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England: Devon & Cornwall Bike Tour

  • Corwall coast
  • Harbor in Padstow
  • T on Dartmoor trail
  • Cattle in Dartmoor
  • Devon and Cornwall
  • Surfing on Croyde Bay in Devon
  • Along the bike path
  • Bay in Cornwall
  • Fish & Chips in Devon
  • Ilfracombe seashore
  • Tamar Bridge in Plymouth
  • Hotel Row in Barnstaple
  • Cornish pasty
  • Woolacombe
DURATION
6 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
20 to 40 Miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
2-Easier to Intermediate
STARTING FROM
$4395
SINGLES ADD FROM
$1,100

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.

DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Distance: 20 to 33 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | The Royal and Fortescue Hotel
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.
DAY 2 - The Tarka Trail and the Taw & Torridge estuaries
Distance: 29 to 40 miles | Terrain: Easier or Intermediate | The George Inn
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.
DAY 3 - Dartmoor, Chagford and Tavistock
Distance: 30 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | The Bedford Hotel
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!
DAY 4 - Drake's Trail, Tinside and Padstow
Distance: 13 to 18 miles | Terrain: Easier | Old Custom House, 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.
DAY 5 - Padstow via Cornwall's famous Camel Trail
Distance: 19 to 23 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Old Custom House, Padstow
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.
DAY 6 - Departure Day
Farewells and onward travel
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.

Start End Cost Availability
May 26, 2024 May 31, 2024 $4395.00 Available! Reserve Reserve

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.

Start: May 26, 2024
End: May 31, 2024
Cost: $4395.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve

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.

The Royal and Fortescue Hotel
Barnstaple is full of historic finds, and one of its most special architectural gems is the beautiful Georgian building which houses the Royal and Fortescue. Ancient meets modern at this relaxed and comfortable hotel with its classic boutique styling and warm and friendly ambience. Smart lounges, a sleek bar and stunning bistro — plus all the pleasures of room service — complete the experience.
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 Bedford Hotel
The Bedford Hotel, is located in the heart of the award-winning Devon market town of Tavistock — gateway to Dartmoor National Park. This hotel is your haven of comfort in the heart of town. Step inside, and you’ll find a warm welcome, comfortable hotel rooms to rest the night, fine restaurant dining, an informal and busy bar … all 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.

Gallery

Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.

Corwall coast Harbor in Padstow T on Dartmoor trail Cattle in Dartmoor Devon and Cornwall Surfing on Croyde Bay in Devon Along the bike path Bay in Cornwall Fish & Chips in Devon Ilfracombe seashore Tamar Bridge in Plymouth Hotel Row in Barnstaple Cornish pasty Woolacombe