North Devon Cycling Adventure: Mortehoe, Bull Point, Bennett’s Mouth & Tarka Trail Loop
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Adventure details for: North Devon Cycling Adventure: Mortehoe, Bull Point, Bennett’s Mouth & Tarka Trail Loop
This ride has it all – quiet village lanes, coastal cliffs, rocky valleys, woodland trails, and seaside towns. It’s a proper North Devon adventure on two wheels (and at times, on foot).
We set off from our base and cycled towards Mortehoe National Trust car park. The climb up into Mortehoe village is short but steep, with stone cottages, old pubs, and narrow lanes giving you that timeless Devon vibe.
From Mortehoe, we rode out towards Bull Point Lighthouse. The lane rolls gently before opening up into dramatic coastal views over the Bristol Channel. We locked up the bikes near the lighthouse and walked out to the cliffs to take in the scenery – rugged, raw, and beautiful.
Then came a questionable choice: walking down to Bennett’s Mouth with the bikes. The path is rocky, narrow, and steep, and while it’s doable, I wouldn’t recommend it – better to leave the bikes at the top and enjoy the walk unburdened. The cove at Bennett’s Mouth is stunning, with dark cliffs, rocky shores, and a sense of being hidden from the world.
We pushed and carried the bikes back out of the valley, re-joined the track back through Mortehoe village, then climbed up the hill to take Warcombe Lane towards Lee Beaches. This stretch has peaceful lanes lined with tall hedgerows, opening up to glimpses of the coast far below.
After Lee, we climbed up to join the Tarka Trail. This section runs above the coast, offering wide views over Ilfracombe and out to sea. It’s a mix of gravel and tarmac, gentle gradients, and pure freedom riding.
Finally, we rolled down into Ilfracombe, stopping briefly on the seafront before picking up Cycle Route 27 for the ride back. The route weaves through quiet lanes and farmland, rounding off a day that packed in more scenery and variety than some entire cycling holidays.
- Distance: Approx. 17 miles
- Time: 3.5 hours with stops and walking sections
- Elevation Gain: Moderate to high with short steep climbs and descents
Highlights:
- Mortehoe village charm
- Dramatic views at Bull Point Lighthouse
- Hidden rocky cove at Bennett’s Mouth
- Quiet lanes towards Lee Beaches
- Wide sea views from the Tarka Trail
- Rolling back into Ilfracombe
⚠️ Tips:
- Don’t take bikes down to Bennett’s Mouth – it’s a walk-only path
- Bring water and snacks, there are few shops outside villages
- Check brakes before the steep descents towards the coast
Hope You Enjoyed: North Devon Cycling Adventure: Mortehoe, Bull Point, Bennett’s Mouth & Tarka Trail Loop
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Updated 15/6/2023