7 Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in Devon

Devon is one of the UK's most varied destinations for family cycling, with flat estuary trails, former railway lines, woodland routes and traffic-free sections around Dartmoor.

Some routes are particularly suitable for younger riders, while others work better for confident children who are ready for longer distances or occasional road sections.

Here are seven family-friendly cycle routes in Devon, with practical guidance on distance, terrain and who each route may suit.

How to choose a family cycling route in Devon

Before choosing a route, consider more than the headline distance.

Think about:

how much of the route is traffic-free;
your child's current riding confidence;
the surface and gradient;
whether there are road crossings or on-road sections;
how easily you can shorten the ride;
toilets, cafés and stopping points;
bike-hire availability if needed; and
current weather and trail conditions.

For younger children, riding a short section of a longer trail can be much more enjoyable than trying to complete the entire route.

1. Exe Estuary Trail

Route: Dawlish to Exmouth via Exeter

Distance: approximately 16.4 miles / 26 km

Terrain: flat, surfaced and almost entirely traffic-free

Best for: family leisure rides, newer riders and flexible out-and-back trips

The Exe Estuary Trail follows the Exe Estuary between Dawlish and Exmouth and forms part of National Cycle Network Route 2.

Devon County Council describes the route as surfaced throughout, level and almost entirely traffic-free.

Along the way, families pass places including:

Dawlish;
Starcross;
Exeter;
Topsham;
Lympstone; and
Exmouth.

The estuary is also an important wildlife area, particularly for wading birds and wildfowl.

Why families may like it

You don't need to ride the full 16 miles.

Railway stations around the estuary and multiple access points make shorter rides possible. For example, Exmouth to Lympstone is only around two miles and can work well for a shorter family outing.

2. Tarka Trail: Braunton to Meeth

Distance: approximately 32 miles / 52 km

Terrain: surfaced, easy cycling and entirely traffic-free on this section

Best for: families wanting a longer traffic-free trail with plenty of shorter options

The Tarka Trail between Braunton and Meeth is one of Devon's strongest family cycling routes.

The route follows former railway lines through the Taw and Torridge estuaries and wooded valleys.

The full section is long, but Devon County Council divides it naturally into manageable stretches:

Braunton to Barnstaple: around 6 miles;
Barnstaple to Bideford: around 9 miles;
Bideford to Great Torrington: around 6 miles; and
Great Torrington to Meeth: around 11 miles.

Why families may like it

It provides a substantial amount of traffic-free riding without requiring families to commit to the full distance.

There are also cafés, towns and access points along the route, making it easier to build breaks into the day.

3. Granite Way

Route: Okehampton towards Lydford

Distance: approximately 11 miles / 18 km

Terrain: former railway route with substantial traffic-free sections

Best for: confident family riders wanting Dartmoor scenery without technical mountain biking

The Granite Way runs along the north-western edge of Dartmoor.

Much of it follows the former railway line between Okehampton and Lydford, giving riders broad views towards Dartmoor without requiring the steep climbing associated with many moorland roads.

Highlights include:

Meldon Viaduct;
Lake Viaduct;
open Dartmoor views; and
several places where a shorter out-and-back ride can be created.

Some sections towards Lydford use quiet lanes, so check the current route map before taking younger children.

Why families may like it

It offers a sense of adventure and impressive scenery while retaining many of the relatively gentle gradients associated with a former railway.

4. Wray Valley Trail

Route: Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead

Distance: approximately 7 miles / 11 km

Terrain: mainly traffic-free former railway route

Best for: families looking for a manageable Dartmoor ride with village stops

The Wray Valley Trail links Bovey Tracey with Moretonhampstead and passes through the village of Lustleigh.

The route follows much of the former Moretonhampstead railway line and is approximately seven miles long.

It is mainly traffic-free, although families should be aware that connections at the ends and some local sections require additional care.

Why families may like it

Seven miles is a manageable distance for many confident children, and the route can still be shortened if necessary.

The combination of woodland, old railway features and Dartmoor scenery gives the ride plenty of variety.

5. Stover Trail

Route: Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey

Distance: approximately 3.5 miles / 5.6 km

Terrain: flat, surfaced and mostly traffic-free

Best for: younger children and shorter family outings

The Stover Trail is one of the shortest routes in this guide and therefore one of the easiest to adapt for younger riders.

It connects Newton Abbot with Bovey Tracey and passes close to Stover Country Park.

Devon County Council describes it as a flat, mostly off-road family-friendly route with a surfaced trail.

There are some lane sections, so it shouldn't be treated as completely traffic-free from end to end.

Why families may like it

At around 3.5 miles, the trail works well as a first longer family ride.

You can also combine the cycle with time at Stover Country Park rather than making distance the focus of the day.

6. Drake's Trail

Route: Tavistock to Plymouth

Distance: approximately 21 miles / 34 km

Terrain: mainly former railway trail, with some hillier and on-road sections towards the north

Best for: older or more confident riders, or families choosing a shorter section

Drake's Trail is a 21-mile multi-use route linking Tavistock and Plymouth along the western side of Dartmoor.

Much of the route follows former railway infrastructure, with features including:

Gem Bridge;
Grenofen Tunnel;
Shaugh Tunnel;
wooded valleys; and
views towards Dartmoor.

The southern sections around the Plym Valley provide relatively gentle former-railway riding.

However, north of Clearbrook there are on-road and hillier sections, so the entire route should not be presented as an easy traffic-free ride for young children.

Why families may like it

Families can choose a suitable section rather than riding all 21 miles.

The viaducts and tunnels add a sense of adventure that older children may particularly enjoy.

Take suitable lights for tunnels. Shaugh Tunnel can remain very dark even during daylight.

7. Grand Western Canal

Location: around Tiverton and Mid Devon

Suggested cycling route: approximately 9 miles / 14 km, with shorter options available

Terrain: largely flat canal towpath with compacted surface

Best for: relaxed rides, wildlife and families who prefer gentle gradients

The Grand Western Canal provides a very different family cycling experience.

The Country Park itself extends for around 11 miles between Tiverton and the Somerset border, while Devon's published cycle route is approximately nine miles.

The towpath is largely flat and even, with a compacted limestone surface.

Families can start from several locations, including around Tiverton, Sampford Peverell and Halberton.

Why families may like it

The gentle terrain makes it particularly useful when you want scenery without significant climbing.

There are also opportunities for wildlife spotting and stopping at villages along the canal.

Take care beneath bridges and around narrower towpath sections, and remember that the route is shared with other users.

Which Devon cycle route is best for younger children?

For younger or newer riders, I would start by looking at:

a short section of the Exe Estuary Trail;
the Stover Trail;
a short section of the Tarka Trail; or
an appropriate section of the Grand Western Canal.

These routes generally provide flatter terrain and good opportunities to keep the distance manageable.

The right route still depends on the individual child, not simply their age.

Which Devon routes are better for older children?

Confident older riders may enjoy:

longer sections of the Tarka Trail;
the Granite Way;
the Wray Valley Trail; and
selected sections of Drake's Trail.

For Drake's Trail in particular, check the exact section because the character of the route changes between Plymouth and Tavistock.

What about the Devon Coast to Coast?

The Devon Coast to Coast, National Cycle Network Route 27, runs for approximately 102 miles between Ilfracombe and Plymouth.

That full journey is a long-distance cycling challenge rather than a typical family day ride.

However, it links several of the routes in this guide, including:

the Tarka Trail;
the Granite Way; and
Drake's Trail.

This means families can enjoy some of the best sections of the Coast to Coast route without attempting the complete journey.

How far should children cycle?

There isn't one correct mileage for a child.

Comfortable distance depends on:

cycling experience;
fitness;
bike fit;
terrain;
gradient;
weather;
surface conditions; and
how frequently you stop.

A flat five-mile railway trail can feel very different from five miles involving steep hills or technical surfaces.

Start conservatively and make sure your child still has enough energy for the return journey.

Check your child's bike fit before a longer ride

A bike that is slightly too large or too small becomes much more noticeable on a longer family ride.

For YOMO bikes, sizing should prioritise inside-leg measurement, current fit and riding confidence, with age used only as a general guide.

Check that your child can comfortably:

reach the handlebars;
operate both brakes;
start and stop;
control the bike at low speed; and
pedal without appearing excessively cramped.

If you're unsure, use the YOMO Perfect Size Finder before setting off.

Give the bike a quick safety check

Before a family cycling day, check:

tyre pressure and condition;
both brakes;
wheel security;
chain condition;
gear operation where fitted;
handlebars and saddle; and
lights if you may be riding in darkness or poor light.

If you are hiring bikes, make sure each child's bicycle is properly adjusted before leaving the hire centre.

Remember that traffic-free trails are shared spaces

Many of Devon's family cycle routes are multi-use trails shared with:

walkers;
runners;
dog walkers;
wheelchair and mobility-scooter users;
other cyclists; and
horses on certain sections.

Encourage children to:

control their speed;
look ahead;
give other users plenty of room;
slow down when passing;
use a bell or friendly voice when approaching from behind; and
be prepared to stop.

Traffic-free does not mean hazard-free.

Check the route before travelling

Access and trail conditions can change because of:

maintenance;
weather damage;
temporary closures;
events;
construction work; or
seasonal conditions.

Check the current information from Devon County Council, Dartmoor National Park or the relevant route operator before making a special journey.

Frequently asked questions about family cycling in Devon

What is the best traffic-free family cycle route in Devon?

The Tarka Trail between Braunton and Meeth is entirely traffic-free and can be divided into shorter sections. The Exe Estuary Trail is also almost entirely traffic-free and very flat.

How long is the Tarka Trail cycling section?

The traffic-free cycling section between Braunton and Meeth is approximately 32 miles / 52 km.

Is the Exe Estuary Trail suitable for children?

It can be a strong option for families because it is flat, surfaced and almost entirely traffic-free. Younger children may be better suited to one shorter section rather than the complete 16.4-mile route.

Is Drake's Trail completely traffic-free?

No. Much of Drake's Trail follows former railway routes, but sections north of Clearbrook include road riding and hillier terrain.

How long is the Stover Trail?

The Stover Trail is approximately 3.5 miles / 5.6 km between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey.

Can children cycle along the Grand Western Canal?

Yes, appropriate sections can work well for families. The towpath is generally flat, but it is shared with other users and care is needed around bridges and narrower sections.