Cycling Holidays in Mid-Devon

Gogwell House is less than a mile from the Grand Western Canal, a flat, traffic-free towpath of just over 11 miles that forms part of the West Country Way. Hillier lanes, the Exe Valley and the edge of Exmoor are all within reach too.

The Grand Western Canal

The canal is at the bottom of Newte's Hill, and is a gentle pleasure through beautiful countryside. It runs for just over 11 miles from Tiverton towards the Somerset border, and the towpath is largely flat, with a surface of compacted limestone chippings and dust. It is part of National Cycle Route 3, the West Country Way, which runs from Bristol to Padstow.

Circular rides from Tiverton Parkway station run from about nine to 15 miles. They follow the towpath into Tiverton and return on National Cycle Route 3 through Halberton and Sampford Peverell. To go further, the ride from Sampford Peverell to Lowdwells Lock, near Holcombe Rogus, makes a 10-mile round trip.

Good to Know

There are car parks at the Canal Basin in Tiverton, and at Willand, Sampford Peverell, Halberton and Tiverton Parkway station. You will find refreshments in Tiverton, Halberton, Sampford Peverell and Willand.

Some stretches of towpath are narrow and shared with walkers, and it can be muddy after rain. Cyclists need to dismount to walk under the low bridges, and to wait while the horse-drawn passenger barge goes by. The barge runs twice daily from Easter to the end of October.

Cycle hire has been listed at two points on the canal, at Abbotshood and Greenway Bridge, so check that it is running before you rely on it.

Wimbleball Lake

Wimbleball Lake, on Exmoor, is 17 miles from the house. It has three well-surfaced cycle trails for riders of all abilities, including an easy, traffic-free green route of just over a mile beside the lake. There is a cafe, cycle hire and parking.

A 7.5-mile (12km) walking route circles the lake, with a riverside walk along the River Haddeo. Haddon Hill, at the southern end of the lake, is an optional climb for a longer outing.

Lanes and Hills

Beyond the canal, Mid-Devon is hilly. Route planners such as Komoot list road loops from Tiverton, Thorverton and Cadbury. One goes via Bickleigh Castle and Crediton and covers about 51km with around 560 metres of climbing. Another, of around 25 miles through Cadeleigh and Cheriton Fitzpaine, is described as having some very steep climbs. Check a current map before you ride.

In North Devon, the Tarka Trail is a network of beautiful walks and cycle paths.

If you are bringing bikes, please get in touch before you book.