Best Cycling Routes and Bike-Friendly Cafés in Exeter and Devon

Why Cycling Is One of Devon's Best Social Activities

There's something about riding a bike alongside someone that changes the way you connect. Like walking side by side, cycling strips away the formality of sitting across a table. You're facing the same direction, moving at the same pace, sharing the same wind and scenery. Conversations happen naturally — sometimes in short bursts on a climb, sometimes in long, easy stretches on the flat. And there's always the café stop at the end, which provides exactly the kind of structured social time that can be hard to create otherwise.

Devon is one of the best counties in England for cycling. The landscape ranges from pancake-flat estuary trails to lung-busting Dartmoor climbs, with old railway lines, forest tracks, and quiet country lanes connecting them. Exeter sits right in the middle of it all — you can be on a traffic-free path within five minutes of leaving the city centre, and riding through genuinely spectacular countryside within twenty.

Whether you're a seasoned road cyclist, a family looking for a gentle ride, or someone who hasn't been on a bike since university, there's a route here for you. And crucially, there are cafés, clubs, and hire shops that make the whole thing easy to turn into a regular social habit.

Traffic-Free Trail Rides

These are the routes you can do without worrying about cars. They're flat or gently graded, well-surfaced, and suitable for all abilities — including children, e-bikes, and people who are rediscovering cycling after a long break.

Exe Estuary Trail: Exeter to Exmouth

Distance: 10 miles each way (20 miles return) | Difficulty: Easy, flat | Surface: Tarmac and compacted gravel | Best for: Everyone — families, groups, casual riders, e-bikes

This is the ride that every Exeter resident should do at least once — and most people end up doing it regularly. The Exe Estuary Trail is a 26-mile network linking Exeter, Topsham, Exmouth, and Dawlish, forming part of National Cycle Network Route 2. The most popular section runs from Exeter Quay south along the estuary to Exmouth, hugging the water's edge almost the entire way.

The path is predominantly off-road, flat, and well-maintained. You'll ride through Topsham — a charming riverside village with excellent pubs — before continuing south past the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh reserve, through Exton and Lympstone, and into Exmouth. The estuary is internationally important for wintering waders and wildfowl, so you'll likely spot herons, egrets, and curlews, especially on the mudflats at low tide.

Where to stop: The Lighter Inn on Topsham Quay has lovely estuary views. In Exmouth, head to the seafront for fish and chips or a pint at one of the harbour-side pubs. The adventurous can take the ferry from Topsham across to the Turf Hotel — a legendary pub accessible only on foot, by bike, or by boat, dating back to 1827.

Getting back: You can ride back the same way, catch the train from any of the stations along the route (Topsham, Exton, Lympstone, Exmouth — all regular services), or take the Starcross-Exmouth ferry and ride back along the western side of the estuary via Dawlish.

Bike hire: Saddles & Paddles on Exeter Quay hire bikes of all types, including e-bikes, child seats, trailers, and tag-alongs. They're open seven days a week from 9am, and booking in advance is recommended. Route 2 Bikes in Topsham also offer hire if you'd prefer to start from there.

The Tarka Trail: Braunton to Meeth

Distance: 30 miles (the full section) | Difficulty: Easy, flat | Surface: Tarmac | Best for: Groups, day trips, longer rides

The Tarka Trail is the longest continuous traffic-free cycle path in England — over 30 miles of flat, tarmacked former railway line running through North Devon. The route follows the River Taw and the Torridge Estuary, passing through Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford, and Great Torrington before reaching Meeth.

You don't need to do the whole thing. The section from Braunton to Barnstaple (about 5 miles) is a lovely short ride along the estuary. Barnstaple to Bideford (about 9 miles) is another popular stretch, following the Torridge with views across the water to Appledore. Along the way you'll pass sculptures and artworks created by local artists, and there are cafés and pubs dotted along the route.

It's about an hour's drive from Exeter to Barnstaple, which makes this more of a day trip — but it's worth it. The scenery is beautiful, the riding is effortless, and the whole thing feels like a proper Devon adventure.

The Granite Way: Okehampton to Lydford

Distance: 11 miles each way | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Surface: Compacted stone | Best for: Groups, families, Dartmoor lovers

The Granite Way follows the old railway line along the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park between Okehampton and Lydford. It's part of the Devon Coast to Coast route (National Cycle Network Route 27), and the views are spectacular — sweeping Dartmoor vistas, the dramatic Meldon Viaduct, and glimpses of Meldon Reservoir below.

The route is mostly flat or gently graded, though there are a couple of steeper sections. The surface is compacted stone rather than tarmac, so a hybrid or mountain bike is more comfortable than a road bike. You can hire bikes from Granite Way Cycles at Okehampton or Devon Cycle Hire at Sourton Down, both based directly on the route.

Where to stop: At the Lydford end, you're right next to Lydford Gorge — a National Trust site with a dramatic waterfall and woodland walks. The Castle Inn in Lydford does excellent food and welcomes cyclists. Back in Okehampton, the Museum of Dartmoor Life is worth a look, and Okehampton Castle sits just below the station.

Mountain Biking at Haldon Forest

Location: 15 minutes south of Exeter on the A38 | Difficulty: Green to black | Best for: All levels, groups, families

If you want something more adventurous than a flat trail ride, Haldon Forest Park offers purpose-built mountain biking trails in 3,500 acres of Forestry England woodland on the Haldon Ridge. There are four waymarked trails graded by difficulty:

• Discovery Trail (Green): Wide, surfaced paths with activity boards — great for children and beginners.
• Spicers Trail (Blue): A confidence builder with varied surfaces, gentle gradients, and some narrower sections.
• Kiddens Trail (Blue): More challenging terrain with greater changes in gradient.
• Ridge Ride Trail (Red): The main event — fast, flowing singletrack along the Haldon ridge with tight corners and lively descents through beautiful forest.

There's also a skills area and pump track for practising. Forest Cycle Hire at the park entrance offers a huge range of bikes including e-bikes and adaptive cycles, so you can try mountain biking without committing to buying a bike.

After your ride, the Ridge Café at the Forest Park Centre serves hot food, cakes, and coffee. It's a proper social hub — you'll see groups of riders refuelling and swapping stories about the trails.

Road Cycling Around Exeter

Devon's lanes are legendary among road cyclists — rolling hills, hedgerow-lined roads, and views that make the climbing worthwhile. If you're into road cycling (or want to be), these are the routes and areas worth exploring.

The Exe Valley

Head north from Exeter along the Exe Valley, following quiet lanes through Brampford Speke, Thorverton, and Bickleigh. The valley is sheltered and scenic, with the river running alongside for much of the route. You can extend the ride into the Culm Valley or loop back via Crediton. Expect rolling terrain rather than savage climbs, and very little traffic once you're out of the city.

Woodbury Common and East Devon

East of Exeter, the lanes through Woodbury, Budleigh Salterton, and the East Devon AONB offer some cracking riding. The terrain is hillier here, with punchy climbs rewarded by long views across the coast. You can loop through Woodbury Common — a beautiful heathland plateau — and drop down to the coast at Budleigh or Exmouth before riding back along the estuary trail.

Dartmoor's Edge

For serious climbing, head west towards Dartmoor. The roads from Exeter to Moretonhampstead, Chagford, and Widecombe are classic Devon cycling — long drags, steep pitches, and the reward of wild, open moorland at the top. This is proper hilly country, but the sense of achievement (and the views) are unmatched.

Cycling Clubs: Where Riding Becomes Social

Riding on your own is fine. Riding with others is better. Devon's cycling clubs are some of the friendliest in the country, and most welcome new riders regardless of ability.

Exeter Wheelers Cycling Club

Founded in 1924, the Exeter Wheelers are Exeter's main road cycling club with over 200 members. They run regular group rides throughout the week:

• Wednesday evening rides: Around 25 miles of hilly Devon lanes at the pace of the slowest rider, usually 12-15 mph. Genuinely social.
• Saturday social rides: 20-40 miles on a mix of main roads and lanes.
• Sunday club runs: The traditional club ride — longer distances, varied pace groups.
• Thursday evening race training: For those who want to go faster.

The club is affiliated to British Cycling, Cycling Time Trials, and Audax UK, and they run events through the summer including time trials, road races, and an open hill climb in September. You can join a ride before committing to membership — just turn up at the meeting point.

Mid Devon Cycling Club

Based in Newton Abbot but covering the wider area, Mid Devon CC is one of the largest cycling clubs in the South West with over 500 members. They're particularly good for newer riders — their Core rides cover 40 miles at 11-14 mph with a focus on the social aspect of group riding, and they offer introduction rides of 20-25 miles with a café stop for less experienced cyclists (just give a week's notice).

The club attracts everyone from beginners to professional cyclists, and you don't need to join until after attending two or three club runs. Sunday rides leave at 9am from Kingsteignton.

Bike-Friendly Cafés

Every good ride needs a good café stop. These are the places where cyclists congregate — where you can lean your bike against the wall, order something substantial, and feel entirely welcome in lycra.

Wobbly Wheel Café, Kennford

The Wobbly Wheel sits adjacent to Partridge Cycles on the outskirts of Exeter along the A38, and it's the most specifically cyclist-oriented café in the area. Speciality coffees, light lunches, and fresh cakes in a space designed for cycling groups of all sizes, with dedicated bike racking and a sun-trap balcony. It's a natural gathering point for rides heading south towards Haldon or Dartmoor.

Route 2 Café, Topsham

Located at 1 Monmouth Hill in Topsham, Route 2 is a favourite stop for riders on the Exe Estuary Trail. Nearly everything is homemade on the premises using ingredients sourced from local suppliers. It's a perfect mid-ride refuelling point — close to the trail, relaxed atmosphere, and the kind of food that makes the second half of the ride more bearable.

The Ridge Café, Haldon Forest

After a session on the mountain bike trails, the Ridge Café is exactly where you want to be. Hot drinks, hearty food, and a view over the forest canopy. It's also a good meeting point if you're riding with a group — arrive early, have a coffee, and set off together.

Double Locks, Exeter Canal

Not a café, but a pub that's earned its place on every cyclist's route. The Double Locks sits on the Exeter Ship Canal towpath — a natural stop on the Exe Estuary Trail. The beer garden is enormous, the food is good value, and muddy boots and muddy tyres are entirely welcome. It's been here since 1701 and shows no signs of going anywhere.

Bike Hire in Exeter

If you don't own a bike — or you want to try cycling before committing — Exeter has several hire options:

• Saddles & Paddles, Exeter Quay: The most established hire shop in the city. Bikes, e-bikes, trailers, child seats, and tag-alongs. Open seven days a week, 9am-6pm. Booking strongly advised.
• Route 2 Bikes, Topsham: Hire from Topsham if you want to start mid-trail.
• Forest Cycle Hire, Haldon Forest: Mountain bikes, e-bikes, and adaptive cycles for the forest trails.
• Granite Way Cycles, Okehampton: Hire for the Granite Way and Dartmoor routes.
• Devon Cycle Hire, Sourton Down: Also on the Granite Way, with a good range of bikes.

The Social Angle: Why Group Rides Work

There's a reason cycling clubs have been bringing people together for over a century. A group ride gives you all the ingredients that social scientists say you need to build friendships: proximity, repeated unplanned interactions, and a setting that encourages vulnerability. You're sharing the road, looking out for each other, stopping together, and — on the harder rides — suffering together. That creates bonds.

If you're working from home and feeling isolated, a regular club ride can become the structure your week is missing. Wednesday evening with the Wheelers. Saturday social with Mid Devon. Sunday morning on the Exe Estuary Trail with a mate. These things add up. And unlike a lot of social activities, cycling has a built-in reward system — you get fitter, you explore new places, and you always end up at a café.

The key is treating cycling not just as exercise, but as social time. Ride at a pace where you can hold a conversation. Choose routes with good stops. And don't skip the coffee afterwards — that's where the real friendships are made.

E-Bikes: Levelling the Playing Field

If the Devon hills have been putting you off cycling, e-bikes have changed the game entirely. An electric-assist bike takes the sting out of the climbs while still giving you the pleasure of pedalling — and crucially, it means groups with different fitness levels can ride together without anyone getting left behind.

Saddles & Paddles on Exeter Quay hire e-bikes alongside their regular fleet, and Forest Cycle Hire at Haldon Forest has a good range. Co Bikes operate an electric bike sharing scheme with docking stations across Exeter, Cranbrook, and surrounding areas — ideal for shorter trips or exploring the city. For the Granite Way, both Granite Way Cycles and Devon Cycle Hire offer e-bikes that make the full Okehampton-to-Lydford route comfortable for anyone.

The Exe Estuary Trail on an e-bike is a revelation for anyone who has been hesitant about the distance. The 20-mile return journey to Exmouth becomes genuinely effortless, leaving you free to enjoy the views, stop wherever takes your fancy, and arrive at lunch without needing a lie-down. If you are planning a day trip to Exmouth, an e-bike from the quay is one of the best ways to get there.

Cycling Events and Sportives

Devon hosts several cycling events through the year that are worth marking in your diary. The Dartmoor Classic Sportive, typically held in June, is one of the most iconic cycling events in the South West — a challenging ride through Dartmoor National Park with distance options from 30 to 107 miles. Even if the full classic distance is beyond you, the shorter routes give you a taste of organised cycling in spectacular scenery.

The Tour de Moor is another popular Dartmoor sportive with a range of distances. The Exeter Cycling Campaign runs regular rides and events promoting cycling in the city, and Sustrans maintains detailed maps of all National Cycle Network routes in Devon, including the Exe Estuary Trail (Route 2) and the Devon Coast to Coast (Route 27).

For exploring the county's cycling routes in detail, cycle.travel offers excellent free route planning with offline maps that work well on a phone mounted to your handlebars.

Getting Started

If you haven't cycled in years and the idea of joining a club feels daunting, start small. Hire a bike from Saddles & Paddles on Exeter Quay and ride the Exe Estuary Trail to Topsham — it's flat, traffic-free, and about 4 miles each way. Stop at Route 2 Café for coffee. If that feels good, try the full run to Exmouth next time. Once you're comfortable on a bike again, look at the club rides — both Exeter Wheelers and Mid Devon CC welcome complete beginners, and nobody will judge you for being slow.

The best social activities are the ones you actually enjoy doing. If the idea of riding through Devon's countryside with interesting people and stopping for cake sounds appealing, cycling might be exactly what your social life needs.

For more active outdoor guides, explore our articles on running clubs and parkruns in Exeter, kayaking and canoeing in Devon, and exploring Dartmoor with friends. And when you need to refuel properly after a ride, our guides to the best Sunday roasts and brunch spots in Exeter will point you in the right direction.