The best cycling routes around High Bickington

There are over 40 touring cycling routes around High Bickington, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 2 easy routes, 14 moderate routes, and 24 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.

The terrain around High Bickington is varied, characterized by open farmland, ancient woodlands, lush green fields, and river valleys. Its elevated position means you'll encounter both gentle and challenging ascents, providing expansive views over Exmoor and the Taw Valley.

Yes, while many routes feature hilly terrain, the broader Devon area, accessible from High Bickington, offers family-friendly options. The Tarka Trail, for instance, is an entirely traffic-free route with flat sections, numerous picnic spots, cafes, and pubs, making it ideal for families. You can explore sections of it on routes like the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Great Torrington.

Cycling routes in the region offer access to several interesting landmarks and viewpoints. You might encounter historical sites like Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey or the impressive Beam Aqueduct. For panoramic views, the Caroline Thorpe Memorial on Codden Hill is a great spot, especially at sunset.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Puffing Billy Trading Co. – Mosaic Otter Sculpture loop from Great Torrington and the Instow Signal Box – Instow loop from Portsmouth Arms, which offer varied distances and difficulties.

The summer months are generally excellent for touring cycling in High Bickington, offering pleasant weather for exploring the diverse landscapes of open farmland and ancient woodlands. However, Devon's extensive network of cycle paths can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, with spring and autumn also providing beautiful scenery and cooler temperatures.

High Bickington village itself offers local amenities including pubs and a community shop, perfect for refueling. Many routes, especially those utilizing sections of the Tarka Trail, pass by numerous picnic spots, cafes, and pubs. The Puffing Billy Trading Co. is a notable stop on some routes, offering refreshments.

Absolutely. High Bickington is situated in a region known for its hilly terrain, which is even featured in professional cycling events. There are 24 difficult routes available, with significant elevation gains. For example, the Tarka Trail – River Taw loop from Kings Nympton covers over 56 miles with more than 1100 meters of ascent, providing a vigorous challenge for experienced cyclists.

The touring cycling routes around High Bickington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the quiet woodlands, and the expansive views over Exmoor and the Taw Valley.

High Bickington's location in North Devon provides good access to the Tarka Trail. While not directly starting from the village, several routes connect to or utilize sections of this popular traffic-free path. For example, the River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Great Torrington incorporates parts of the trail, offering a great way to experience it.

While many routes in the guide start from nearby towns or villages, High Bickington's central location allows for easy access to the wider network. You can plan your own routes starting directly from the village to explore the local lanes and connect to the established trails, taking advantage of its elevated position for immediate scenic views.