The best traffic-free bike rides around Landkey

There are over 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Landkey, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for you to explore the North Devon countryside.

Yes, Landkey offers several easy, mostly paved routes perfect for families and beginners. For instance, the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Landkey is a shorter, gentle option. The wider North Devon area, accessible from Landkey, also features routes like the Taw Estuary – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple, which is largely paved and ideal for a relaxed experience.

The routes around Landkey offer diverse and picturesque views, ranging from the scenic North Devon countryside to glimpses of the coast and estuaries. You can enjoy open vistas, especially on routes like the View of Exmoor National Park loop from Landkey, which provides expansive views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring routes around Landkey are circular, allowing you to start and end your journey in the same location. Examples include the Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Landkey and the Cyclist Shelter – Castle Hill Estate loop from Landkey, providing convenient options for your ride.

As you cycle around Landkey, you can encounter several interesting points. The routes often pass near the Barnstaple Clock Tower and the River Taw. The region is also known for its unique Mazzard fruit trees, a local variety of sweet cherry, and offers views of the diverse North Devon scenery, including coastal vistas and inland trails.

While specific routes aren't designated 'dog-friendly' for cycling, many of the traffic-free paths, especially those on disused railway lines like sections of the Tarka Trail, are popular with dog walkers and cyclists alike. If your dog is comfortable with cycling alongside or in a trailer, these routes can be suitable. Always ensure your dog is on a lead and respect other path users.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for bike touring in Landkey, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, North Devon's diverse landscapes are beautiful year-round, and autumn can provide stunning foliage. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.

Many routes around Landkey, particularly those connecting to Barnstaple or following established trails like the Tarka Trail, will have access to cafes and refreshment stops. For example, the Taw Estuary – Quay Café loop from Barnstaple, mentioned in regional research, indicates a specific cafe along the route. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Landkey, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse scenery, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the accessibility to both countryside and coastal views. The variety of routes, from easy to difficult, is also frequently highlighted.

Landkey itself offers local parking options, and given its proximity to Barnstaple, you can often find parking facilities there, especially near the start points of popular trails like the Tarka Trail. Many routes are designed to be accessible from towns, making it convenient to park your car and begin your ride.

Landkey is situated just three miles from Barnstaple, which is a key transport hub in North Devon. Barnstaple has train and bus services that can connect you to the wider region. Many of the no-traffic routes, especially those that are part of larger networks like the Tarka Trail, are designed with public transport access in mind, allowing you to reach starting points without a car.