Tarka Trail, what surface?

[Rubber Bullets]

Hi,

I am planning a 100 mile route from Torbay to North Devon, and am thinking about including a chunk of the Tarka Trail in it.

I will be riding my Secteur with 23c tyres and would like to find out how suitable the part of the route from Great Torrington to Barnstaple would be? It looked like tarmac on the James May program about the longest model railway journey! The Sustrans site lists it as a mix of tarmac and closely packed stone.

Any advice gratefully received.

RB

 

[Alan Whicker]

I've ridden it on all sorts of bikes without a problem - most (all?) is perfectly OK for skinny tyres - although having said that I only really ride from Torrington to Instow. I'm sure someone will be along shortly with more advice. However, there is quiet 'back route' from Barnstaple to Instow if the surface isn't suitable, so you don't have to mix it with the juggernauts and nutcases on the North Devon link Road.

 

[Rubber Bullets]

Thanks AW, that's exactly as I'd hoped.

There's no way in the world you'll find me on the North Devon Link, I've driven it many times, and though it is a great alternative to the old A377 for cars it would be crazy on a bike!

My plan is to go across the north east corner of Dartmoor via Moretonhampstead, up to North Tawton, then back to Okehampton and west as far as Holdsworthy, and back to Torrington to get on the Tarka trail. eventually ending up in Croyde. If you, or anyone else has any experience of the roads round these parts, from a cycling point of view I'd love to know.

RB

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've done Tarka Trail on a road bike with 23c tyres, so it's OK.

Ahh, the A337, gateway to the surf ...

 

[Rubber Bullets]

I've done Tarka Trail on a road bike with 23c tyres, so it's OK.

Thanks Fab, good to know.

Ahh, the A337, gateway to the surf ...

For those that survived the drive.

It is a lovely road through some lovely countryside, but it had a dreadful reputation for accidents. I guess the North Devon Link has helped that by keeping the HGV's mostly elsewhere.

I never did surf, though I did once stay in Croyde with my friends who did. Great fun but during the day I managed to sunburn my feet so badly I couldn't walk for a week! That was 25 years ago, I've just about got to the point where I can face going back.

RB

 

[Davidc]

The trail's tarmac from Great Torrington to Braunton via Barnstaple. It does get very busy though, and I've been on it when it's imposible to do a speed over 10mph for miles because of the (bike and ped) traffic. The section above Great Torrington isn't as good but is no problem on 23c and comfortable on c32.

From Bideford all the way to Braunton it's very exposed and can be unpleasant in bad weather.

 

[Rubber Bullets]

Thanks David, hadn't thought about how busy it'll be, we're doing it the first Saturday in September, so still just in the holidays. At least has been said we can easily go on road at Instow and do a very similar distance.

I'm trying not to think about bad weather, as it will be perfect that weekend

RB

 

[Davidc]

I'm trying not to think about bad weather, as it will be perfect that weekend

RB

Hope so - I'm in Guernsey watching my son playing hockey, and all being well taking a bike!

 

[_aD]

My plan is to go across the north east corner of Dartmoor via Moretonhampstead, up to North Tawton, then back to Okehampton and west as far as Holdsworthy, and back to Torrington to get on the Tarka trail. eventually ending up in Croyde. If you, or anyone else has any experience of the roads round these parts, from a cycling point of view I'd love to know.

See day 4 on this page of my "Devon Bike Hike" for a route which takes in some of your plan, and a write-up of the journey. In case you're new to Bike Hike, don't miss the "Show Elevation Data" check-box if you're going near Dartmoor :-)

 

[Rubber Bullets]

Thanks _aD,

Blimey you went up Doccombe Hill from the Teign Valley. It's a great hill, but I've only ever been down it.

RB