Devon’s Family-Friendly Cycling Routes in Devon

Devon is one of the UK’s most varied cycling destinations, offering estuary views, long stretches of traffic-free paths, woodland trails, and scenic moorland routes, all within easy reach of beaches, villages, and countryside attractions. These routes are perfect for families, leisure riders, and anyone wanting to explore at a relaxed pace.

Below you’ll find our top recommendations, with distance, terrain, bike hire options, and “best for” details up front, followed by a description of the route and why children might love it. We’ve avoided busy towns and cities, focusing instead on countryside, seaside, and tourist-friendly areas.

Estuaries & Coast

Exe Estuary Trail (Dawlish Warren – Exeter – Exmouth)

Route details

• Distance: ~16.4 miles / 26 km (largely traffic-free)
  
• Terrain: Flat, surfaced path beside the estuary; very beginner-friendly
  
• Bike Hire: Available in Dawlish Warren, Exeter Quay, and Topsham
  
• Best for: Younger riders, trailers, leisurely coast-and-wildlife spins
  
  

The Exe Estuary Trail is one of Devon’s most accessible long-distance paths, running alongside the beautiful Exe Estuary. The scenery is ever-changing, with tidal mudflats, sailboats, marshes, and seabirds to spot along the way. Because it’s largely flat and well-surfaced, even the youngest riders can enjoy sections of it. Families can break the trail into smaller loops using ferries and train links at various points, which also adds excitement for kids. There are numerous places to pause, from small villages to lively quays, making snack stops, toilet breaks, and playtime easy to plan. Whether you ride a few miles or the full route, it’s a gentle but scenic way to spend the day.

 

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Tarka Trail (Braunton – Barnstaple – Bideford – Torrington – Meeth)

Route details

• Distance: 32 miles / 52 km traffic-free (shorter family sections available)
  
• Terrain: Fully surfaced, flat railway path along estuaries and wooded valleys
  
• Bike Hire: Multiple options along the route in Barnstaple, Bideford, and Torrington
  
• Best for: Long, car-free days; adventures for all ages
  
  

This is Devon’s flagship family cycling route, and for good reason. Following the course of old railway lines, the Tarka Trail winds through peaceful countryside, estuary edges, and tree-lined cuttings. Kids love the variety; spotting herons and swans by the water, riding through tunnels, and crossing old railway bridges. The smooth tarmac makes it easy for riders of all ages and abilities, and you can start or finish at any of the towns along the way. Cafés, picnic spots, and play areas are frequent, making it simple to split the day into manageable chunks. Whether you ride just a short section or tackle a longer stretch, the Tarka Trail delivers a safe, scenic experience.

Dartmoor & Rail-Trails

Granite Way (Okehampton – Lydford)

Route details

• Distance: 11 miles traffic-free
  
• Terrain: Almost flat, disused railway with big moorland views
  
• Bike Hire: Available in Okehampton and Lydford
  
• Best for: Confident kids, tag-alongs, relaxed half-day rides
  
  

Running along the northern edge of Dartmoor, The Granite Way offers big open skies and sweeping views without steep climbs. The trail crosses impressive viaducts and passes through wide open landscapes, giving a sense of space and adventure. It’s an ideal choice for families wanting a taste of Dartmoor’s beauty without the challenge of its hills. There are plenty of rest spots along the way, and it’s straightforward to cycle only part of the route if little legs tire. The tarmac surface means smooth rolling for bikes of all sizes, and the route’s linear nature makes it easy to arrange a pick-up or turn back whenever you choose.

Wray Valley Trail (Bovey Tracey – Lustleigh – Moretonhampstead)

Route details

• Distance: ~7 miles / 11 km (mostly traffic-free, short on-road section)
  
• Terrain: Surfaced multi-use path with one hilly road section
  
• Bike Hire: Available in Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead
  
• Best for: Families wanting a gentle Dartmoor taste with village stops
  
  

The Wray Valley Trail follows a scenic route along the former Moretonhampstead Branch railway line. Shaded by trees in places and opening out to views of the surrounding hills, it feels both peaceful and varied. The short section through Lustleigh gives a chance to explore one of Devon’s prettiest villages, with plenty of spots for a rest. Kids will enjoy looking out for old railway features and spotting wildlife along the way. The mostly gentle gradients make it suitable for families, with just one short climb to add a little challenge. Linking historic towns at either end, it’s a perfect half-day ride.

Stover Trail (Newton Abbot – Stover Country Park – Bovey Tracey)

Route details

• Distance: ~3.5 miles / 5.6 km
  
• Terrain: Flat, mostly off-road
  
• Bike Hire: Available in Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey
  
• Best for: Little legs, balance bikes, nature-spotting loops
  
  

Short, flat, and full of interest, the Stover Trail is ideal for first cycling adventures. The path links Newton Abbot to Stover Country Park, where you can stop to explore the lake, visitor centre, and woodland walks. Because it’s almost entirely traffic-free and well-surfaced, it’s perfect for very young riders, tag-alongs, and trailers. Families can extend the ride by linking into other local paths or simply enjoy a gentle out-and-back. The route’s compact length means more time for exploring the park itself, spotting birds, and enjoying a relaxed picnic.

Drake’s Trail (Tavistock – Yelverton – Plymouth)

Route details

• Distance: ~21 miles / 34 km (doable in sections)
  
• Terrain: Disused railway for much of the route; some hillier sections
  
• Bike Hire: Available around Coypool, Yelverton, and Tavistock
  
• Best for: Older kids/teens, tunnels-and-viaduct fans
  
  

Drake’s Trail is full of impressive engineering and scenic variety. The northern stretches near Tavistock and Yelverton feature viaducts, tunnels, and wooded valleys, while the southern section into Plymouth follows the picturesque Plym Valley. Families with younger riders can focus on the flatter Plym Valley end, which still delivers plenty of interest without steep gradients. The trail is well-signed and offers frequent opportunities for breaks, making it easy to manage energy levels. Combining natural beauty with historic structures, this route offers both a cycling challenge and a history lesson.

Canals & Valleys

Grand Western Canal (Tiverton – Holcombe Rogus)

Route details

• Distance: 3–14.5 miles, depending on start point
  
• Terrain: Flat towpath
  
• Bike Hire: Available at Abbotshood Cycle Hire, Halberton
  
• Best for: Picnics, wildlife watching, first longer rides
  
  

This canal-side route is peaceful, flat, and full of things to see. The well-maintained towpath follows the Grand Western Canal through meadows, wooded stretches, and past locks and bridges. Wildlife is plentiful too. Be sure to look out for kingfishers, swans, and dragonflies as just a few examples. Families can pick a short out-and-back for a gentle ride or aim for a longer stretch to make a day of it. There are several picnic spots along the way, as well as access to the canal’s heritage features. It’s a perfect choice for relaxed cycling in a calm, scenic setting.

Long-Distance Classics (Family-Friendly Sections)

Devon Coast to Coast (Ilfracombe – Plymouth, NCN 27)

Route details

• Distance: 99 miles total; families can choose shorter traffic-free sections
  
• Terrain: Mix of railway paths, bridges, tunnels, and quiet lanes
  
• Bike Hire: Along Tarka Trail, Granite Way, and Drake’s Trail sections
  
• Best for: Multi-day plans or short scenic sections
  
  

The Devon Coast to Coast route stitches together some of the county’s best cycling paths. Families can enjoy traffic-free sections such as the Tarka Trail, Granite Way, and Plym Valley without committing to the full length. Each section offers its own character, wildlife and moorland views, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! Combining routes in this way allows you to tailor the distance and difficulty to your group. Even riding one or two sections gives a real sense of journey and variety.

West Country Way (Bristol – Padstow; Devon section Holsworthy – Tiverton)

Route details

• Distance: 240 miles overall; use Devon’s traffic-free sections for family rides
  
• Terrain: Mix of lanes and paths; over 70 miles traffic-free
  
• Bike Hire: Along Tarka Trail and Grand Western Canal
  
• Best for: Families wanting bite-size, traffic-free tasters of a big route
  
  

The West Country Way offers a huge range of scenery, but families will find the Devon sections especially rewarding when focusing on traffic-free paths. The Tarka Trail and Grand Western Canal provide safe, smooth riding with plenty of natural and historic interest. These sections can be enjoyed individually or linked for a longer day. With easy access points and a wealth of places to stop, it’s a flexible option for riders of all abilities. Choosing the right stretch lets you enjoy the grandeur of a long-distance route without the challenges of its hillier sections.