Natural Environment - Hiking and Biking

experienceDevon’s customized, low carbon itineraries include self guided hiking and biking tours on the Tarka Trail and South West Coast Path, with sea views. There are ample stops for refreshments and cream teas at the beach, in traditional pubs, tea shops and cafes in the historic villages and ports.

The UK is full of footpaths and trails, most of them having been a right of way from village to village for hundreds of years. North Devon is well blessed with hiking opportunities because it’s geography is made up of National Parks, unspoilt coast, farmland, small towns and villages.

Britain’s longest footpath (613 miles), the South West Coast Path, hugs the cliff tops and beaches in the North and West of this region. This stunning long distance path has been ranked against a walk in Yellowstone National Park and hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, in the book ‘Unforgettable Walks to take before you die’ (Steve Watkins and Clare Jones). North Devon’s contribution, of just less than 100 miles, is some of the best hiking you’ll ever do. Experienced walkers manage this section in a week. There are many circular walks taking you inland from the coast path so don’t feel you have to hike it all. 

Walking and cycling are the best ways of seeing North Devon. There’s a slower pace of life here. As well as enjoying the stunning scenery, experienceDevon’s itineraries will take you through many of the historic towns and villages literally at walking pace; introducing you to their history and traditions and giving you the knowledge of a local.

For cycling, the ‘Tarka Trail’ offers over 180 miles, running from Braunton, through Barnstaple and follows the old railway line to Hatherleigh. This is a safe, relatively flat, black-top (tarmaced), cycle and pedestrian path.
It is well used by locals and tourists having a scattering of cycle hire centres, pubs and cafés along it’s picturesque route.