Yes, there are several good cycle hire operators in this area. Here are some to try:

Tarka Trail Cycle Hire, Barnstaple Station. 01271 324202
Bike Trail, Fremington Quay. 01271 372586
Otter Cycle Hire, Braunton. 01271 813339

I have been very careful in my choice of routes. My priorities have been to not go into too hilly areas and to hit short sharp hills rather than long draw out ones. OK, you may have to walk a short section, but you have then gained height and have decent riding ahead of you.

The cycleways of Ilfracombe and the Tarka Trail offer easy safe riding, but to complete the circular ride without returning on the same route means going into the quiet Devon lanes for part of the ride.

I have done my best to keep off main roads. There will be occasions when you will need to cross them and if I have used them, then there will be a left hand turn on to them and have chosen sections which are wide and only a short stretch.

A minimum of four days as that gives you three days of cycling, coupled with getting to North Devon and Exmoor is not particularly quick, so whilst you are here you might as well enjoy yourselves.

A week's holiday is the normal length as there is enough routes for six days riding, unless you ride long distances each day. We can organise days off during the holiday to give you a breather.

From the north coast on Devon, around Ilfracombe, southwards across beautiful Devon countryside to south of Holsworthy, just into north Cornwall.

You are given comprehensive and accurate route directions to follow each day. They are written by me and I have ridden every inch of each route. The routes are written from each relevant junction to the next with with accurate distances between junctions and the accumulative mileage given. Each route direction also has a simple map but map-reading is certain not necessary.

You also get a sheet informing you of your accommodation, when you are booked there and how to find it. Provider's telephone numbers are included just in case you need it.

North Devon is fairly hilly, and for many cyclists, 25 to 30 miles of riding in this terrain is enough each day. Some of the rides include the flat cycleways which follow old railway tracks, giving a respite from the undulating country lanes.

What I do find with some that come to cycle here is that they are making life difficult for themselves because their bike is not serviced or their saddle height is incorrectly set. Most commonly it is set too low, meaning that your legs never straighten, putting extra strain on your knees and leg muscles. Your leg should almost straighten when the pedal is at the lowest point with you sitting on the saddle.

As the rides are circular, you only need a day sack, the route directions and an OS map to give you that added information on your whereabouts. There are normally places to eat along the routes. On days when you move accommodation, you main luggage is transferred for you.

Yes you can! The advantage of using my routes and accommodation is that you will be benefiting from my local knowledge. When creating the routes, I often rode several similar routes before deciding on the final preferred route. I try to include as few right hand turns as possible, with inexperienced riders and children in mind. Using my routes, you will be certain of what the day has in store - known mileage, hills, food stops and toilets - giving worry-free outings for everyone to enjoy.

I try to use accommodation that is close to a small village or town so that you can get food during the evening. Some of the accommodation provides evening meals and those that don't are close to pubs and restaurants.

Nearly all the accommodation has en suite facilities. Occasionally they have private facilities which means the bathroom down the corridor is only for your use. All the farmhouses are fully en suite and to a high standard.

All the accommodation welcome cyclists and can dry out wet clothes and shoes. They all do luggage transfer which is a prerequisite for them being used by West Country Cycling.

I visit all my accommodation providers to satisfy myself that they are providing comfortable accommodation. They are not all part of the national quality schemes as some of them are too small to warrant it. I can say that I get very good feedback from my customers about the accommodation I use and I would take seriously any complaints I received.

Yes. The railway comes to Barnstaple via Exeter St David. As you are probably aware, the trains can vary in the number of bikes they will carry, so before coming by train, book tickets and make sure they will carry your bikes for the whole journey. Please let me know so that I can book your first accommodation in Barnstaple, if preferred. You can of course choose to ride to your first accommodation at different locations.

By bus is not so easy. You need to take you bike apart enough to make it into a wrapped parcel, and likewise for the return journey.

If your question has not been answered here, please call Bryan on +44 (0)1271 883131 or bryan@westcountrywalks.co.uk to discuss your requirements or query.

Bryan Cath
West Country Walks Holiday Co-ordinator