I do it a fair bit....... Generally when it's quieter..... so not this weekend ! As above from various peeps, it's nice tarmac all the way from Braunton down to Torrington Puffing Billy car park......That's 20 miles, so a 40 mile round trip. Thereafter, it's a mix of compacted mud/ stone/ chippings. For the most part, it's chippings from Torrington down to about East Yarde. After that, it's compacted mud, so as long as it's dry, it's a nice run all the way down to Meeth from there.......... That's a further 10 miles.
I use the cyclocross bike nowadays for anything past Torrington, but have seen all sorts of bikes do it. There are some bits around Yarde that are pretty lumpy with jagged stones poking up and lots of sharp bits.... so beware..... punctures there are pretty common ! There's nothing at Meeth...... nothing ! Just an old disused railway waiting room. But the bits past Torrington are generally much quieter, whereas the bits from Barnstaple down to Torrington can be pretty busy with bikes/ doggy walkers........... I prefer the last 10 miles for the peace and quiet, there's lots of it through forests, it's a great ride anyhow !
Always worth stopping at East Yarde cafe if it's open yet, fabulous place........!!!!! And of course Fremington Quay cafe...... if you can get a table !
