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Cycle Routes of East Devon

Cycling, be it as a tourist or local, gives you a totally different way of interacting with your surroundings, getting fit and embracing the great outdoors.bike sign

Over the past few years, extensive work to the National Cycle Network 2 (NCN 2) has created a network of cycle paths which, once finished, will stretch from Dover to St. Austell. All this means there has never been a better time to take up cycling.

We’ve put together four local routes in an interactive map to suit all abilities, plus a few stop offs enroute to break up the journey and let you take in your surroundings – otherwise known as catching your breath.

Short Ride: bicycle-icon

Mid-Length Journey: bicycle-iconbicycle-icon

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A: Exe Estuary Cycle Route – NCN 2

Exe Estuary TrailThis route along the Exe Estuary offers a 16 mile circular lap of designated cycle (and walking) routes. We’ve mapped out the loop starting by a public car park (next to the train station) on Royal Avenue in Exmouth. Bike hire is available at numerous points along the route, but for convenience sake, try Exmouth Cycle Hire. From Exmouth, cycle up to Countess Weir and down the Exeter Ship Canal tow path towards the Turf Hotel. The Turf Hotel is one of the few pubs in the UK that is only accessible by foot, bike or boat and it’s this lack of simple accessibility that makes it such a great stopping point for cyclists and watersports lovers alike.

From Turf continue along the cycle path to Starcross and embark the ferry back to the finishing line in Exmouth, alternatively ferries do run between the Turf & Topsham.

Ferry information: cost £4.50 adult / £3.50 child / £1 per bike / journey time 15 – 20 mins.

Route Info – 16 miles / 1 hr 45 mins of cycling / flat / child friendly

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B: Haldon Forest, Exeter

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The Haldon Forest offers 3,500 acres of woodland just 15 mins from Exeter and the perfect place for families to spend a day cycling in safety. We’ve picked the shortest and most friendly route known as the Discovery Trail, however there are five others to test all experience levels – click on this Haldon Cycle Trails map for a full breakdown.

Route info (1 of 6) – 1.5 miles, 30 mins of cycling

Short Ride: bicycle-icon

C: Otterton to Exmouth – NCN 2

This route predominantly uses the National Cycle Network 2, with a very brief crossing of the  B3178 between Knowle and East Budleigh. You can find further details on Exmouth’s cycle route by clicking here (Exmouth). This route features a wider variety of gradients than the Exe Estuary Route, but suitable for cyclists of all abilities – just remember you share the path with pedestrians.

Route info – 8 miles, 50 mins of cycling (one way)

Route info – 16 miles, 1 hour 40 mins of cycling (return)

Mid-Length Journey: bicycle-iconbicycle-icon

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D: Ladram to Sidmouth

This final route is an all road affair from Ladram to Sidmouth via the winding climbs and descents of Peak Hill. This route, while not especially long does contain some challenging sections, but freewheeling into Sidmouth and on return into Ladram will give your legs a much needed respite.

Route info – 4.4 miles, 40 mins of cycling (one way)

Route info – 8.8 miles, 1 hour 20 mins of cycling (return)

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Sidmouth Peak Hill

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