The best gravel rides in North Devon Aonb

There are 5 gravel bike trails available in North Devon AONB, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

The North Devon AONB offers a remarkably diverse landscape for gravel biking. You'll encounter a mix of rugged coastal cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and sheltered wooded valleys. The trails feature compacted earth, gravel tracks, and quieter country roads, providing varied surfaces for exploration. Expect traditional hedged fields, wind-sculpted trees, and steep-sided combes.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Mortehoe Hill Climb – Combesgate Beach loop from Croyde is a difficult 19.5-mile (31.3 km) trail featuring significant climbs and rewarding coastal views.

Absolutely. For a moderate ride, consider the Lee Bay – Traffic-Free Section of NCN 27 loop from Ilfracombe. This 8.3-mile (13.4 km) path offers a traffic-free section and scenic coastal scenery, perfect for a less strenuous outing.

North Devon AONB is rich in natural beauty. Along various routes, you might encounter dramatic coastal formations like Blackchurch Rock at Mouthmill Beach, famous for its arch stack, or the impressive Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall, which cascades 157 feet. The region also boasts significant headlands such as Morte Point and Torrs Cliffs.

Yes, many routes in North Devon AONB feature stunning coastal vistas. The View of Woolacombe Bay – View of Saunton loop from Braunton is a popular 17.4-mile (28.1 km) trail specifically known for leading through multiple coastal viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramas of the bay.

While some routes feature challenging climbs, there are options suitable for families, especially those with some cycling experience. Look for routes described as 'moderate' or those with traffic-free sections. The diverse terrain means you can often find quieter country roads or less technical gravel tracks that are more family-friendly.

The North Devon AONB is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking, with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be excellent, though coastal areas may be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and windy conditions, especially along the exposed coastline.

Yes, all the routes highlighted in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Bike Shed Bike Shop & Café loop from Barnstaple is a moderate 19.6-mile (31.6 km) circular route that starts and ends in Barnstaple.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the surprising diversity of scenery, from rugged coastlines to tranquil woodlands, and the opportunity to explore off the beaten track. The mix of challenging climbs and scenic, quieter paths is frequently highlighted.

Yes, the North Devon AONB includes sheltered wooded valleys and coastal woodlands. The Steep Overgrown Woodland Path – Technical MTB Descent loop from Braunton is a moderate 13-mile (20.8 km) route that specifically takes you through wooded sections, offering a different kind of terrain and scenery.

Public transport options, including local bus services, connect many of the towns and villages within the AONB, which can provide access points to various trails. For example, routes starting from Ilfracombe or Barnstaple are often accessible via public transport networks in the region.