Cycling - Pedal Power

Cycling is one of the leading trends amongst green travellers and is not only a great way of helping the environment, but gets your pulse racing too! Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of choosing to cycle whilst on holiday is all of the great sights you’ll be able to take in; imagine exploring the West Country up close, whilst taking in the sights and sounds of its awe-inspiring surroundings.

Tracks and routes in the West Country

Many of the Farm and Cottage Holiday properties are situated near safe and accessible cycle tracks, offering a convenient way to get on your bike.

One of the most iconic cycle paths in the South West is the North Devon Tarka Trail; a great route for families and with over 30 miles of unspoilt countryside and old railways, you can explore the wild beauty of this rugged terrain, described by Henry Williamson, in his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’.

The Devon Coast Route 27 is part of the National Cycle Network and is perfect for taking in the most incredible coastal views. A circular route, it starts and finishes in Ilfracombe using two traffic free sections of pathway; the National Trust coast route beside the sea at Woolacombe Sands and the former railway path from Ilfracombe to Willingcott Cross.

In Cornwall, similar spectacular cycle routes can be found. The Camel Trail which runs from Padstow to Bodmin is the perfect family activity. Providing access to the beautiful Cornish countryside, along a disused railway line and in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this route is traffic free and fairly level.

The Poole Heritage Cycle Route in Dorset is a great way to take in the rich history of the local area. From ancient pet cemeteries to the Victorian Harbour and past Fisherman’s Dock, there’s so much to explore. This route also offers so many convenient amenities, with ample parking space at the Heritage Centre car park and the opportunity to stop at a range of café’s and tea rooms en route, so you can really make a day of it.

A community project, that’s been voted one of the Top 10 Family Cycle Routes in the UK by the Telegraph, is Somerset’s Strawberry Lane Line; a disused train route that runs from Yatton, South of Bristol through to Cheddar. Seeking to promote family days out, brimming with green credentials and breathing new life into an all-but-forgotten old train line, you can tailor your cycle route to the needs of your family.

Country lanes and national parks

With so many winding old routes to meander along, you don’t want to miss out on exploring the South West’s characterful country lanes that link the picturesque towns and villages of these beautiful counties. The perfect way to explore the local area, imagine weaving your way through these narrow, quiet roads whilst taking in the flora and fauna. Fun for all the family, a day out on your bikes can lead to the most invigorating of expeditions; indulge in a leisurely ride and breathe in the country air, or engage the whole family by peeking over hedgerows to see which breeds of animals you can spot.

Hopping on your bike and exploring areas that are off the beaten track are a wonderful way to see more of the West Country. In Devon, you can enjoy some of the best off-road cycling over the moors.

Dartmoor is a fantastic place for all levels of cyclists to experience, as it offers challenging and moderate terrain. For families, the disused railway tracks offer an interesting route, while the more seasoned cyclist can embark on the challenge of conquering Dartmoor Way, whilst Cornwall’s newest country park is another great destination for putting your cycling skills to good use. The Seaton Valley Countryside Park spans over 50 hectares and is a nature reserve brimming with wildlife, its cycle-ways are perfect for a family day out exploring the interesting local habitat.

Exmoor offers the best of both worlds for cyclists of all levels, as you can opt to take in the vast panoramas of its upper routes or the characterful woodlands and valleys of lowland tracks. For those who want to make a day of it, there are plenty of amenities that can be accessed en route and bike hire is also available.

Events and sportives

For the more discerning cyclists amongst us, the West Country offers some of the most amazing sportives to participate in, as well as some of the most challenging. These sporting events have grown in popularity in recent years, as more cyclists take the opportunity to challenge themselves. With the South West offering some of the most awe-inspiring surroundings as well as its demanding terrain, if you’d like to take part in a sportive, you be hard pressed to find a better destination.

Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive
Organised by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, this is a non-commercial sportive in association with Specialized and offers two routes 106 miles and 65 miles. Delivering a route that makes the best of local views and challenging terrain, it’s a popular event.
Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive

Bideford Boomerang
A coast to coast challenge, the Bideford Boomerang is a 100 mile route that asks participants to raise a minimum £50 sponsorship to the local North Devon Hospice. A sportive that includes all levels of cyclists, many choose to dress up in costumes for this worthy cause.
Bideford Boomerang

Bristol Belter
This sportive is now in its second year and offers the ultimate combination of lung-busting climbs, spine-tingling descents and some of the most awesome views of the West Country; showcasing the best of North Somerset and the Mendips.
The Bristol belter

Pain on the Plane
With all proceeds going to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, this is an enormously popular sportive to partake in. With the option to cycle either 50k or 100 miles, cyclists of a range of levels can get involved.
Plain on the Plane

If you want to help us to preserve the beautiful South West and do your bit for the environment, it’s now so easy to enjoy a green holiday and with our collection of Green Tourism Business Scheme Accredited Properties available, you’ll be spoilt for choice!