This month marks five years since I first moved to Exeter to start my master's degree! To celebrate, I’ll be sharing some Exeter-related content on the blog!
First up, here are some of our favourite public transport accessible bike rides near Exeter. Although we've gotten a lot more confident cycling on country lanes and smaller roads, these are some of the best (mostly) traffic-free routes in Devon (and beyond). Where possible, I've included a short, medium, and long version of each route. These routes all follow the National Cycle Network (NCN), an extensive network of routes managed by the charity, Sustrans.
A few notes before we dive in...
because many of these routes include a train, they can easily be made longer/shorter. For example, if you're cycling to Budleigh Salterton, you could start in Exeter or get the train and start at Exmouth.
the distances recorded here are from Komoot and may not be exactly correct. Use these ideas as a guide to find a route that's the right distance for you!
the "long" options I've included are not all traffic-free. They're still on National Cycle Network routes, so should be on quiet roads, but just wanted to warn you if you're nervous about cycling on roads.
1. Okehampton to Lydford // Granite Way – NCN 27
Possibly one of my favourite local cycle rides is from Okehampton to Lydford, following the Granite Way (NCN 27). The route, which follows the former Southern Region railway line, is predominately flat and makes up a small part of the popular Devon Coast to Coast long-distance route. Brett and I first cycled here on a warm weekend in October 2023, and have been back multiple times since, including on our 150-mile ride between Exeter and Falmouth.
The cycle path hugs the edge of Dartmoor, with great views of the moorland and the surrounding countryside. Crossing the impressive Meldon Viaduct is always a highlight, as is winding along the tree-lined paths. If you have time, I'd definitely recommend stopping to visit Lydford Gorge, a National Trust site with an incredible waterfall and other interesting water features. There is a fairly steep climb getting back out of Lydford Gorge, but it's mostly flat back to Okehampton! If you're looking for a longer ride, the NCN 27 continues on to Plymouth, following small country lanes through a series of villages on the edge of Dartmoor.
Short option Okehampton to the Meldon Viaduct (and back) – 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometres)
Medium option Okehampton to Lydford Gorge (and back) – 18 miles (28.9 kilometres)
Long option Okehampton to Plymouth – 37.2 miles (59.8 kilometres). You'll need to plan this in advance as you need a bike reservation for the trains from Plymouth to Exeter.
Getting to Okehampton: Great Western Rail run trains from Exeter to Okehampton regularly. You don't need to reserve a spot for your bike, spots are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
2. Exeter to Budleigh Salterton // Exe Estuary Trail – NCN 2
The first time we cycled to Budleigh Salterton was not fun – we didn't know about the National Cycle Network at that point, so we ended up cycling on one of the main roads out of Exmouth, which was a traumatic experience. Now that I know the NCN route, the journey between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton is one of my favourite local rides! After following the Exe Estuary Trail from Exeter to Exmouth, you ride through Phear Park and then onto a gorgeous tree-lined cycle path through the countryside. Budleigh is a perfect spot for a sea swim, if the weather is kind to you! There are train stops all along the route between Exeter and Exmouth, so you can easily make this ride shorter. To extend it a bit further, continue following the NCN 2 to Otterton and grab a bite at Otterton Mill!
Short option Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton (and back) – 11.2 miles (18 kilometres). Getting the train between Exeter and Exmouth.
Medium option Exeter to Budleigh Salterton (and back to Exmouth) – 20.6 miles (33.1 kilometres)
Long option Exeter to Otterton (and back) – 35.4 miles (57 kilometres)
Getting to Exmouth: Great Western Rail run trains from Exeter to Exmouth regularly. You don't need to reserve a spot for your bike, spots are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
More info: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/exe-estuary-trail/
3. Barnstaple to Great Torrington // Tarka Trail – NCN 27
Brett and I first rode on the Tarka Trail in January, cycling from Barnstaple to Bideford on a cold, grey day. On a much warmer day in August, I cycled from Barnstaple, past Bideford and on to Okehampton, the last part of the Devon Coast to Coast that I had to complete. The first half of the Tarka Trail is a flat route following the River Taw estuary from Barnstaple to Instow. Past Bideford, you enter a forest (which was glorious on a hot afternoon) and continue following the River Torridge to Great Torrington, where the cycle path ends. From there, I continued on the NCN 27 to Okehampton, enjoying the beautiful view of the moorland rising above the surrounding countryside. It was a lovely ride and I can't wait to bring Brett back when he visits next.
Short option Barnstaple to Bideford (and back) – 19.3 miles (31 kilometres)
Medium option Barnstaple to Great Torrington (and back ) – 30.9 miles (49.8 kilometres)
Long option Barnstaple to Okehampton – 41.6 miles (67 kilometres)
Getting to Barnstaple: Great Western Rail run trains from Exeter to Barnstaple regularly. You don't need to reserve a spot for your bike, spots are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
4. Exeter to Dawlish Warren // Exe Estuary Trail – NCN 2
This route was the first cycle ride Brett and I did together in 2019, and it's definitely our most-cycled route to this day! Following the Exe Estuary, this route is both flat and scenic. Between Exeter and Starcross, the route is almost entirely traffic-free, which makes for fun and stress-free riding. If it's sunny out, we often stop at The Turf pub for a drink by the water. Like the ride to Budleigh, there's multiple train stations along this route, so you can make it as long or short as you wish. If you're wanting to turn this into a circular route, you can get the ferry from Starcross to Exmouth and then cycle back to Exeter along the other side of the estuary trail. I still haven't got around to doing this, yet, but it's definitely on the bucket list!
Short option Exeter to Dawlish Warren – 10.7 miles (17.3 kilometres). Geting the train back to Exeter.
Medium option Exeter to Dawlish Warren (and back) – 21.4 miles (34.6 kilometres)
Long option Exeter to Dawlish (and back) – 24.9 miles (40 kilometres)
Getting to Dawlish Warren: Great Western Rail run trains from Exeter to Dawlish Warren and Dawlish regularly. The slower local services don't require you to reserve a spot for your bike, spots are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
More info: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/exe-estuary-trail/
5. Bristol to Bath // NCN 4
On a cold day in February, Brett and I got the train to Bristol to cycle from Bristol to Bath. Like some of the other routes on this list, this is a rails-to-trails project, which means it stays wonderfully flat. Where people once stood to wait for the train at Warmley Railway Station, they now enjoy a coffee or a meal at the Warmley Waiting Room cafe. One of the highlights was cycling through the Staple Hill Tunnel, which is almost 500 metres long! The Bristol to Bath Railway Path was the very first route established by Sustrans and is now one of the most popular cycling routes in the country! Even on a winter’s day, the route was busy with walkers, runners, and cyclists. This video is a lovely insight into the history of the route and the charity.
Short option Bristol to Bath – 16.2 miles (26 kilometres). If you don't fancy doing the route in both directions, you can get a train back from Bath. You'll need to plan this in advance as it looks like you need a bike reservation for this train.
Medium option Bristol to Bath (and back) – 32.4 miles (52 kilometres)
Long option Bristol to Bath, plus the Two Tunnels Circuit (and back) – 41.6 miles (67 kilometres). We haven't done the Two Tunnels Circuit, but it looks like another fun cycle path!
Getting to Bristol: Cross Country and Great Western Rail both run trains from Exeter St Davids to Bristol. Bike reservations are required on these trains, so make sure you book your ticket in advance.
6. Tiverton Parkway to Tiverton // Grand Western Canal – NCN 3
I've ammended this blog post to include this delightful route between Tiverton Parkway and Tiverton, following the NCN 3 along the Grand Western Canal. The October day I cycled here, the golden autumn sunshine made for a gorgeous afternoon cycling along the canal. The NCN does leave the canal occasionally, leading you along quiet country lanes through small villages. You can, however, stick to the canal if you prefer a traffic-free route. The route is predominately unpaved, a gravel path leading under countless stone bridges, where cyclists are required to dismount. One of the highlights of my ride was seeing kingfishers at multiple different points, their blue feathers bright against the dark water.
Short option Tiverton Parkway to Tiverton (and back) – 17.6 miles (28 kilometres). When you reach the canal, turn left towards Tiverton. You can follow the NCN signs or stick to the canal the whole way.
Medium option Tiverton Parkway to Tiverton (and back) – 24.9 miles (40 kilometres) Instead of turning left when you reach the canal, turn right and follow the canal until the cycle path ends. Then, turn around and head back towards Tiverton!
Long option Tiverton Parkway to Bridgwater – 32.9 miles (53 kilometres). Although I haven't done this route yet, it is possible to continue following the NCN 3 north, through Taunton, and onwards to Bridgwater, where you can get a train back to Exeter.
Getting to Tiverton Parkway: Cross Country and Great Western Rail both run trains from Exeter St Davids to Tiverton Parkway. Bike reservations are required on these trains, so make sure you book your ticket in advance.
Vote for your favourite!
Which of these rides do you like best?
Okehampton to Lydford
Exeter to Budleigh Salterton
Barnstaple to Great Torrington
Exeter to Dawlish Warren
Is there a traffic-free route near Exeter that we missed? We'd love to hear any recommendations you have – drop them in the comments!
Resources
Devon County Council cycle routes and maps
Paper maps of the area: North and South Devon Cycle Maps UK, Sustrans Cycle Maps (South Devon and North Devon), Goldeneye cycling guides (Dartmoor/South Devon and Exmoor/North Devon)
Bike information for Great Western Rail and Cross Country
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