Cycling
Cyclists are very welcome at The Fernery! From families wishing to share a leisurely fun ride in the beautiful countryside, to the most experienced cyclists about to embark on the coast-to-coast challenge. The Fernery is a perfect base for exploring the best riding North Devon has to offer. There is also secure storage for up to 8 bikes available on request.
North Devon to South Devon - Route 27
As you sit on the front terrace at the Fernery you will become aware of sounds of merriment from the other side of the valley - these are cyclists zipping along the 1st section of the old railway line from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple which is now a friendly, traffic free, easy gradient asphalt path for cyclists of all abilities - this is the first part of route 27 which is a 99 mile route from North Devon coast to South Devon coast.
If you are cycling this is by far the best way to get in and out of Ilfracombe. To get on this path you either:
Unfortunately this cycle super highway does not go all the way to Barnstaple but it does give you access to some nice quiet but hilly roads. You now have a number of options:
In conclusion only the first part of the journey from Ilfracombe to Braunton is family friendly - once the cycle path goes you are on hilly roads. There is a new business in the area which offers a solution to touring the hilly areas of Woolacombe, Croyde and Georgeham - Tour de Lanes offers guided tours on electric bikes to smooth out the hills.
The Tarka Trail
At Braunton, route 27 starts a 30-mile traffic-free section on almost entirely level former railway lines beside the beautiful Taw and Torridge estuaries via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington to the villages of Petrockstowe and Meeth. This section of the route is known as the Tarka Trail and is perfect for families and less experienced cyclists. There is plenty of parking in Braunton right next to the start of the trail.
A return trip to somewhere like Instow which has plenty of good pubs and cafes would make a great family day out. There are plenty of nice places before Instow to stop and have refreshments if you want a shorter ride and there are plenty of places to hire bikes. Here is a selection of places with embedded links that we recommend along the way - with a map to give you some idea of distances:
Braunton
Otter cycle hire
Chievenor
Waterside Coffee
Waterside Bike Hire
Captain and Stoker tandem cycle hire
Heanton
Heanton Court pub
Barnstaple
Tarka Trail bike hire
Fremington
Fremington Quay Cafe
Instow
The Boathouse - amazing views from the top deck down the estuary to the sea
The Instow Arms - great views from the front terrace down the estuary to the sea
The Quay Inn - another waterfront pub with views across to Appledore
The Glorious Oyster Cafe/Shack - fresh oysters and other delights
As you sit on the front terrace at the Fernery you will become aware of sounds of merriment from the other side of the valley - these are cyclists zipping along the 1st section of the old railway line from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple which is now a friendly, traffic free, easy gradient asphalt path for cyclists of all abilities - this is the first part of route 27 which is a 99 mile route from North Devon coast to South Devon coast.
If you are cycling this is by far the best way to get in and out of Ilfracombe. To get on this path you either:
- turn left out of the Fernery and cycle down to Ilfracombe, taking the 1st proper right hand turn, Richmond road, then turning right into Station road. Cycle up the hill, past the Pall factory looking for signs to route 27 on your right.
- or turn right and cycle up the hill about 250 metres - turn left down the track signposted to the Slade reservoir/fishery. Go through the wishing gate and carry on up the track past the 1st Slade reservoir to the car park. Keep going straight on up the footpath to the 2nd reservoir - you may have to push your bike here especially if it is a road bike. Once you get to the 2nd reservoir go left up a short flight of steps and you are on route 27 - go right for Braunton/Woolacombe.
Unfortunately this cycle super highway does not go all the way to Barnstaple but it does give you access to some nice quiet but hilly roads. You now have a number of options:
- When you reach the Ilfracombe to Woolacombe road you can just turn right and cycle down, down, down, down to Woolacombe or the ashphalt path continues on the other side of the road. If you go down to Woolacombe you can come back to Slade via Morthoe - but beware - the road out of Woolacombe upto Morthoe is very steep and only for experienced cyclists with plenty of gears! The road up from Morthoe joins the Ilfracombe/Woolacombe road very close to the route 27 path so you end up back on the cycle path.
- If you continue on route 27 across the road you can go about another mile before you come to a car park and the end of the path. Come out of the car park and turn right. Stay on this road, the Georgeham Road, for a couple of miles of undulating cycling - nothing too steep - you will pass a couple of campsites on your left.
- Just as the road starts seriously going downhill to Georgeham and Croyde you have another choice - carry on down to these lovely villages with great pubs and restaurants or veer left to stay on route 27.
- If you stay on route 27 there is some more undulating, up and down cycling until finally you begin the long, long descent into Braunton.
In conclusion only the first part of the journey from Ilfracombe to Braunton is family friendly - once the cycle path goes you are on hilly roads. There is a new business in the area which offers a solution to touring the hilly areas of Woolacombe, Croyde and Georgeham - Tour de Lanes offers guided tours on electric bikes to smooth out the hills.
The Tarka Trail
At Braunton, route 27 starts a 30-mile traffic-free section on almost entirely level former railway lines beside the beautiful Taw and Torridge estuaries via Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington to the villages of Petrockstowe and Meeth. This section of the route is known as the Tarka Trail and is perfect for families and less experienced cyclists. There is plenty of parking in Braunton right next to the start of the trail.
A return trip to somewhere like Instow which has plenty of good pubs and cafes would make a great family day out. There are plenty of nice places before Instow to stop and have refreshments if you want a shorter ride and there are plenty of places to hire bikes. Here is a selection of places with embedded links that we recommend along the way - with a map to give you some idea of distances:
Braunton
Otter cycle hire
Chievenor
Waterside Coffee
Waterside Bike Hire
Captain and Stoker tandem cycle hire
Heanton
Heanton Court pub
Barnstaple
Tarka Trail bike hire
Fremington
Fremington Quay Cafe
Instow
The Boathouse - amazing views from the top deck down the estuary to the sea
The Instow Arms - great views from the front terrace down the estuary to the sea
The Quay Inn - another waterfront pub with views across to Appledore
The Glorious Oyster Cafe/Shack - fresh oysters and other delights