Bridge, spanning the River Yeo.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Exmoor loop from Chulmleigh is a difficult 62.9-mile route with significant elevation gain, taking you towards the high plateaus of Exmoor and offering expansive views.

Lapford is situated near Eggesford, a station on the Tarka Line railway, which offers convenient access for cyclists. The Tarka Line runs between Exeter and Barnstaple, and the railway infrastructure is often paralleled by cycle paths, making it ideal for reaching the area and connecting to routes.

Many routes traverse quaint villages with traditional architecture, including cob and thatched cottages. The 'Barnstaple to Exeter Loop' (which includes Lapford) passes through locations like Bishops Tawton, Eggesford, Copplestone, and Crediton, offering opportunities to stop for lunch or refreshments in places like Exeter Quayside.

The longest touring cycling route listed is the Chulmleigh to Exeter loop, which spans 63.4 miles (102 km) and typically takes around 6 hours 50 minutes to complete. This difficult route offers extensive exploration of the region's diverse landscapes.