Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
England: Devon & Cornwall Bike Tour
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.
Meet your leaders at the Tiverton Parkway Train Station at 11 a.m 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.
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.
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. The only town in Devon to hold World Heritage status, you stop here for the night. There is plenty of opportunity for our guides to 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!
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.
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.
Your tour ends after breakfast, when the leaders help with your onward travel arrangements. Most guests transfer to Bodmin Parkway or Tiverton Parkway railway stations. 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.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners. We also provide detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support, bicycle and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners. We also provide detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support, bicycle and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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