6-Day Devon & Cornwall English Countryside Bike Tour
Duration
6 days
Daily Biking
20 to 40 Miles
Trip difficulty
2-Easier to Intermediate
From
USD 5999
OR CALL (800) 257-2226
Duration
6 days
Daily Biking
20 to 40 Miles
Trip difficulty
2-Easier to Intermediate
From
USD 5999
Trip Overview
Venture to the lovely area southwest of London, into Devon and Cornwall, and experience England’s spectacular coastline at its finest. With over 70% of the route on rail trails, this guided cycling tour takes you off the roads for much of the time. You follow scenic bike trails crossing wild moors, stunning estuaries and beautiful beaches.
Pedal the north coast of Devon, passing the famous surf beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe, before descending into Cornwall on the world-famous Camel Trail. Along the way, stop in iconic locations such as Dartmoor National Park and Padstow – while our experienced local guides point you toward the best cream tea around or cozy pubs in smugglers’ coves.
Taste delicious pub fare, fish & chips, and Cornwall's traditional savory, flaky filled pastries called "pasties." And at the end of each day, rest up in tried-and-tested hotels and B&Bs. Plus fans of TV series "Doc Martin" and "Poldark" will recognize the dramatic coastal landscapes here.
The southwest of England is just waiting to be explored, and with locals to guide you, this is a tour of Devon and Cornwall that takes your breath away.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
Venture into Devon and Cornwall, and experience England’s spectacular moors, coves and coastline. You follow scenic bike trails and quiet roads crossing Dartmoor National Park, along stunning estuaries and beaches — plus pubs, history and famous Padstow.
Arrival Day
Please meet at the Tiverton Parkway Train Station at 11am and transfer to the dramatic north Devon coast. After enjoying lunch in the picturesque harbor town of Ilfracombe, do a bike fitting. Then pedal around some of North Devon’s famous surf beaches. Lungs filled with coastal air, you continue into the ancient river-port town of Barnstaple, where you check in for the night. Tomorrow, you begin your crossing of inland Devon.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Biking: 20 to 33 miles (32 to 53 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
The Tarka Trail and the Taw & Torridge estuaries
Joining the Tarka Trail, named after Henry Williamson’s famous 1927 novel, Tarka the Otter, you cycle along the stunning Taw and Torridge estuaries via Bideford and Great Torrington. Stopping at a quirky railway-station-turned-café for lunch, you then pick up the Tarka Trail again and bike along rail trail to Hatherleigh. One of Devon’s smallest but liveliest towns, you check in here at the George Inn, enjoying a pint of local ale, a plate of fresh food and a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: The George Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 29 to 40 miles
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Dartmoor, Chagford and Tavistock
Starting north of Okehampton, take a slight detour up to Dartmoor National Park, where you’re treated to stunning views and a magical atmosphere. After lunching in the charming market town of Chagford, cycle high onto the moors and ride all the way into Tavistock(or stop at the hotel to skip some climbing). The only town in Devon to hold World Heritage status, Tavistock is fun to explore. Our guides could even help you find a great spot for one of Devon’s famous “cream teas.” Just remember that while in Devon, the tradition is that you put cream on the scone before jam!
Accommodation: Two Bridges Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Biking: 20, 30 or 39 miles (32, 48 or 62 kilometres)
Terrain: Intermediate
Drake's Trail, Tinside and Padstow
Your final cycling day in Devon takes you on Drake’s Trail, a mostly downhill ride into Plymouth — famous as the place from where the Pilgrims climbed aboard the Mayflower and set sail for America in 1620. Continuing into Tinside, you have a chance for a dip in the iconic waterside lido before your transfer into Cornwall. Your final stop is the picturesque estuary town of Padstow, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Old Custom House, Padstow
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 19 or 24 miles (30 or 38 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier
Padstow via Cornwall's famous Camel Trail
Traveling a few miles to the top of the famous Camel Trail, you bike down the coast toward Padstow. One of the most enticing destinations in all of Cornwall — and famous for Rick Stein’s fish and chips — Padstow is a gorgeous harbor town to explore. In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to visit locations made famous by the TV shows “Poldark” and “Doc Martin” … before spending your final night with the group in Padstow.
Accommodation: Old Custom House, Padstow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Biking: 17 or 34 miles (27 or 54 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Departure Day
Your tour ends after breakfast, when the leaders help with your onward travel arrangements. Most guests transfer to Bodmin Parkway railway station. Wherever your journey takes you next, our guides are on hand to provide all the help you need to arrange the next leg of your trip.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Dates
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What's Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation
- 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Our own highly experienced trip leaders, with you from start to finish
- Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
- Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
- Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
- Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
- Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
- Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars or E-Bikes, equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror and flat pedals
- Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
- Branded t-shirt and bag
- All activities outlined in the itinerary
- All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
- Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!
Inns
The Park Hotel & Seasons
he Park Hotel in North Devon offers a delightful selection of well-appointed rooms designed to provide the utmost comfort and relaxation for its guests. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with modern amenities and tasteful decor, creating a welcoming ambience for a truly enjoyable stay. With attention to detail and a commitment to providing an exceptional experience, guests can indulge in a restful night's sleep and wake up rejuvenated to explore the scenic wonders of North Devon.
The George Inn Hatherleigh
The George Inn is located in Devon’s smallest town, Hatherleigh, just north of Okehampton. The inn is famous for its welcoming, homely atmosphere, and in addition to its wide drink selection, it provides great freshly cooked food served by friendly staff. Soft modern furnishings complement the traditional and historic building features, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere here.
The Two Bridges Hotel
The Two Bridges Hotel is your oasis of comfort and fine Devon hospitality in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Find them perched on the banks of the beautiful West Dart River, with jaw-dropping countryside and bracing walks in every direction. Step inside and discover a warm Devon welcome, comfortable hotel rooms in which to rest the night, fine restaurant dining, characterful lounges, and a bustling bar. And all this is in beautifully historic surroundings.
Old Custom House, Padstow
The Old Customs House offers harborside rooms overlooking the charming “foodie town” of Padstow. Each of the 23 boutique bedrooms has been stylishly decorated, blending character with contemporary design. The idyllic location on Padstow’s quayside is perfect for relaxing leisure breaks with fine dining restaurants, quirky shops and boat trips right on the doorstep. Bedrooms include contemporary furnishings, ensuite bathrooms, WIFI, and divinely comfortable beds.
